Benefits of Different Meeting Room Layout Options

Different layouts can improve engagement, productivity and collaboration. To ensure you find the best meeting room set up for you, we’ve put together a list of layouts to explore.

Boardroom

With this layout, you’ll find a long rectangular table with chairs placed around the outside. Depending on the number of chairs, a boardroom space is suitable for both smaller and larger groups.

This style of room is ideal for formal business meetings. Their design is usually minimalistic which creates a professional atmosphere. This type of office is perfect for brainstorming sessions or making important decisions. Because attendees face each other, it’s easier for everyone to participate.

U-Shape

Tables will be placed in a U-shape and participants sit around the outside. There will usually be one or more presenters in charge of leading the session. Like a boardroom space, this layout works for both smaller and larger groups.

This set up is useful for training sessions, workshops and presentations. The speaker will typically stand at the front but has the freedom to walk around the U-shape table too. Because of this and the fact that people also face each other, this shape of table is great for encouraging collaboration.

Classroom

Rows of tables will face the front where there’s usually something to look at like a screen or whiteboard. The speaker will stand at the front and lead the session. A classroom is useful for larger groups who want to make notes.

This layout is perfect for lectures, presentations and training sessions. It can open opportunities for different ways of interacting as well. People can work with others at their table to create small group discussions. It also gives the opportunity for class conversations and debates. However, most of the talking will be done by the speaker, which is why collaboration can be limited.

Theatre

A theatre set up is very similar to a classroom. It’s the same in the ways that chairs face the front, but there’re no tables. There’s usually a gap down the middle where people can walk to find a seat. These are perfect for when you have a high number of attendees.

Large presentations, events and business conferences are all perfect for a theatre. This creates the perfect opportunity for a company to show off something important like a new product or strategy. Because there aren’t tables, this can make it difficult for people to make notes. You may want to send around any important information afterwards.

Round Table

There will be a circle shaped table in the office space that people can sit around and collaborate. This is ideal for smaller groups because everyone sits close together, making discussions easier.

Brainstorming sessions, decision making and creative thinking are all perfect for a round table setting. The atmosphere of these rooms is sometimes more laid back with other seating nearby like a comfortable sofa or bean bags. Other round table workspaces have a more professional feel for formal discussions.

Sometimes, a room will house more than one roundtable. A cabaret style is when people sit at the back of the tables and face a presenter. Banquet style is more informal compared to a cabaret layout and is perfect for networking events. People will sit around each table, and in some cases, there may be a speaker at the front.

What to Consider When Choosing a Meeting Room Layout

Consider how many people are in your group and what the purpose of your meeting is. A small group of five aiming to brainstorm may find a round table workspace more effective than a theatre. A large group of 15 aiming to make an important decision may collaborate better around a boardroom table compared to a classroom.

Everyone works differently so it’s a good idea to incorporate this too. For example, if people in your session like to take notes, make sure there’re tables with enough space to do this. Your layout should comfortably support the number of people who are attending. Everyone should have a seat and enough space so they don’t feel claustrophobic. If people don’t feel comfortable, they’re less likely to be engaged with your session.

Discover Spacepool's Wide Range of Meeting Rooms

At Spacepool, we have lots of collaborative spaces to discover so can you find one that works for you and your team. There’re many different layout options to take a look at. Each space also comes with different facilities and amenities. You can use our filtering tool to find anything specific. Find a space which is perfect for you and your business today with Spacepool!