As a lawyer, part of leaving a lasting impression on your potential clients and actual clients is so much more than just delivering legal services. You need to create a welcoming and professional environment that makes people feel comfortable and drawn in. Whether you already have an office and you’re looking to make a few upgrades like adding office custom cabinets, or you’re starting from scratch, the way you design your office accounts in how your clients perceive you. Here are some essential tips you’ll want to know when decorating your law office.

Prioritize Comfort

While your first instinct might be to impress, or make yourself look flashy, this can often have the opposite effect on potential clients than you hope it will. Lawyers in general already have a lousy reputation based on stereotypes that may or may not be true depending on who you talk to. People are most likely looking for a lawyer that makes them feel safe and protected rather than someone who looks flashy and expensive.

You want to prioritize comfort above all else, to give the impression that your clients are arriving somewhere where they’ll be in trustworthy and capable hands. Try aiming for literal comfort like cozy couches and pillows, and perhaps some artwork or a famous quote that you appreciate on the wall. These small touches will show a little bit of your character while also still maintaining an image of competence and professionalism.

Choose High-Quality Features

Even though you might want to save a buck whenever possible—because let’s face it, why would you want to spend $500 on something when you can buy it for $100?—the quality of your waiting room will be harshly judged as a reflection of the quality of your legal services. While it may not seem like a big deal, first impressions matter, and they start in your office.

Choose high-quality and functional furniture that is clean and well-maintained. Yet, you don’t want to have to spend hours a day having to maintain a signature piece either. Choose materials that are low-maintenance and easy to keep up with.

Make it Welcoming

Whether you have a small waiting area or just a couple of chairs alongside your desk, you want to make sure that it’s welcoming.

In addition to having actual seating, you should also consider extra touches like a pitcher of water or maybe some magazines to read.

Remember, many clients might be nervous about their legal situation, so whatever you can do to create a soothing and comfortable atmosphere that reassures them, the better communication you’ll foster between the two of you during your meeting.

With the right balance of style, substance, and comfort, you can make your office not just a place where you work, but a reflection of your legal practice as a whole.