Desks and lecterns: everything you need to know to choose the right choice

Whether in Plexiglas, glass, wood or metal, desks and lecterns play a very important role in many professional, media or private events, and represent a must of the posterdoor category. But do you know the main differences between a desk and a lectern? Come and discover with us the origins and specificities of these small pieces of furniture that have passed through the centuries. And to help you fine-tune your choice of desk or lectern, we also take you for a round-up of many product models. Including the must-see conference desk and accessories. You can also find our must-have ranges: label holder, stop radius, brochure holder,...

Lectern and lectern: what are the differences?

Lectern or lectern? These two terms are used, nowadays, almost indifferently, to designate a small piece of furniture formed of one (or two) inclined tray, supported by one or more feet. However, these two pieces of furniture were originally deeds to have distinct functions and destinations. Let's take a closer look.

First a bit of history

Appearing in France, the use of desks and lecterns dates back to the 7th century, in the Middle Ages. They were made of wood, gilded copper or bronze. If the lectern was then specifically dedicated to the reading of the Holy Scriptures,the lectern, on the other hand, served mainly as a support for the choir books. Gradually, the desks and lecterns came out of the places of worship to invest private libraries and copyist workshops. Today, desks and lecterns are no longer confined to churches and libraries, but even come foray into the kitchens!

What distinguishes the lectern from the lectern

The main difference between a desk and a lectern is their difference in use. Thus the term "lectern" is most often used in certain contexts. Especially when the use of this piece of furniture is associated with the presence of a speaker and an audience. It is more readily referred to as a "conference desk" than a "conference lectern." Sometimes the term "conference lectern desk" is also used. The term "lectern" is used primarily when the furniture is used as a writing board or as a support for an open book. The function of the lectern is then mainly to facilitate the writing of documents or the reading of books.

Podium and lectern are synonymous... in the United States!

In France, and more generally in French-speaking countries, the term "podium" refers to a slightly elevated platform. When he makes his speech, the speaker climbs to the podium, and stands behind the lectern. It is good to know, however, that in the United States, according to the Oxford Dictionary,lecternand podium are synonymous. The podium refers to the lectern.

Different models of desks and lecterns

The lectern and lectern are essential elements in the organization of many events and in the layout of certain spaces (libraries, museums, restaurants, hotel establishments, etc.).
Several functions can be attributed to these two types of furniture:

• Facilitating the writing and reading of documents thanks to its tilted tray. This is very convenient, for example, for the speaker or the musician.
• Presentation and promotion of books and other documents (golden book, etc.).
• Support for posters of an advertising or promotional nature (front, writing and façade).

Several models of desks and lecterns are available on the market. Here are a few.

Models of desks

• Design and high-end Plexiglas desk, with optional pediment.
• OSB and plexiglass wooden conference desk, with optional pediment.
• Foldable conference plexiglass desk.
• Plexiglas conference desk, adjustable in height.
• Transparent plexi tabletop, to be placed on any flat surface.
• PET stand-up cabinet and PET plastic tray with 2 rings.
• Transparent, high-end plexi stand-up desk.
• A lectern in transparent plexi, with a high-end appearance.
• PET binder desk to be placed on all types of tables.
• Wall desk 10 sheets (i.e. 10 poster pockets).
• Countertop 10 sheets.
• Wooden, plexi or glass church desk (or lectern).

Models of lecterns

• Lutrin Plexiglas conference.
• Lutrin Plexiglas in "Z."
• Elevated table led by Plexiglas for open A4 format.
• Open book table lingi with V tray (so safe for binding), A3 format, in plexiglass.
• Clear plexi kitchen lctern for tablet.
• Foldable wooden lilies.
• Museum lute in plexiglass, lectern on foot.
• Table led (A4 format) in transparent plexi, with solid plexi foot.
• Lutrin desk can be adjusted in patinated iron.
• Lettering lettering on the ground, in plexiglass.
• Bridge lutrin for big book, in plexi.

Most of these models of desks and lecterns do not come with their accessories. Accessories that you will need to buy separately.

Conference desk: what accessories?

The conference desk is used wherever a speaker is called upon to give a speech. This piece of furniture adapts to all situations and all environments. It is suitable for a conference, a meeting, a ceremony (marriage, etc.), an amphitheatre, a meeting room or a reception hall. The conference desk is usually made of plexiglass,wood or anodized aluminum. It is available in many colours, dimensions and design. Note that, depending on the models, the conference desk can be foldable or adjustable in height. The conference desk is usually accompanied by some essential accessories:

• Sound equipment (micro-tie, swan collar microphone, wireless microphone, speaker, ghost power, cords, etc.).
• A swan-necked LED lamp or reader, ideally equipped with adjustable intensity light.
• Plexiglas headband or pediment, where a bristol is slipped to display the company logo or the name of the conference.
• Anti-shock and anti-vibratory embase for swan collar micro. The base is used to reduce mechanical noise transmitted through the table or desk. The installation of this product requires a drilling of the tray of the desk.
• Vertical column (or non-transparent front panel) to hide microphone or computer wires. The column of a sound product can also hide an audio amplifier. This is called an amplified lecture desk.
• Roulettes to promote the mobility of a large product.
• Flight case or cover, to ensure optimal protection when you're on the go.

A foldable desk will fit easily into a dedicated cover or flight case. To make your life easier, many specialty stores sell accessory packs for conference desks and other plexiglass displays.