Conference and Boardroom Tables

There are various shapes and sizes of boardroom tables for the office, including boat and racetrack shapes, that encourage discussion and collaboration. They can come in different materials; at Source Office Furniture, we offer high-quality boardroom tables made from durable laminates that provide a warm, classic look.

Additionally, our boardroom tables are available with power and data ports, allowing easy access to electricity and internet connections. This feature is particularly beneficial if your business relies heavily on technology during meetings and presentations.

What’s the Difference Between Office Tables, Conference and Boardroom Tables, and Office Desks?

Conference and boardroom tables are specifically intended for collaborative work and discussion among a group of people, including important meetings, presentations, and decision-making discussions. They’re designed to accommodate larger groups of people – possibly cross-functional teams – as opposed to the smaller groups of people who might be involved in team discussions. These tables are usually found within conference or boardrooms: rooms designed to be a distraction-free environment for the meeting or presentation at hand.

Office tables, on the other hand, can refer to any type of table in an office that’s meant for collaborative work or discussion – or just to hold a beverage. These tables can be found in breakout rooms, personal offices, reception areas, and lunchrooms. They tend to be smaller than conference and boardroom tables, as they are meant for shorter interactions with smaller groups of people.

Office desks tend to be the smallest in this group and are meant to be the personal workstation of a single person. As such, they may have drawers or other storage options attached. They may also have a designated area for a computer, such as a rounded working area (called a radius) for corner desks. With many workplaces transitioning to hybrid work, office desks may function as touchdown stations where different people can use it at different times. In such cases, organizations may opt to have more flexible storage space so the users can store what they need for the day, rather than keeping permanent supplies or personal tokens there.

How to Buy a Conference or Boardroom Table

When it comes to buying tables for an office boardroom, there are several factors to consider. The tables in your boardroom are not only used for meetings and presentations, but they also reflect your company's culture and branding, which is important to reinforce the company culture for employees as well as clients. Because of their size, boardroom and conference tables can be one of the bigger investments when setting up your office. Therefore, it's essential to consider several factors before making your purchase. Here are some steps to follow to buy a conference or boardroom table:

Determine the Size of the Table

The first thing to consider is the size of the table. Measure your conference or boardroom to determine the maximum size of the table that can fit comfortably. Consider the number of people you need to accommodate. Make sure you leave enough space in the room for people to comfortably move around and get in their seats, as well as to accommodate accessories such as whiteboards and audiovisual equipment.

Decide on the Shape

The shape you choose should depend on the size of the room, the number of people you need to accommodate, and the type of meetings you will be holding. Conference and boardroom tables can be rectangular, square, round, oval or elliptical. Two popular shapes we carry are the racetrack and boat shapes.

Racetrack Conference Tables

A racetrack-shaped table has rounded ends, resembling a racetrack. This style of conference or boardroom table typically has a wider center section and narrower ends, creating a gradual curve that provides a spacious and comfortable seating arrangement for a group of people.

A racetrack-shaped table has some advantages over more traditionally-shaped boardroom tables such as rectangular or circle shapes. Some of these advantages are:

• More seating space: The rounded ends of a racetrack table provides more seating space compared to a rectangular table of the same size. This allows for more people to sit comfortably around the table without squeezing against a sharp, uncomfortable corner.
• Better flow of communication:Because of its curved shape, a racetrack table promotes better communication and interaction among people seated around it. With no sharp corners, everyone is able to see and hear each other easily, facilitating discussion, collaboration and teamwork.
• More flexibility: The smooth curves of a racetrack table gives more flexibility in how people can sit around it. Without sharp corners and lines to delineate the different sides, the group can be as small or large as necessary and still have a productive discussion.
• Aesthetic appeal: A racetrack table looks elegant and stylish, making it a great addition to any room. Its unique shape and design can enhance the overall appearance of a space, adding a touch of sophistication and modernity.
• Improved ergonomics:The oval shape of a racetrack table reduces the distance between people seated around it, allowing for more natural interaction and easier communication. It also helps to reduce eye and neck strain, as participants can see each other without having to turn their heads too much.