The Ultimate Guide to Stylish and Functional 16 Foot Conference Tables

What to Look for in a 16' Conference Table

When evaluating 16' conference tables, several factors affect your final decision:

Size and Seating Capacity

One of the top considerations is confirming the table offers ample workspace for each meeting participant. On average, 16-foot tables accommodate 10-14 people comfortably when including chairs on both sides and booth seating on each end.

Customization

To align with your office décor, choose a table with customizable finishes for the base and tabletop. Popular options include wood stains, laminates, solid surface materials, and paint colors if the base features metal or MDF (medium-density fiberboard).

Integrated Technology

For seamless video conferences and presentations, many 16’ conference tables provide built-in technology. This may include pop-up power outlets, data ports, and integration with monitor mounts or motorized TV lifts to elevate displays stored inside the table.

Booth Seating

For extra seating and workspace, pick a table with booth seating on one or both ends, which resembles diner-style booths. Visitors can slide in the open design easily. It also provides space for food, drinks, and meeting supplies off the main table surface.

16' Conference Table Shapes

Once you determine the right size, seating capacity, and features, evaluate the shape options available for 16' conference tables:

Rectangle

The most common shape, a rectangular 16’ table has two lengths of 16’ spanned by even shorter parallel widths. The consistent rectangular surface provides plenty of usable area for each person.

Racetrack

For more intimate meetings with closer interaction, a U-shaped racetrack layout has rounded booth seating on each end and straight sides connecting them. Racetrack tables promote conversation thanks to the open middle area.

Oval

An elegant oval table shape eliminates harsh corners and creates an organic, free-flowing silhouette. Oval conference tables also enhance communication thanks to the subtly curved edges gathered around the center.

Half-Rounds

Two curved sides connect parallel straight edges with half-round tables. You enjoy the style and collaboration of rounded corners while straight edges maximize individual workspace at each seat.

Choosing the Right Materials

16-foot conference tables come in diverse materials engineered to handle frequent use in commercial offices and meeting spaces:

Wood

A classic pick, hardwoods like oak, walnut, teak, and maple not only last for decades but provide timeless, stylish beauty. Other wood options include weather-resistant shorea and bamboo.

MDF and Veneer

For affordable tables mimicking solid hardwoods, many manufacturers use MDF table bases and tabletops covered with real wood veneers. The durable construction cuts costs while achieving near-identical aesthetics.

Laminates

Both MDF and particleboard bases/tops support laminate surfaces replicating quality wood grains, patterns, and colors at lower price points. Modern matte or glossy laminates supply sophistication without high maintenance.

Metal and Stone

Sleek hairpin legs, angular frames, and rounded steel pedestals add sculptural allure beneath tabletops of natural stone (marble, granite), ceramic, porcelain, glass, or wood. Durable powder-coated metal withstands office punishment in style.

Customizing Your 16' Conference Table

Beyond the standard options, customized components make a 16' table uniquely yours by matching specific functional needs and design tastes:

Table Base

Choose metal finishes like gold, rose gold, copper, nickel, brass, and chrome or powder-coated colors including red, gray, blue, glossy black, and glossy white. For wood, endless stain options help emphasize beautiful grain patterns.

Tabletop Material and Shape

Any material such as veneers, laminates, glass, stone, solid surface materials can be cut into personalized silhouettes. Go creative with asymmetrical, angular, splined, or carved edges instead of straight lines.

Technology Integration

Have charging docks, wireless chargers, USB power outlets, data ports, microphone jacks and other A/V inputs built right into the table or booth seating. You can also customize monitors, electronic whiteboards, and display lifts.

Modesty Panels

Matching wooden panels or sleek metal trim retrofitted beneath the table conceal unsightly wires, cables, and hardware to keep the conference area neat and tidy between meetings.

Branding Options

Spotlight your business by etching or engraving your company logo into tabletop surfaces. Inlaid metallic foils also highlight branding details within tabletop designs alongside custom signage on half-height dividers or booth partitions.

With limitless combinations for size, shape, materials, and functionality, 16’ conference tables keep your meetings running efficiently while complementing your office decor seamlessly. Contact our team today to request a custom quote perfecting your next conference table.

FAQs

How many people can comfortably fit around a 16-foot conference table?

On average, a 16-foot rectangle or oval conference table provides enough workspace for 10-14 people when including chairs on both long sides and booth seating on each end. Racetrack shapes allow slightly fewer people.

What technology features can I integrate into a 16’ conference table?

Many 16’ tables offer built-in power outlets, charging stations, data ports, microphone jacks, and A/V inputs. Some also accommodate monitors, electronic whiteboards, or motorized TV lifts to raise displays from inside the table.

What are the most popular materials used to construct 16' conference tables?

Wood veneers, laminates, and MDF are very common thanks to their durability and affordable pricing while mimicking premium solid wood furnishings. For bases, metal and finished woods like oak or walnut provide attractive support.

Can I customize a 16-foot conference table?

Yes, 16’ tables allow for complete customization of the base material/finish, tabletop shape and material, edge profiles, integrated technology, modesty panels, and branding elements like logos or signage.