Tables can make or break a hotel's communal space, and as hoteliers look to make their public areas adaptable to shifting guest demands, they have a wide range of options to suit a space. Here are some tips for choosing the right table for a hotel's public space.
1. Steady tables
Last year, a California start-up launched a pendulum table base that prevents wobbling. Bases from Rockless Table attach to any tabletop and then self-adjust to whatever surface they are on, including lawns or patios. Nick James, the company’s president and CEO, said the units are particularly helpful in ballrooms and conference halls, where hoteliers will not want to be fixing tables during a reception.
2. Lightweight Tables
Tables in communal spaces need to be easy to move, especially when social distancing is a concern. “Aluminum is a very lightweight and durable material already,” said Andrew Moffett, chief brand officer at Southern Aluminum. “You need a product that is lightweight, that can be durable enough to be folded up and put in a storeroom.”
3. Multipurpose Tables
Especially in multiuse rooms like lobby breakfast areas, tables can serve a range of functions but shouldn’t look overly utilitarian. “We’ve seen a lot of success with our buffet systems, where it can sit as furniture in the front of the house, it can become a bar station or it can become a food station,” Moffett said.
4. Pivoting Tables
Resource Furniture’s Giro tables can be tucked into a wall and pivot out 90 degrees when needed, making them a good fit for meeting rooms. “These spaces can always benefit from an added table or work surface, but these pieces are not necessarily used 24/7,” said Challie Stillman, the company’s VP of sales and design. When not in use, tables serve as consoles with built-in storage underneath.