Office Tables

Get a leg up on your competition with stylish office desks and conference tables

By Stephanie Fagnani, Freelance Writer/Editor

Without office tables, it would be hard to get any work done. These simple office furniture items are a necessity in nearly every area of an office — reception area, breakroom, mailroom and conference room. Conference tables, office desks and other office tables can actually help streamline work activities. Not only that, the style you choose for your office tables reveals volumes about your business to clients and customers.

Before you buy office desks and conference tables ask yourself the following:

1. How many office tables do I need?
2. How much money can I spend on office desks?
3. Does it matter if I buy new or used office tables?
4. What size office furniture will fit?

For basic office tables, shop office supply stores and discount retailers

If you'd like to get the feel for office tables in person, visit one of your local office furniture dealers. Taking a seat at office desks might help you better determine what size and style would be best for your business.
Try: You can find a number of office tables and office desks at OfficeMax in a variety of price ranges. Find hundreds of affordable office tables at Office Depot. For small office tabletops with a modern design, visit IKEA.

Buy conference tables that suit the look and needs of your business

Meeting tables come in a variety of styles and sizes - as small as six feet to as large as 30 feet. Available in contemporary and traditional styles, conference tables and boardroom tables should match the overall look of your office. Look for meeting tables that incorporate technology hook-ups.
Try: Modern Office offers a vast selection of conference tables, meeting tables and boardroom tables that offer access to power and data. The sleek conference tables sold by 247 Workspace allow for easy wiring from the floor to the surface and state of the art electrical and data ports. The conference tables and boardroom tables sold by jazzyexpo.com have a modern look and many provide teleconference data ports and wiring management.

Save big by buying used office tables

Used office tables offer a cost effective option, and many are in such good condition you won't be able to tell that they've been through their share of meetings.
Try: Search for used office tables, conference tables, office desks and workstations at FurnitureFinders.com. Better Source Liquidators offers affordable used office tables, conference tables and office desks. Also check out the online catalog of pre-owned furniture at OldWorkstations.com.

Buy specialty office tables

Do your employees need to work on drafting tables? Will you be training employees on site? Office tables are available for all facets of business life.
Try: If it’s cafeteria tables you’re after, these lunch room tables from Old WorkStations are available with plastic stacking chairs. National Business Furniture sells a variety of office tables, including these drafting tables and training room tables.

Purchase office tables for breakrooms, reception areas and more

When shopping for office tables, don't forget about your lobby area, breakroom and mailroom. Folding tables also come in handy for certain projects.
Try: CSN Office Furniture sells a variety of office tables, including reception area tables and folding tables. Find breakroom tables and reception area tables at National Business Furniture. Mity-Lite offers a range of folding office tables for a variety of temporary uses.

If your used office tables look a little tired, give them an inexpensive facelift with a fresh coat of paint.
Measure the dimensions of your conference room so you don't purchase conference tables that are too big or too small for the space.
Many office furniture retailers offer payment plans that let you pay for your office tables in installments.
Allow at least four feet of space around meeting tables for chairs and walking space.
The number of users corresponds to the size of conference tables and boardroom tables. For example, if your table is 10 feet, it can accommodate 10 people.