Designing your office waiting room is a vital part of opening any type of medical service. You want to be sure that it is both welcoming yet easy to monitor and maintain. The following tips can help you design a fully functional yet attractive space.

Tip #1: Choose chairs for accessibility

The chairs you choose are very important. If you have a lot of elderly or mobility-challenged clients, for example, you will need chairs that are sturdy and don't slide easily. They should also sit high enough and have firm arms that can be used to more easily get up and down. For a pediatrician's office, you may want to opt for slightly wider chairs or event bench-style seats so that children or baby carriers can be placed right next to the parent.

Tip #2: Arrange seating carefully

The arrangement of the seating is also important. Chairs should face toward the door to the offices so that clients will be aware when they are being called back. You also want to make sure that the aisles between chairs are wide enough for people, wheelchairs, and walkers to pass through with ease and plenty of clearance. Half-circle or U-shaped arrangements are popular because they allow everyone to face in generally the same direction while providing an open space.

Tip #3: Make reception the centerpiece

Your reception desk should be the centerpiece of the office so that clients know exactly where to go when they enter the room. Generally, these desks are placed against a wall or as part of an island in the center. Half-circle desks provide more room that can face the entrance, which can be helpful if you have multiple receptionists or services offered via the same desk. Signage is also important so clients know exactly whom to approach when checking in.

Tip #4: Maintain confidentiality

Confidentiality is also important. Reception desks should have a counter that is high enough for clients to write upon but wide enough so they can't glance over to see confidential information. The desks should also feature dividers if there are multiple receptionists' stations at the desk. Any computer, including desks in the backroom portion of reception, should face away from the client. Also, make sure there is a buffer zone between the seating area and the desk so those waiting can't easily overhear the clients that are checking in.

Contact a store like D and R Office Works, Inc. for more information.