Start behind the desk, not in front of it

A reception desk is usually chosen based on what the visitor sees. This makes sense, as it is the first piece of furniture in your building. However, someone works behind that desk all day long. Anyone who only looks at the front will end up with a beautiful desk where two people get in each other’s way.

Therefore, first ask yourself three questions: how many people will work behind the desk at the same time, what needs to be on the workstation, and do visitors only stop by briefly to check in, or do they also sit down to discuss something? The answers determine the width, the shape, and whether you need a lower section.

In the Quadrifoglio Z2 program, you can see this choice reflected in the number of upper elements:

• One upper element: the Z2 straight with 1 upper element, in ten widths from 126 to 326 cm.
• Two upper elements: the Z2 straight with 2 upper elements, from 366 to 486 cm, with space for two workstations behind the desk.
• Three upper elements: the Z2 straight with 3 upper elements, 432 or 492 cm, for multiple receptionists sitting side by side.

Straight, corner, or U-shape

The shape follows the entrance. A straight desk sits opposite the door or along a wall. A corner desk utilizes a corner of the space that would otherwise remain empty. A U-shape provides the employee with workspace on three sides.

Are the standard sizes not quite right for your space? Custom dimensions are possible for the Z2 upon request. A floor plan of your entrance will quickly show which configuration fits and how much walking space remains behind the desk.

For a smaller entrance, there is the Design Reception desk: 188 or 288 cm wide, 110 cm high, with a work surface at 75 cm and standard two cabinets with four drawers each.

Height and a lower section

A reception desk has two heights: the working height for the employee and the height of the edge where the visitor stands. The Z1 is 113 cm high, the Z2 is 116.5 cm. This is the edge where a standing visitor checks in.

For those who are not standing, this is too high. That is what the high-low desk is for. With the Z2 high-low with 1 upper element, part of the desk is at seating height. This makes the desk accessible for wheelchair users and pleasant for conversations where the visitor and employee discuss something together. The lower section can be on the left or right. The Z2 high-low with 2 upper elements has two high sections, with the lower part on the left, in the middle, or on the right.

Upper elements: shielding and accent

The upper element is the raised edge on top of the desk. It shields the workstation and is simultaneously the part that the visitor sees the most. For the Z2, there are upper elements of 100, 120, 140, or 160 cm.

• Contrasting melamine color: at no extra cost.
• Lacquered or leather: at an additional cost. The leather comes in Red, Brown, Anthracite, and Black.
• Lighting: optional LED under the upper element or 98 cm above the workstation.
• Cables: cable flaps in White or Silver, also available with brush finish.

The Z1 has an upper module that can be in a different lacquer color, also at no extra cost. As an option, there is an LED strip under the desk or under the upper module, and an aluminum finishing profile across the full width.

Lacquer or melamine

The difference between the two Quadrifoglio programs lies primarily in the material.

Z1: matte lacquered

The Z1 reception desk is matte lacquered in 23 colors, all at no extra cost. From White and Grey to Flame red, Sapphire blue, and Pine green. The workstation is 30 mm lacquered melamine with a 2 mm ABS edge. The metal elements are White or Anthracite; the plinth is anodized aluminum. Choose the Z1 if the desk needs to feature a color from your corporate identity.

Z2: melamine with mitered corners

The Z2 is made of melamine with sleek mitered corners, in seven finishes: White, Canaletto Walnut, Elm, Concrete, Eucalyptus, Whitened Elm, and Oak. The workstation is 30 mm melamine with a 2 mm ABS edge; the front panels are 25 mm. The desk stands on 50 × 50 mm steel legs with epoxy lacquer. Choose the Z2 if you are looking for a wood finish, a neutral tone, or a shape that the Z1 does not have. All finishes are shown with a color sample on our desktop colors page.

Connection to the waiting area

A desk is rarely alone. Visitors wait next to the reception, and that part of the entrance determines the first impression just as much.

Quadrifoglio creates dedicated lines for this. On the lounge and waiting area page, you will find armchairs, sofas, modular seating elements, and low tables. The tabletops are available in melamine finishes such as Canaletto Walnut, Elm, and Oak—the same finishes found in the Z2 program. The T02 and T05 tables are also available in 23 lacquer colors upon request. You can find individual chairs and bar stools for the entrance in the Quadrifoglio seating collection.

Also, think about acoustics. Conversations are held at the desk that the entire waiting area does not need to hear. Acoustic panels keep the entrance quiet. You can read more about the entire reception area, from coat racks to lighting, on receiving and reception.

Frequently asked questions