Meeting room layouts explained: theatre, classroom, boardroom and more

The layout you choose changes how many people a room holds, sometimes by three times or more. Picking the right one is the first step to finding the right room. Here's how the common layouts compare.

Why layout matters

A venue's capacity isn't one number. The same room might seat 200 people in rows of chairs but only 60 around a boardroom table. Always search by the layout you actually need, or you could end up with a room that's far too small, or paying for one that's far too big.

Theatre

Rows of chairs facing the front, with no tables. It fits the most people into a room.

Best for: presentations, briefings, launches and talks where delegates mainly listen.

Classroom

Rows of tables and chairs facing the front, so everyone has somewhere to write or use a laptop.

Best for: training courses, workshops and exams.

Boardroom

One large table with everyone seated around it.

Best for: board meetings, interviews, client meetings and small-group discussion.

U-shape

Tables arranged in a U, open at the front for a presenter or screen.

Best for: interactive training and meetings where everyone needs to see each other and the screen.

Cabaret

Round tables with seats on one side only, so nobody has their back to the front.

Best for: conferences with group work, awards briefings and workshops that mix presentations with table discussion.

Circle of chairs

Chairs in a circle with no tables.

Best for: coaching, facilitated discussions and team sessions.

How much capacity changes: a real example

Here are the listed capacities for two rooms at Engineers House in Clifton, Bristol:

Layout	Clifton Suite	Boardroom
Theatre	200	75
Cabaret	150	44
Classroom	70	32
Boardroom	60	30
U-shape	60	30

The Clifton Suite holds 200 people theatre-style but only 70 in a classroom layout. Pick the wrong layout when you search and the numbers won't match what you need on the day.

Tips for choosing

Will delegates write or use laptops? Choose classroom, U-shape or cabaret rather than theatre.
Is it interactive? U-shape and cabaret make discussion easier.
Allow space for a presenter, screen and any refreshment table.
Don't oversize. If your group is much smaller than a room's capacity, the venue may add a larger room supplement or suggest a better-sized room.