Boardroom Tables: How Do You Choose the Right One for Your Office?
Direct Answer
Boardroom tables are large meeting tables designed for executive meetings, management discussions, presentations, planning sessions, and formal business meetings. The right boardroom table should fit the room, accommodate the required number of participants, provide enough workspace, and support meeting equipment without restricting movement.
Boardroom Tables Guide
A boardroom is usually designed for important meetings where several people need to sit together, review documents, use computers, discuss business matters, or make presentations.
The boardroom table is therefore one of the most important pieces of furniture in the room.
A suitable table should provide enough space for participants while leaving adequate room for chairs, movement, presentation equipment, and other furniture.
At Jobel Services, boardroom tables can be considered alongside executive office desks, conference chairs, storage cabinets, and other office furniture when setting up a professional meeting environment.
What Is a Boardroom Table?
A boardroom table is a large office meeting table designed for formal group meetings and collaborative business activities.
It is commonly used for:
Management meetings
Directors' meetings
Client meetings
Strategy sessions
Interviews
Presentations
Business negotiations
Planning sessions
Team discussions
Boardroom tables are generally larger than tables intended for small meeting rooms.
Depending on the design, they may also include cable management and access points for power and communication equipment.
Why Are Boardroom Tables Important?
The boardroom table provides the main working surface for participants during formal meetings.
A suitable table can provide space for:
Laptops
Documents
Notebooks
Phones
Presentation materials
Microphones
Conference equipment
Drinks and refreshments
It can also help organize the seating arrangement and create a practical central workspace.
However, choosing a boardroom table simply because it is large can create problems if the room cannot accommodate it comfortably.
Types of Boardroom Tables
Boardroom tables are available in several configurations.
Rectangular Boardroom Tables
Rectangular tables are a common choice for traditional boardrooms.
They provide a long central working surface and can accommodate chairs along the sides and at the ends.
They are suitable for:
Corporate offices
Private companies
Government offices
Professional firms
Large meeting rooms
Boat-Shaped Boardroom Tables
Boat-shaped tables have straight sides and wider, curved ends.
This design can provide additional space at the ends of the table while creating a softer overall shape.
It can be suitable for boardrooms where several participants need a clear view of one another.
Oval Boardroom Tables
Oval tables have rounded ends combined with a long central section.
They can provide a large working surface while reducing sharp corners.
Oval configurations can work well in medium and large boardrooms.
U-Shaped Boardroom Tables
U-shaped tables create an open area in the center.
They can be useful for:
Training
Presentations
Group discussions
Video conferencing
Collaborative sessions
The central opening can also make it easier for presenters to access participants.
However, U-shaped tables generally require more floor space.
Modular Boardroom Tables
Modular tables consist of multiple sections that can be rearranged.
They are useful when a room needs to support different activities.
For example, the same room can be used for:
Board meetings
Training
Workshops
Presentations
Team meetings
Modular furniture provides greater flexibility when office requirements change.
How Do You Choose the Right Boardroom Table?
Choosing the right boardroom table starts with understanding the room and how it will be used.
1. Measure the Boardroom
Measure the:
Room length
Room width
Door positions
Window positions
Power outlets
Display locations
Available walking space
Also consider the space required behind each chair.
A table may physically fit inside the room but still make the room uncomfortable if chairs cannot be pulled out properly.
2. Determine the Seating Capacity
Decide how many people normally attend meetings.
Consider both:
Regular meeting size
Maximum expected meeting size
Avoid choosing a table based only on the maximum number of chairs that can physically fit.
Participants need enough space for laptops, documents, writing materials, and normal movement.
How Much Space Does Each Person Need?
Each participant needs enough personal working space.
The exact requirement depends on the table design and chair size, but avoid overcrowding participants simply to increase seating capacity.
Consider space for:
Laptop computers
Documents
Writing materials
Phones
Water bottles
Meeting equipment
If participants have to constantly move their equipment to make room for one another, the table is probably too small for the intended use.
Boardroom Table Shape and Room Layout
The shape of the room should influence the shape of the table.
Long rectangular room
A rectangular or boat-shaped table may work well.
Wide room
An oval or larger rectangular configuration may provide better use of the available space.
Flexible training room
A modular configuration may be more practical.
Small boardroom
A compact rectangular or oval table may provide enough space without overcrowding the room.
Always consider the complete room layout rather than the table alone.
Boardroom Table Height
The boardroom table should work comfortably with the chairs being used.
Consider:
Table height
Chair seat height
Armrest clearance
Legroom
User posture
Equipment placement
When buying a boardroom table separately from chairs, compare the dimensions of both.
The table should allow participants to sit comfortably without their knees or armrests interfering with the underside.
Boardroom Table Materials
Different materials can be used when manufacturing boardroom tables.
Wood-Based Materials
Wood-based boards are commonly used for office furniture because they can provide durable working surfaces and different finish options.
They can be suitable for regular office meetings when properly constructed and maintained.
Metal
Metal is commonly used in frames and structural supports.
It can provide additional stability for larger tables.
Glass
Glass may be incorporated into some boardroom designs.
It can create a particular visual appearance but requires regular cleaning and appropriate handling.
Laminated Surfaces
Laminated finishes can provide practical surfaces that are relatively easy to clean.
When selecting a material, consider:
Expected usage
Cleaning requirements
Office environment
Durability
Budget
Existing office furniture
Boardroom Table Cable Management
Modern boardrooms often require multiple electronic devices.
These may include:
Laptops
Projectors
Displays
Video conferencing systems
Microphones
Speakers
Chargers
Network equipment
Without cable management, wires can become tangled or extend across walking areas.
Useful features include:
Cable access holes
Cable trays
Cable channels
Power access points
Central cable management
Under-table routing
Plan cable management before installation rather than trying to hide cables after the furniture has been installed.
Boardroom Tables for Video Conferencing
Many modern boardrooms use video conferencing equipment.
Before buying the table, determine where equipment will be positioned.
You may need space for:
Cameras
Microphones
Speakers
Displays
Laptops
Power adapters
The table should not block the camera's field of view.
Also make sure cables can reach power and network connections without creating trip hazards.
Boardroom Tables for Large Offices
Large offices generally provide more options when planning a boardroom.
You may consider:
Large rectangular tables
Boat-shaped tables
Oval tables
U-shaped configurations
Modular tables
Integrated power access
Dedicated cable management
The table should still leave sufficient space around the perimeter.
Additional furniture may include:
Boardroom chairs
Storage cabinets
Presentation cabinets
Sideboards
Display screens
Whiteboards
Boardroom Tables for Smaller Offices
A smaller company does not necessarily need a large boardroom.
A compact boardroom table can provide sufficient meeting space while preserving room for movement.
Prioritize:
Correct dimensions
Practical seating
Adequate legroom
Cable management
Easy access
Appropriate storage
Avoid selecting a large table simply because it looks more executive.
The available room should determine the appropriate size.
Boardroom Table and Chair Compatibility
Boardroom tables and chairs should be planned together.
Check:
Table height
Chair height
Chair width
Armrest clearance
Legroom
Number of seats
Space between chairs
A table may appear large enough before chairs are installed, but the actual available space can become much smaller once the seating arrangement is complete.
Boardroom Storage Requirements
A boardroom may require storage for:
Meeting documents
Presentation equipment
Stationery
Projectors
Cables
Chargers
Office supplies
Storage can be provided through:
Side cabinets
Shelving
Storage cupboards
Filing cabinets
Mobile pedestals
Keep frequently used meeting equipment close to the room while storing less frequently used items elsewhere.
Common Boardroom Table Problems
Choosing the wrong table can create several practical problems.
The Table Is Too Large
A table that is too large can restrict movement and make the room difficult to use.
The Table Is Too Small
Participants may have insufficient space for laptops and documents.
Too Many Chairs
Overcrowded seating can make meetings uncomfortable.
Poor Cable Management
Loose cables can create clutter and trip hazards.
Insufficient Power Access
Participants may struggle to charge laptops and other equipment.
Poor Table Positioning
The table should not block doors, emergency routes, display screens, or other important areas.
How to Maintain Boardroom Tables
Regular maintenance helps extend the service life of boardroom furniture.
Follow these steps:
Clean the surface regularly.
Wipe spills promptly.
Remove dust from joints and frame sections.
Avoid excessive weight on unsupported areas.
Check screws and fittings periodically.
Protect finished surfaces from sharp objects.
Keep cables organized.
Avoid dragging the table across the floor.
Repair damaged surfaces promptly.
Large boardroom tables should be moved using suitable assistance to reduce the risk of injury or furniture damage.
How to Organize a Boardroom
A boardroom works best when all furniture is planned as one layout.
Consider the position of:
Boardroom table
Conference chairs
Display screens
Video conferencing equipment
Whiteboards
Storage cabinets
Power outlets
Doors
Windows
Maintain clear pathways around the table.
The main presentation screen should also be positioned where all participants can see it without obstructing other equipment.
Boardroom Table vs Conference Room Table
The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they can describe slightly different applications.
A conference room table can be used for many types of meetings, including training sessions and team discussions.
A boardroom table is generally associated with larger, more formal meetings and executive or management environments.
The actual design, size, and configuration matter more than the name.
Where Can You Buy Boardroom Tables in Kenya?
If you need boardroom tables in Kenya, start by determining the size of the room, the number of participants, meeting equipment, and the amount of workspace required per person.
Before purchasing, measure:
Room length
Room width
Door clearance
Walking space
Table dimensions
Chair clearance
Display location
Equipment requirements
Power and cable access
Also consider the table shape, material, seating capacity, storage, and room layout.
Buy Boardroom Tables in Nairobi
Looking for boardroom tables in Nairobi? Contact Jobel Services and ask about available boardroom furniture and meeting-room solutions.
You can also visit Jobel Services at Gikomba, Beaver House, opposite NCBA Bank, Nairobi, to discuss your boardroom requirements.
Get the Right Boardroom Table
Do not choose a boardroom table based only on its size or appearance.
Send Jobel Services the dimensions of your boardroom, photographs of the room, the usual number of meeting participants, preferred table shape, and equipment requirements before purchasing.
This information can help determine a suitable boardroom table configuration.
Whether you need a compact boardroom table for a small business, a large executive table for a corporate office, or several tables for a meeting and training facility, selecting the correct size and configuration can help prevent unnecessary replacement costs.
Need boardroom tables in Kenya? Contact Jobel Services today or visit the shop in Gikomba, Beaver House, opposite NCBA Bank, Nairobi, and ask about suitable boardroom tables and office furniture solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Boardroom Tables
What is a boardroom table?
A boardroom table is a large meeting table designed for formal business meetings, management discussions, presentations, planning sessions, and collaborative work.
How do I choose the right boardroom table size?
Choose the size according to the boardroom dimensions, number of participants, chair clearance, walking space, equipment, and required working surface.
Which boardroom table shape should I choose?
Rectangular, oval, boat-shaped, U-shaped, and modular tables can all be suitable. The choice depends on the room layout, seating requirements, and meeting activities.
How many people can sit around a boardroom table?
The seating capacity depends on the table dimensions, shape, and chair size. Avoid overcrowding because each participant needs sufficient working space.
Do boardroom tables need cable management?
Cable management is useful when meetings involve laptops, displays, video conferencing systems, microphones, chargers, and other electronic equipment.
Can a boardroom table be used for training?
Yes, depending on the design. Modular boardroom tables can provide greater flexibility when the same room is used for meetings, workshops, and training.
Conclusion
Boardroom tables are central to formal meetings and collaborative business activities. The right table provides sufficient workspace while supporting comfortable seating, equipment, communication, and movement around the room.
Before purchasing, measure the boardroom carefully and consider the table dimensions, shape, materials, seating capacity, cable management, power access, chair compatibility, and meeting equipment.
If you need boardroom tables in Nairobi or elsewhere in Kenya, contact Jobel Services or visit Gikomba, Beaver House, opposite NCBA Bank, Nairobi.
Share your boardroom measurements, photographs, seating requirements, and equipment needs so you can identify a table configuration that fits your meeting space.
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