Lectern Buyers Guide

What is a lectern?

The names lectern, podium, pulpit, and rostrum all describe a similar piece of furniture that is used for giving presentations and readings. Lecterns generally comprise a freestanding structure that people stand behind, with an inclined top to hold a book, laptop, or reading materials. Lecterns come in a wide variety of styles and materials, and they are used in a range of contexts, including places of worship, education, business, and conference centres. In this buyers guide, we provide an overview of some important factors to consider when purchasing a lectern.

What are some common uses for lecterns?

Lecterns and podiums are a common sight in a broad range of locations and contexts. Some of the most common applications for lecterns include:

Education – Lecterns are often used for giving lectures and presentations in schools, colleges, universities, lecture theatres, training centres, etc.
Churches and places of worship – Lecterns (often called pulpits in this context) are an important centrepiece of churches, chapels, assembly halls, temples, and other places of worship.
Conference centres – All conference centres and event spaces have lecterns as an essential tool for giving presentations.
Business – In the corporate world, lecterns are commonly used at product launches, shareholder meetings, conferences, trade shows, and more.

Advantages of lecterns for presentations

Acting as a focal point – Lecterns can help the audience focus on the speaker during presentations.
Holding reading materials – Most speakers want to have a range of notes and materials on hand when giving a presentation or reading.
Integration with AV systems – Lecterns can be connected to and store various elements of AV systems such as microphones, laptops, amplifiers, remote controls, and more.
Increased speaker confidence – Many speakers find that having a lectern to stand behind increases their confidence, while also allowing them to project a sense of authority to their audience.
Storage of other items – Lecterns provide a place to store other items such as a glass or bottle of water, books, smartphones, AV equipment, etc.

Different types of lecterns

There are a few different types of lecterns and podiums that are suitable for different applications and spaces:

Permanent freestanding lecterns

These floor standing lecterns are designed to stay in one place for long-term applications. They are suitable for applications where the lectern does not need to be moved very often.

Portable/mobile lecterns

Portable lecterns can be taken to events such as product launches and trade shows. They can also be moved within a single building—for example, with shared-use stages or between classrooms. Some models feature wheels for easy transport, while other types have a lightweight design that makes them easy to carry. Another portable option is folding lecterns such as our Folding Floor Standing Lectern.

Tabletop/desktop lecterns

As the name suggests, these lecterns are designed for use with an existing table or desk. They are a popular option for more intimate settings such as seminar and meeting rooms.

How to choose the right lectern for you

What to look out for when choosing a lectern?

These floor standing lecterns are designed to stay in one place for long-term applications. They are suitable for applications where the lectern does not need to be moved very often.

Portability – As mentioned above some lecterns are more easily transported than others. For event use, folding and collapsible lecterns offer a convenient portable solution. Wheeled lecterns make it easy to move a lectern within and between spaces, such as on and off stage.
Storage – Some lecterns include storage for additional items. This ranges from lecterns with a single shelf through to models with multiple shelves.
AV integration – Certain lecterns have options for including a microphone mount for amplifying the speaker. Some models include internal cable routing, which helps achieve a tidy wire-free appearance. Lecterns with multiple shelves can accommodate AV equipment such as computers, amplifiers, and projector control systems.
Length of warranty –While all our lecterns are protected by at least a 1-year warranty, some models have extended multi-year, or even lifetime, warranties.

Materials and styles

There is a choice of lecterns to suit all interior styles and decor preferences, from classic wooden models to modern metal designs. Wooden lecterns and podiums can be solid or laminated wood, with a wide choice of colours including light beech, oak, and darker wood stain finishes. For a more contemporary minimalist look, transparent acrylic lecterns offer an uninterrupted view of the speaker. Metal lecterns are available in aluminium or steel and are ideal for projecting a hi-tech modern style. Some podiums and lecterns have a dynamic appearance that combines multiple materials into a single design.

Branding and customisation

Many lectern models have the option of custom printing a logo, name, or other branding on the front. This can be a great way to maximise the visibility of the name and brand of your company or organisation. For temporary event use, custom graphics can be attached to some lecterns in the form of a printed banner. Meanwhile, for longer-term use, logos and names can be printed directly onto the panel of certain lecterns. We use state-of-the-art digital printers and dye sublimation printing to ensure excellent durability and longevity. Bespoke graphics can be printed in high resolution and vibrant colours, for impressive high-impact results.

Lectern sizes

The majority of podiums and lecterns have a height of around 1200mm, which is a height that suits most adults. In terms of width, there is a wide choice of designs, with sleek slimline lecterns through to more substantial designs that include features such as storage shelves and lockable compartments. One point to consider is the dimensions of the top of the lectern, as some models feature considerably more space for reading materials and/or digital devices. The range of top sizes goes from compact models of around 460 x 350 mm to wide-topped designs of around 750mm x 480 mm.

Price range

Lecterns and podiums are available to suit all budgets and requirements. Our lectern range starts at just £8.75 for our Freestanding Satellite Modern Menu Holder, with our Economy Wheeled Wooden Lectern available from only £175.95. For organisations and businesses looking to impress their audience, we also have a range of eye-catching and stylish premium-quality lecterns.

Why choose a lectern from Discount Displays?

Reliable quality and performance

When you buy a lectern from Discount Displays, you can rely on our over 30 years’ of experience in supplying high-quality display tools and products to thousands of organisations and businesses across the UK. We have chosen lecterns that offer the very best combination of performance, durability, and value.

Lecterns to suit all budgets

Our comprehensive range of lecterns includes models to suit all interior styles, budgets, and functional requirements.

Unbeatable low prices

By selling directly to our customers, we can offer the very best prices. Our price match promise means we will beat the price of any other supplier on our range of lecterns.

Personalised service

As a UK company with an expert team of advisors, we can help you find the ideal lectern or podium for your application. Please call us on 020 8664 5660 for more information and some no-obligation product advice.

Bespoke graphics

As a combined retailer and printer, we can offer fantastic quality custom printing for your lectern at unrivalled low prices. We use the latest HP digital printers and inks, for amazing quality graphics.

Fast deliveries

We maintain a large stock of lecterns and podiums at our UK warehouse. Many models can be delivered the next working day when ordered before 3 pm or in 2–5 days with custom printed graphics.

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