No office or meeting space is complete without a quality, robust conference table. However, there are plenty of things to consider when it comes to buying the right one for your building. If you want to ensure you buy the perfect conference table for your particular setting, then read this guide from the Rosehill team first…
What is a conference table?
Conference tables – also known variously as boardroom tables and meeting room tables – are tables which are expressly designed for the purpose of facilitating meetings (be they seated or standing).
Conference tables are associated with boardrooms and meetings at the c-suite level (e.g. chief executives, directors, board members etc). However, conference tables have found uses in a wide range of settings beyond this.
Today, you’ll find conference tables in settings such as venues, meeting spaces, co-working venues, event spaces, training centres, community centres and anywhere else where large groups of people may need to congregate and hold a meeting or discussion.
Traditionally, conference tables take the form of a lengthened rectangle, and would be made of a heavy, finely finished timber.
But, times change, and so do the designs of conference tables. As we’ll explore in this guide, conference tables are now available in a huge range of styles, finishes, material types and features.
That’s why it’s worth giving it some thought and doing your research first before leaping to make a purchase.
Things to consider when choosing a conference table
Below, we’ve set out the main things you need to think about when choosing a conference table for your venue.
However, if you find that we haven’t answered one of your questions, we’re always available at the end of the phone! You can contact us on 0161 485 1717 or by email at: sales@rosehill.co.uk.
Single conference room table or sectional tables?
First and foremost, the most important thing you’ll have to decide is whether you want a single, large conference table or one that is made up of what we call ‘sectional’ tables.
Traditionally, conference tables were large, single tables that would be placed in a boardroom or meeting room and would rarely, if ever, be moved.
However, in recent years, many contract furniture manufacturers have developed what they call ‘table systems’, which consist of many individual tables (typically of different shapes and dimensions) that can be pushed together to create a single large table and allow different configurations for flexibility.
Which option is best for you will largely depend on how you’ll be using the table. For example, if you’re buying a conference table for an office meeting room or boardroom, then a more traditional large single boardroom table might be the best option. The Conference & Boardroom Table from Rosehill is a perfect example of this type of table.
On the other hand, if you’re buying a conference table for a more multi-use space e.g. a training centre, college, or flexible meeting space, then a table system will be the best option. The Kite table system below is a brilliant example of a table system that can be used to create conference tables.
Here at Rosehill, we’ve found that table systems have become the more popular choice for conference tables. As they’re made of many smaller tables, they offer far more flexibility and value for money than traditional conference tables.
Permanent or movable conference table?
Another question, which is closely related to the section above, is whether you want your conference table to be a permanent feature, or one which can be easily moved.
Should you be looking to create a more permanent meeting space, then a traditional conference table is the superior option. This is especially true for the heavier wooden models, which are designed to create a strong focal point within a room.
If your intended meeting space is going to be more of a flexible, multi-use space, then a table system will be the better choice.
However, there are a few things you should look for in a table system so that it’s as easy as possible to move and reconfigure. These things to look for include:
- Foldability – can your chosen table system be folded? This can enormously help the process of moving and storing your tables when required. Some tables fold flat, while others have a flip-top mechanism.
- Castor wheels – does your chosen table system make use of castor wheels? Castor wheels mean you’ll be able to easily wheel your tables around and create new configurations with ease, while locking securely when in place.
- Nesting or stacking – if you want to store your tables from time to time, then check that they can be either nested or stacked. This’ll save plenty of storage space!
- Durable materials – this applies to all types of conference table, but it’s particularly important for table systems. You want to know they’ll withstand continual set up and reconfiguration.
- Weight – it can also be handy to check the weight of your desired table system. Choosing lighter tables will make moving and storing them far easier.
- Ease of set up – if you are selecting a table system that is foldable, make sure you check how easy they are to fold and unfold.
- Linkability – some conference table systems allow you to link the table tops together. This is ideal for ensuring that your configurations stay together and don’t get moved out of place.
Check those characteristics, and you’ll ensure that the table system you buy will be ideal for your setting.
Conference table aesthetics
Once you’ve decided whether you want a single conference table, or a table system which can be used to create a conference table, you need to think about aesthetics.
As we stated earlier, conference tables are typically associated in the public mind with the huge mahogany or oak tables of yesteryear (and it’s still possible to buy those types of conference tables). However, it’s now possible to buy conference tables in a huge range of contemporary styles and finishes.
Here at Rosehill, we stock everything from Nordic style conference tables with sleek white tops and natural timber legs through to mid-century modern style tables with minimalist silhouettes and finishes.
A great example of a premium, Nordic style conference table is the A-Fold which is pictured below:
The point is, you have an enormous range of colours, styles and finishes to choose from these days! You certainly don’t need to restrict yourself to more traditional styles and finishes.
When looking for a conference table that will perfectly complement your building’s interior decor, you will normally find that you are able to specify the colour, finish and/or material of the following parts of the table:
- Tabletop – almost every conference table-top is available in a variety of finishes. These normally include bold, single colours and different timber style finishes e.g. maple, walnut, or oak. Different ranges have thicker or thinner tops, too. The CX is an example that has a 32 mm top, which offers a more luxury appearance.
- Table edge – in a few instances, you can also select the colour of the table edge. This allows you to have a table-top that combines two colours, e.g. a natural wood edge and white top.
- Legs – whether the table has wooden or metal legs, you can normally select them in a variety of colours or finishes. Wooden legs are typically available in either bold, single colours, or timber types. Metal legs are usually available in black, white, silver or chrome.
Height adjustable?
If you’ve spent any time in an office or general working environment, then you’ll probably be aware of standing desks.
Well, did you know that you can also buy standing conference tables?
As more and more people become aware of the health impacts of sitting down all day, every day, they’re looking for more ‘active’ furniture options. If that’s the case for the people who work in your office or use your building, then a standing conference table may fit the bill.
Standing conference tables take a number of forms, but electrically-adjustable models tend to be the most popular these days. They allow you to change the height of the table at the push of a button.
A great example of a standing conference table is the ASSMANN Plaza Height-Adjustable Boardroom Table, which is electrically-adjustable, has a quiet motor, and is available with 15 basic and five premium wooden surface finishes and nine veneer surface finishes.
Guide – for more information about standing tables and desks, read our comprehensive guide to standing desks.
Other features
Today’s conference tables offer many more features than in the past. For example, it’s now possible to buy conference tables that feature built-in power and data units.
Power units allow users of the table to plug in their laptops or other electronic devices and charge them whilst engaged in a meeting. Likewise, data modules allow users to connect Ethernet cables or USB cables (this will vary depending on the exact data module) and connect to the internet or intranet.
Contract-quality
If you want your conference table to provide a long, hassle-free service life, then it’s important that you buy a table that is of contract quality.
This means that the table has been designed to be used in a public or commercial environment (such as an office), where it will be used by multiple people throughout the day.
Contract-quality furniture features much more robust designs and materials than the types of furniture you would buy for domestic use.
Here at Rosehill, all the conference tables we sell are of contract quality.
Warranty
On a related point to the one above, you should also check if your chosen conference table comes with a warranty.
The exact warranty you get will depend on the table you buy, but you’ll generally find that contract-quality conference tables feature a five-year warranty as standard.
Seating
When shopping around for a new conference table, you’ll often find that they are available with complementary seating options. These range from your standard four legged chairs through to more innovative options such as height-adjustable stools, which are ideal for use with height-adjustable conference tables.
If you are looking for a new conference table and some seating too, it’s often easiest to contact us, and we can advise you on which seats will work best with certain tables.
The best conference tables UK
With all of the above points in mind, you should be in a position to buy a conference table that is perfect for your building.
Below, we’ve set out some of the most popular boardroom table options, ranging from more traditional options to modern, contemporary table systems that offer the ultimate in flexibility.
CX Conference Tables
The CX is a new range of conference tables here at Rosehill, and it’s a table we’re particularly excited about.
Why? Because the CX range offers the best of both worlds.
Available with a range of different size and shape tabletops, the CX range can accommodate a huge range of configurations, as the image above shows.
What makes the CX range particularly special is its patented leg system, which allows you to lock the legs into the tops at various points. This means you can reduce the total number of legs in a configuration. It’s arguably THE most flexible table system out there!
The CX range of conference tables can also be easily moved around and adjusted, with a trolley available to assist with this.
Another thing that makes the CX range stand out is the quality of construction. With 32 mm thick tabletops (as opposed to 25 mm as per most folding tabletops), the CX range has a genuinely premium look and feel.
You certainly won’t be short of options when it comes to the CX range, either. The tabletops are available in a range of attractive laminate finishes, whilst the cast aluminium legs can be finished in natural anode, black matt anode, or powder coated in white.
Oh, and the CX won’t leave you short on popular smart features either, as you can add power and data modules to the tables.
Kite Folding Table System
We mentioned the Kite table earlier on in this article, and for good reason. We love it!
Like the CX range above, the Kite table system is incredibly versatile, being able to be configured in a truly vast series of layouts.
The Kite tables that make up the range feature an innovative folding mechanism that allows them to be nested and stored away with ease. They also feature unique ‘Jewel’ castor wheels which have an all-terrain, anti-shock design. This makes the Kite tables easy to move around.
Other novel – but eminently practical – features of the Kite table range is the ability to add a cableless power system to each table, allowing you to keep laptops and smartphones charged.
Aside from these very practical features, the Kite table system is available in a wide range of colours and finishes, so it’s easy to select an aesthetic that’ll match your building’s interior decor.
Product spotlight – we like the Kite so much, we’ve taken a super in-depth look at it here.
City Folding Conference Table
The City is a classic-looking, yet very flexible conference table. With a flip-top tabletop and robust castor wheels, the City can be moved, stored and set up in various configurations with ease.
Available with different size and shape tabletops and multiple different finishes, it’s easy to specify the City in a finish that’ll match your building’s decor.
The City is also available with linking plates that’ll help keep larger table configurations connected together, whilst the optional modesty panel can be a useful addition in many contexts.
Fuze Boardroom Table
Should you prefer a single large – yet modern and stylish – conference table for your premises, then check out the Fuze Boardroom Table.
With its beautiful white tabletop and solid oak legs, the Fuze is at once modern, yet substantial. In short, it’s a reinvention of the traditional conference table for the twenty-first century.
The Fuze is also constructed with an inner steel framework, which provides enhanced stability and strength.
To make it even more practical, the Fuze is available with integrated power and data modules; ideal for the paperless office!
It’s also possible to purchase add-on units to create an even larger Fuze conference room table.
TX & Deluxe Flip Top Tables
The TX and Deluxe Flip Top tables are among our most durable and versatile tables.
Ideal for the boardroom or a multi-use space alike, the TX and Deluxe Flip Top Tables are available in a large range of colours and finishes and folding legs and flip tops respectively.
The TX folding table is available with rectangular or semicircular tops in five colours, whilst the Deluxe Flip Top is available in two different shapes and sizes for flexible configurations.
Get conference ready with Rosehill
We hope you’ve found our guide to conference and meeting room tables helpful.
If you’re looking for the best conference table for your building, then explore Rosehill’s range of boardroom tables today. For over 35 years, we’ve been helping buyers select the very best contract furniture for their premises – and we can help you too!
Feel free to contact us on 0161 485 1717 or by email at: sales@rosehill.co.uk and we’ll be happy to help select the right conference table
Shop conference tables at Rosehill now
For more commercial and contract furniture buying guides, information and advice, read the Rosehill blog…
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