Conference Table Styles

Conference tables come in a wide range of shapes, sizes and materials to suit the needs of small business and large corporations alike. In fact, regardless of their name, conference tables are used for many purposes other than conferencing. Some are made of solid wood, while others are modular so that they can be folded, stored, and easily moved around. Does this Spark an idea?

Rectangular

Rectangular conference tables are the traditional standard. These tables mean business. The head, or leader of the meeting often sits at one of the short ends of the table so that he or she can see every member at the meeting. Too long or thin a table, however, can encourage the development of cliques, warns Biznik. Rectangular conference tables usually seat between six and 12 people and range from heavy, expensive tables to inexpensive folding tables.

Boat and Bow Tie

These tables are a bit more graceful than rectangular tables. Boat tables are rectangular, but with curved corners and edges that curve outward slightly. Bow tie tables have curved corners also, with edges that curve inward slightly. These two tables add some rounded edges to the conference room and feel slightly less formal than traditional rectangular tables. They seat between six and 10 people, depending on the size.

Oval or Racetrack

Oval, or racetrack, tables are meant to project a feeling of teamwork to the conference room. These are often a good compromise to the too-small feeling of round tables, and the too-formal feeling of rectangular tables. They may be too informal, however, for a leader who just wants to get the job done, and there is no clear place for the "head" to lead from.

Round Tables

Round tables are the top choice for small, intimate conference rooms. These tables encourage teamwork, but they often also encourage too much talking. In fact, it may be hard for a team around a round table to come to a decision, according to Biznik, especially if there is no clear leader in the group. Still, these tables are popular for their small size and versatility.