How do I know which furniture is best for my meeting?

Choosing the right furniture for your meeting can have a big impact on its success. It can create a certain atmosphere, promote interaction and learning, and even influence participants' mood and productivity.

In this article, we will look at different furniture styles and how they can be used to create different types of meetings. We will also provide tips on how to choose the right furniture for your meeting based on the size of the room, the number of participants and the type of interaction you want to achieve.

Different furnishing styles

Classroom style

Chairs and tables are arranged in rows, facing a speaker or presentation screen. Good for training sessions and presentations where participants need to take notes.

The Rausing Room at the IVA Conference Centre is ideal for such a set-up.

theatre style

Rows of chairs without tables, all facing a stage or presentation screen. Suitable for large lectures or presentations where interaction between participants is not primary.

Wallenberg Hall with us is great for when you are looking for theatre style.

U-shape

Tables and chairs arranged in a U-shape, with the opening facing the speaker or screen. Suitable for interactive sessions where the speaker engages with each participant.

Boardroom style

A large table with chairs around it. Ideal for smaller groups where discussion and decision-making are the focus. Another word for this is meeting seating.

With us at IVA Conference Centre Gabrielsson Larson Suite furnished in boardroom style.

Cabaret/Café style

Small tables surrounded by chairs, spread around the room. Good for workshops or events where participants will discuss in small groups.

Circle or horseshoe style

Chairs (and sometimes tables) arranged in a circle or open horseshoe. Promotes open dialogue and interaction between participants.

For the circle or horseshoe style The Wingquist Room at the IVA Conference Centre what you are looking for.

Flexible or mixed style

A combination of several styles to suit different sessions within the same conference.

Different factors to take into account

When choosing the furniture for your meeting, you should consider the following factors:

• Size of the room: make sure that the furniture does not take up too much space and that there is enough room for participants to move around freely.
• Number of participants: some furniture styles are more suitable for larger groups than others.
• Type of interaction: do you want participants to be able to interact with each other or should they focus on the speaker or presentation?
• Available technical equipment: if you plan to use technical equipment, make sure that the furniture provides enough space for it.
• Distance learners: Considerations need to be made if people are online to optimise camera angles.

Our top tips

• If you are unsure which style of furniture is best suited to your meeting, you can ask a conference organiser or a meeting planner for advice. At IVA Conference Centre, our staff are always ready to help you!
• You can also try out different furniture styles in advance to see which one works best for your group.
• Be flexible and prepared to change the furniture if necessary.

Do you have more questions about what kind of furniture is best for your meeting? Do not hesitate to contact us at IVA Conference Centre!