RECEPTION DESKS

In design,“form follows function”. Nothing can be more true then when designing reception desks for a salon or spa. Reception desks set the stage for the level of professionalism and the overall concept of the business. Not only should they be beautiful, but functional as well. Salons and spas, in particular, require their reception desks to be able to perform multiple tasks. They also are the main command center of the entire salon. They must greet clients, perform transactions, and make new appointments. They must be sized properly too. If a desk is too large it will overwhelm the area, if too small it looks out of place and not well thought out. This can reflect negatively on the business as well. Designing a desk that meets all this criteria will help create a reception area that has a memorable and inviting first impression. Functionality….Desks that function well help the staff to be efficient and more willing to help clients in a friendly helpful manner. An important question to ask when first designing a desk is how many people will be working behind the desk. This affects the length of the desk along with how many work stations the desk is to have. Works stations consist of an area for a monitor, keyboard, and computer. These stations must be ergonomically designed for optimal comfort. There are systems can be added to help with organization too such as pigeon slots, cord management, and grommets and chases for other electrical wires. Various cabinet and drawer configurations can also be considered. It’s important to make a list of all items that are used at the desk so that you can have a place for everything and everything in its place. Another point to consider is if you’d like the receptionists to stand up height or be sit down height. A stand up desk has a higher receptionist’s work counter and offers the ability to greet the clients eye to eye as they enter the salon. It also makes the receptionist more willing to get involved with the retail sales. They are ready to assist a client with questions about a certain product or service and may be more apt to get the client coffee and hang a coat it they are already in a standing position. ADA compliancy is also a very important feature of a functional desk. This is achieved by having varying desk heights so handicapped clients and employees can have easy access to the desk and transaction counter. ADA counter height is usually between 29 and 34’ high. It’s fun to be creative with this element by interjecting various materials on the face of the desk along with varying depths to help achieve a look that is interesting and inviting to all. Look…. The look of a reception desk is probably the element that gets noticed the most. It’s important for the design to be consistent with the overall concept of the salon. All too often people purchase a stock reception desk from a local business store just to save a few dollars. This does nothing for the design of the space and makes the salon look temporary, unprofessional, and sloppy. With good design comes great business. You want the “wow” factor when clients walk through the doors of you salon. You want a desk that reflects your talent and ambition. Whether its traditional elements, with crown and rosette moldings, more stream line with metal accents and minimalist lines, or more boutieque like with an upholstered, tufted face, it’s important to mirror the overall concept of the salon or spa. One of my favorite design elements is using acrylic panels and illuminating them from behind. It gives a unique look to the salon by day and looks even better at night. Passerby-er’s will notice the glowing desk and be curious to stop in for a visit. Top surfaces have many options too. Granite, Corian, Quartz, glass, metal all help to give the desk pizzazz! These same surfaces can be used on the face of the desk. Laminate is one of the most popular and least expensive surfaces. It is extremely versatile and comes in thousands of colors along with rich wood grains of all different shades and species. Designing a reception desk is a process that should be well thought out. It may be overwhelming to some so it may be in your best interest to seek out a salon design professional for assistance. We can offer a plethora of design advice and options, all within your set budget. This will ensure that your reception desk creates the first impression you intend it to have, not only aesthetically but functionally as well. Our custom American-made reception desks are stylish first impressions. Available in over 500 different laminate colors and a wide variety of styles, our reception desks are perfect for every business. All New York desks can be adjusted for ADA compliance.