The Pros and Cons of Modular Conference Tables

Posted by Office Furniture on January 29th, 2019

Modular conference tables are available in a variety of designs and shapes and can be used for various purposes. Choose a table to suit your purpose as well as the interaction style. One of the best things about a modular conference table is that you can alter the design depending on the purpose and room shape and size. Modular conference tables encourage people to speak openly and also eliminate a table "head" which may suppress communication. Modular conference tables are versatile, easy to move and customizable. This means that they can also help save you money as they can be used for a variety of purposes. One of the detriments of these types of conference tables is that they may prevent face to face chats.

The layouts of modular conference tables

Theater Layout

A lot depends on how the furniture is laid out in meeting rooms depending on the focus and what is to be achieved. If the conference room is laid out in rows with chairs and no tables similar to that of a theater with only the center modular conference table, this restricts communication but works perfectly for presentations whereas many people as possible need to be seated. This focuses on the person or people in the center and reduces chatting among the people there to attend.

Scattered, classroom style and U-shape

Scattered tables can be good for teamwork and for a larger number of attendees but can result in people with their backs to the middle of the room and a lot of space used unnecessarily.

In a U-shape layout, everyone can be engaged, allows for open chat and everyone can still see the person in the front of the room. However, some guests will be seated side-on to the presenter. This style also uses up a lot of extra space in the center, so it is better for larger rooms.

Modular conference tables laid out in rows in a classroom style work great when the space is large and everyone requires a table. They can be arranged so they all face the center of the room to allow everyone to see the presenter. This does inhibit teamwork and talking in between attendees. This also needs to be well planned so that people can get in and out the rows comfortably.

Square and Rectangular Layout

Modular conference tables can also be laid out in a square or rectangle with the main presenter seated at the head of the table and all 4 sides containing attendees. This is great for shared work and exchanging ideas as everyone can usually see everyone else. This does inhibit smaller teams trying to work and any accessories used in the meeting need to be set up so they don't block the view for some of the people present. Choose your modular conference table to suit the purpose, the size of the room and the number of attendees as well.