Design Tables

[lise]

Hi again. We are designing our design/cash/computer table. We are estimating a size of about 5' x 8' with the front angled in an octagon shape that holds a ten drawer map cabinet. We are unsure of design height. I would think 32" would be good but I don't want to go waltzing into other frame shops with a ruler. Any suggestions on height, size, and shapes that have worked well for you? Thanks in advance!

 

[Frank]

I've always had my tables at 36". I'm only 5'8" but I hate to bend over. 32" might be good as you get a little better viewing angle but if you're working there a lot you might get a backache. Then you'd be grouchy and scare your customers away!
As far as size goes, bigger is not always better depending on how you work with your customer. If you tend to stand alongside your customer when picking out framing a 5' deep counter would work well but if you tend to stand on the other side of the counter I would worry about the long reach and the feeling of separation from your customer. In that case a 3-4' deep counter might be better. For large works of art a flip up section would be nice. Just something to think about!

 

[curly]

Lise,
I would try a 4' x 8' sheet of plywood or foamcore on some temporary support at different heights. Taking 4 chairs, grouped in two pairs for instance (1 pair at each end of the sheet)would give you an idea if the table needs to be taller or shorter.
In regards to going into a shop and measuring, I'd go in and stand at the counter place your hand flat on the counter and then touch your hip,leg,side,whatever and then measure to that point later. Yes Lise, you can do it!!!I've used that method and it works pretty well and if you do it subtly, no one will notice.

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curlyframer, CPF

 

[John Ranes II CPF GCF]

Hi Lise,

I agree with Frank's two observations about height and width.

Our original design table (1978-1984) was a large 5x8 foot design, in which customers and clerks worked side by side on both sides of the table. This had advantages for oversized work.

Our current table is more "traditional", in being only 38-40" wide, with the customer on one side and staff on the other. Large items still work sideways. This design table has two wings, both about 70 inches in length, with a drop down area between the two. This area allows us to put mat corner samples off the "design" area, keeping it cleaner.

HEIGHT --- This is always a depated area, but I prefer a 34-36 inch range, slightly higher than a mat cutting table. This creates more of a "counter" and less of a table format.

Other Considerations --- We added a POS system a year ago and went with flat monitor screens to save on space. As you design your table, keep this in mind, as you make your plans. These flat monitors are very nice, but many other framers have the traditional monitors buried into the table with a glass top, "Fancy Hotel style".

Make sure you also allow for wires, phone connections, and access to CPU's for servicing as you make your design.

BTW - If you come "Waltzing" into our shop, you'd be more than welcome. If you visit other framers OUTSIDE of your market area, most will definitely talk with you.

Regards,

John
(Currently at the Toronto Gift Market)

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The Frame Workshop of Appleton, Inc.
www.theframeworkshop.com
Appleton, Wisconsin
jerserwi@aol.com
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[TADPORTER]

My design table is 6' x 10'.
The front is angled back both ways.
Computer, matsamples, and some artwork are displayed at one end, so I really only have about 6' x 6' for design. This has worked great. I happen to be one who feels that more space is better. I generally work with customer at one corner.
The height is 40". This was actually a mistake by the builder who added 4". Its great for me as I am 6' 3" but most of my customers are shorter so I have bought a couple of small step-stools that work great.

 

[Scarfinger]

I was bothered by the size and position of the computer monitor at the design table. Last week I installed a monitor meant for a cash system. It's good quality black and white - I don't need color for POS - and it's small. The screen is about 8 inches and the whole monitor is less than 10 inches high, wide, and deep. I set the screen for black text on a white screen and it reads fine. The design table looks much better and it cost about 75 bucks.

 

[JFEIG]

We have 2 counters for selling with 2 computers & printer / mat storage section in the center. The center section separates each client so there is as little interfearance as possible. The sales counters are 40" high with a surface of 36" x 96" covered with carpet. The carpet is replaced every so often with a 6x9 area rug ($35 @ Home Depot) cut in half. Storage under the counter will allow for flat 40x36 art (we place all orders in bin sleeves if possible), a standard 30 gal trash can and other storage.

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Jerome Feig CPF ISA
Field Art Studio
Pleasant Ridge, MI
248-399-1320
248-399-7018 fax

 

[jframe]

John,

I love the idea of the idea of the flat monitor screens. It is perfect for our visual industry, keeps the attention focused on our merchandise rather than computer monitors, CPU's and printers.

I highly recommend waltzing into John's store, you will learn a lot, no matter how long you have been in business. He has some very clever ideas that will make your shop run more smoothly, and help you sell more merchandise. It is worth the trip no matter how far away you are. John, you need to write a book.

 

[rosetl]

We have both 32" and 36" high counters--which I got with the shop. Both were probably "standard counter" height. I fully agree that "counter height" is better overall than table height. We have stacked two "metal" flat files (33") -- like architects use for some frame sample storage for an extra side counter (island) that holds computer at a decent standing height.

Synopsis -- pick any height between 32 and 36 that will fit what you want UNDER the counter appropriately! Don't skimp an inch or two on very important space to keep at 32"

TL - Studio Frame

PS - The slanted and or sunk monitor screen holes are beautiful -- but my guess is that you will have your counter much longer than your monitor---and sizes change rapidly in the computer industry. Keep that in mind. We just got flat screen -- expensive, but, oh, nice on the aesthetics aspect. I have what one could call an island utilizing the flat files as mentioned above for my design counter administrative stuff (computer, calculator, etc.) It works well for us and is easily accessable from two separated design tables.

[This message has been edited by rosetl (edited February 03, 2001).]