Reception Desks

Reception Desks for School Office

Worthington Direct helps your school make a great first impression with visitors and staff by offering quality reception desks from several trusted manufacturers. The school office reception desk is often the first point of contact for parents, students, and visitors, so choosing one that reflects your school's image while creating a welcoming environment sets a positive tone for all future interactions.

What is a Reception Station?

A school reception station is a designated area within a school that serves as the primary check-in or greeting area for guests, parents, and students. They are usually situated in lobbies or the entrance of the administration office. While designs are driven by the function of the school office, they often incorporate elements that invite approach and interaction. Many feature a standing-height counter and a tall facade that aid in interaction with visitors while allowing privacy for employees and their workspace. Reception desks provide administrative staff with a comfortable place to answer phones, handle inquiries, or provide general information. They can also be used as a security station for checking in and documenting visits.

Reception desks are also an optimal location to display school literature, important forms, and sign-in sheets.

What Type of Reception Desk Do I Need?

There are different types of school reception desks, so finding one that best fits your space will depend on several factors, including the size of your reception area, the needs of your school office, and your overall aesthetic preference. Often, it’s a combination of these factors.

Worthington Direct makes it easy to shop all reception furniture. We offer a variety of shapes, sizes, and finishes to fit your needs. From traditional to U-shaped, modular to bow-front, matching laminate to sleek glass, you’ll find inviting reception options that are on-brand with your school.

• Traditional Desk: Timeless and suitable for a range of school environments, this classic option has universal appeal. Typically a solid structure from floor to countertop with an L-shape or rectangular design, they feature drawers and filing compartments for front-desk organization and often serve as the primary workspace for a school receptionist.
• Bow Front Desk: For a contemporary and stylish aesthetic, consider adding a desk with a curved or rounded front to your reception area. Featuring clean organic lines, these desks evoke a fashionable appeal that’s great for creative environments and modern school offices.
• Modular Desk: Perfect for open concept office spaces, these desks consist of separate modules that can be reconfigured to fit the specific needs of your school. Modular desks offer versatility and flexibility, easily adapting to changing office layouts. Need to create two or more stations within your front-office area? With this option, you can customize the size, layout, and grouping based on the function of different workstations.
• Standing-Height Desk: For active and dynamic workspaces with high-traffic areas, a standing-height desk is a great option. They are ideal for areas that experience rapid interaction, such as a security check-in station or main entrance desk. They also encourage better posture and reduce sedentary behavior, making them perfect for promoting healthy lifestyles.

Regardless of the one you choose, you want to ensure your desk fits the footprint of your space. Accurate measurements will ensure you get a desk that doesn’t overwhelm the reception area or seems too small. Need assistance? Worthington Direct can help match your specs with the right desk for your space.

What Are the Reception Desk Options for Seated Visitors and Wheelchair Users?

We understand the importance of inclusivity and accessibility. That's why Worthington Direct's collection includes options that cater to seated visitors and wheelchair users. You can choose desks with appropriate heights, knee clearance, and additional features to accommodate individuals with different needs, promoting a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. Consider the below important features and factors when sourcing an ADA-compliant reception station.

• Height: To accommodate visitors and students who use wheelchairs, your front office desk should have a portion that is no higher than 36 inches from the floor.
• Knee Clearance: ADA-compliant receptionist stations have a knee clearance at least 27 inches high, 30 inches wide, and 19 inches deep to accommodate wheelchair access.
• Approach Area: A clear floor space that is at least 30 inches wide by 48 inches deep allows individuals to approach the desk directly.
• Countertop Surface: The desk's countertop should accommodate individuals with varying heights and abilities while providing a clear space for writing or signing documents.

At Worthington Direct, our furniture experts can help you source an ADA-compliant check-in desk that adheres to the guidelines set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Browse our vast inventory today and discover the perfect piece to create a welcoming and efficient reception area. Don't forget to explore our comprehensive collection of reception furniture, shop all office reception desks, and consult our office desks buyer's guide for additional guidance. Worthington Direct is your trusted partner in creating exceptional school office spaces.