Round vs L/U Shaped Desks: Which one works best?

Choosing the perfect reception desk for a space can be a tough decision.

We understand this challenge firsthand, as many clients come to us with a vision for their reception area, only to discover that selecting the right desk design is a crucial facor in how the space functions on a day-to-day basis.

Here are the pros and cons of choosing a round-shaped desk over the L-shaped or U-shaped desk, along with examples of each.

Pros

High visibility from all angles, making the receptionist approachable for students, staff and visitors.

Creates an open, welcoming atmosphere at the heart of the space.

Efficient for handling multiple internal queries at once, as people can approach from any direction.

Cons

Less control over who enters and exits  - the receptionist may not always face the door, leaving gaps in monitoring.

A receptionist is more exposed, with limited physical protection, in the event of a difficult situation arising.

Background noise and foot traffic from all directions may cause more distractions.

Does not function as a natural checkpoint for visitor sign-in.