A reception desk is the first piece of furniture most visitors touch. It has to work for the staff sitting behind it and the guests standing in front of it, and it often has to do both at two different heights. These are the typical dimensions we start from when we build custom reception and front desks. Confirm final numbers with your designer and local code.
The two-level desk
Most reception desks have two parts: a lower work surface for staff and a raised transaction counter, sometimes called a transaction top or ledge, for guests. The raised ledge hides monitors and paperwork and gives visitors a place to sign or set down a bag.
Work surface height
The staff work surface is usually about 29 to 30 inches high for seated work, the same as a standard desk. Standing-height stations run closer to 36 to 42 inches, or use a height-adjustable surface.
Transaction counter height
The raised guest counter is typically about 42 inches from the floor, with a common range of 40 to 44 inches. That is comfortable for a standing adult to lean on and high enough to screen the workspace behind it.
Depth
- Work surface: about 24 to 30 inches deep for monitors and keyboards.
- Transaction ledge: about 10 to 14 inches deep, overhanging the guest side slightly.
- Overall: many desks land around 30 to 36 inches deep in total.
Knee space and staff clearance
Leave clear knee space under the work surface, and plan room behind the desk for chairs to roll back. Many designers plan about 36 to 48 inches between the desk and the back wall for a seated station.
Accessible counter section
In the U.S., the ADA Standards generally require that sales and service counters include an accessible portion no higher than 36 inches above the floor and at least 36 inches long, with a clear floor space in front of it. On a reception desk, that usually means a lowered section of the transaction counter. Plan it into the design from the start so it looks intentional, and confirm requirements with your architect or building department.
Length
Plan roughly 5 to 6 feet of desk per staff position, more if each station needs storage or a printer. Hotel front desks often include separate check-in positions with their own lowered sections.
Power, data and lighting
Grommets, cable trays and access panels are easy to build in and hard to add later. We also integrate lighting into desk fronts, ledges and toe kicks.
Materials
Reception desks take constant contact, so durable tops and edges matter. Solid hardwood, stone or metal transaction tops hold up well. For a sense of what is possible, the Citizen Hotel front desk we built in Sacramento combines walnut, leather, glass and bent solid brass. Our wood species guide covers how white oak, walnut and cherry compare.
Planning a reception desk?
We build custom reception and front desks for offices, hotels, clinics and restaurants in our shop in Rancho Cordova, California. See our custom reception desks and office millwork pages, or send us your plans.
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