Skip to main content
EN USEnglish

How to decorate a meeting room set up for success (and maybe ending early)

Once a day, a week, a month, a quarter – some meetings just can’t be replaced by emails. When deciding how to decorate a meeting room, the key is to focus on creating a smooth, efficient and motivating environment. After all, if people have to be there, a meeting room should help keep things productive and effective.

A modern meeting room has two birch veneer/white MITTZON conference tables and beige conference chairs by a large TV screen.
A modern meeting room has two birch veneer/white MITTZON conference tables and beige conference chairs by a large TV screen.

Focus on the first impression

A meeting’s mood takes shape before the agenda slide is shown. Make the room an appealing place to be with inviting chairs and tables.

Chairs that suggest care, comfort and support
Curvy chairs tend to give softer, naturally welcoming vibes. Matching chairs send signals of unity and equality.

Generously sized, stylish tables
For a modern, airy look, go for a sturdy table with straight lines, minimal detailing and tapered or angled legs. Wood adds lightness and warmth.

Thoughtful preparations
Provide place settings with paper, a pen and a coffee mug. A height-adjustable, foldable laptop table on casters puts presenters at ease.

See all conference tables
Beige/white LÅNGFJÄLL conference chairs are pushed under the long sides of two conference tables in a modern meeting room.
See all conference tables

Use walls wisely and selectively

To enhance the calm, collected feel, limit what’s on the walls but think big and practical.

 

  • Dominant colors set the tone of the room, like cool tranquility from light turquoise, gray, white and wood.
  • One large artwork and one TV monitor/projector screen create clear focal points and reduce visual clutter.
  • Whiteboards and noticeboards are meeting room musts. They help keep the clutter of brainstorms and sticky notes contained. Plus, they can be rolled aside easily.

See all bulletin, peg & pin boards
By a meeting room table is a whiteboard on a MITTZON frame with castors and acoustic screen that has sticky notes on it.
See all bulletin, peg & pin boards

Offer subtle, seamless tech

Technical difficulties are inevitable, but a meeting room can help make such moments less likely and less stressful.

 

  • Set up smart lighting so attendees can easily dim or turn on/off lighting via remote control without leaving their seats. Smart blinds could be useful, too.
  • Reduce clutter from cords and cables with conference tables that have plug-in modules for convenient charging.
  • Be sure wifi details and IT contact info are readily available and on display. Label relevant cords and provide basic instructions for any fixed, in-room tech. 

A meeting room has a birch veneer/white MITTZON conference table, with a laptop and a phone using the table’s plug-in module.

Fill the (lockable) supply cabinet

Provide easy access to a wealth of supplies so that ideas aren’t limited. Keep containers of markers, pens, pencils, tape, scissors, different-sized paper and the like in storage units or cabinets. Closed storage maintains the meeting room’s tidy, organized feel while creating a logical home for essentials and extra cables. With a lockable cabinet, those expensive pens are less likely to go on adventures.

See all office storage cabinets & units
Two white TROTTEN cabinets with sliding doors are on a wall under a big TV screen. An open door shows office supplies inside.
See all office storage cabinets & units

Set clear boundaries

Follow the lead of a good agenda: include defined breaks while keeping the flow mixed and motivating. Although a meeting room should reflect its surroundings, a visual division encourages different behaviors.

A meeting room
This room should contribute to focus, respect and communication. That’s why soothing colors, natural materials and comforting forms matter.

A break room
Separate, but nearby, this room should refill energy levels with refreshments and socialising. That’s why there’s a greater sense of motion – tall furniture, lively greenery and glossy tiles.

See all bar furniture
An interior door opens onto a sun-filled, cafe-looking area with modern, white JANINGE bar stools and black bar tables.
See all bar furniture

Before you buy

The product(s) referenced in these pages may contain a mix of products developed for commercial and residential use. Please verify individual certifications and related tests for each desired product and exercise discretion with respect to which products are safe and suitable for any intended use before purchasing. Contact IKEA for Business at 888-888-4532 or here for more information about the range. 

Looking for more tips for your business?

Refreshments served in a meeting space with TROTTEN tables and a NISSAFORS utility cart, framed by a plant wall and EILIF screens.
Browse our gallery of interior design tips for businesses