Reception desks are simply standard office desks with an exception – they have a raised shelf at the front of the desk to assist people who are walking in to an office. Reception counters, on the other hand, are specifically designed pieces of furniture that are higher up than normal desks and can most likely hold a few receptionists. They are seen in many buildings like airports and hotels, as well as offices.

Bespoke Reception
Be cautious when selecting your reception counter. Bespoke reception counters can be bought, but they are tailored specifically for your application an may take a long time (6-8 weeks perhaps). Of course they can be created to your exact necessities. For instance, a specific wood veneer is designed to fit into a specific place, but it may end up costing a lot.

Modular Reception
Next is the modular reception counter. These are made up from of the standard units and can be accommodated to numerous different areas. This approach is a major decrease in cost and almost looks as good as a bespoke. Also, they can be extended for extra reception staff. These models can be standard but are, more often than not, built to order, so a delivery time of 4 weeks is not unusual. Some models, such as the Edison range, are stocked in a limited range of finishes, therefore, your counter could be ready for use within a week.

Disabilities
When laying out specifications for a reception counter you need to take into account the Disability Discrimination Act which requires that you provide adequate use for disabled people. This means you may be required to have a lower area of the counter for wheelchair users.

Finish
While choosing your perfect reception counter, you need to pay attention to the finish. Many people feel that a real wood veneer finish is best, but it requires more maintenance than normal to keep that look. It is normally more expensive as well. A Melamine finish looks nearly as good and will be less costly, and are resilient to scratching or heat.