In the office, many calls last less than 5 minutes. Yet most phone booths are designed like mini-offices. You sit down. You get settled. The conversation takes longer than expected. The standing phone booth serves a different purpose. It is a compact acoustic booth, equipped with a high tablet, designed for use while standing during a call. It fits perfectly in an office, an open space, or a high-traffic area.
This guide explains what a standing phone booth is, when to choose it, when to opt for a seated version, what technical features to check, and how to integrate it into your office. On the agenda: definition, uses, standing vs. sitting comparison, ergonomics, selection criteria, focus on the S Essentielle Model, pricing, and frequently asked questions.
Standing Phone Box: Definition and Principle
A standing phone box is an individual acoustic booth with a work surface positioned at standing desk height. Generally, it is located around 100 to 110 cm above the floor. It does not include a chair or bench.
It is designed for short-term use. A call. A quick video chat. A brief meeting. The average occupancy time is often between 2 and 15 minutes.
It is not a standing desk. You do not set up a desk there. Nor is it a meeting booth. It accommodates a single person. It is not a traditional seated booth, designed for extended use.
It is an intermediate format. A modern phone booth, adapted for open-plan office use.
It is also referred to as a standing acoustic booth, standing phone booth, standing telephone booth, standing call station, or open-plan standing booth.
The dimensions remain very compact. The market standard is often around 0.9 to 1 m² of floor space, with an exterior height of 200 to 220 cm. The S Essential Model measures 95 × 96 × 212 cm. It occupies 0.9 m² of floor space. Its tabletop is positioned at a height of 103 cm.
The concept captures the spirit of old-fashioned phone booths. You went in to make a call. You stood up. You came out quickly. The open-plan office has brought this format back into style.
But why is standing making a comeback in offices? Three reasons explain it.
Why choose a standing phone booth for the office?
The standing phone booth meets several practical needs. It improves booth utilization, reduces clutter, and encourages more efficient communication.
- Shorter calls
Standing encourages directness. You get to the point. You avoid turning a 5-minute call into a 20-minute discussion. The same principle applies to standing meetings, which are often shorter than seated meetings. For the company, the benefit is simple: the booth turns over faster. There is less waiting time.
- Space savings
Without a bench, the booth remains very compact. The S Essentielle model occupies only 0.9 m². A seated booth may require more space depending on the model. A standing phone booth fits into a corner, near a hallway, close to a reception area, or along the edge of an open-plan office. It allows you to equip more areas without blocking up valuable floor space.
- A solution to sedentary lifestyles
Office workers spend a large part of their day sitting. The standing phone booth creates a natural break. You stand up to make a call. You change your posture. You reactivate your body without interrupting your work. It’s a small boost to quality of life at work. It complements a sit-stand office policy well.
- Lower upfront cost
A standing phone booth often costs less than a seated version. It doesn’t include a bench. It uses fewer interior components. At Essentielle, the Model S starts at €5,150 (excl. tax).
- Simpler installation
The standing format is lighter. The Essentielle Model S weighs 235 kg. It rests on an extra-flat base with 5 built-in casters and 8 adjustment jacks. It can be assembled by two people in 40 minutes. It plugs into a standard 220V outlet.
Ideal use cases for a standing phone booth
The standing format isn’t suitable for every use case. It’s particularly effective for short, frequent, and operational conversations.
The first scenario is the quick call. A 3-minute conversation with a client. A quick update with a remote colleague. An urgent personal call. Standing up eliminates the need to sit down. It keeps the conversation in the right format.
The second scenario involves sales teams. Sales, customer success, or collections teams may handle several short calls throughout the day. Standing remains comfortable during these sequences. It also facilitates a smoother rotation of the booth.
Express video calls are another natural use. A daily meeting. A 15-minute project update. A Teams or Slack chat. The standing format fits well with the stand-up culture. On the Model S, the 800 lm LED spot in warm white 3000 K provides pleasant lighting. The RJ45 port also helps stabilize the connection.
The standing phone booth is also useful for brief moments of concentration. Rereading a sensitive email. Checking a file. Making a quick decision. You can change your environment without booking a room. This break refreshes your focus.
Finally, it’s well-suited for high-traffic areas. Lobby. Coworking floor. Waiting area. It allows a visitor, consultant, or mobile employee to make an urgent call without tying up a meeting room.
Standing or seated phone booth: which one should you choose for your offices?
The choice isn’t binary. It depends on the duration of use, the type of call, and the users’ profiles.
Criteria Standing phone booth, example Model S Seated phone booth, example Model S Office
Target usage duration 2 to 15 min 15 to 60 min
Counter height 103 cm 73 cm
Interior furnishings Countertop only, 33 × 79 cm Countertop 43 × 79 cm + bench 88 × 38 cm
Footprint 0.9 m² 0.9 m²
Weight 235 kg 250 kg
Starting price (excl. tax) €5,150 €5,650
Ideal use Short calls, quick video calls, passing through Long video calls, deep work, interviews
The standing version is suitable for teams that make a lot of phone calls. It is useful in high-traffic coworking spaces, reception areas, agile teams, and offices where employees want to spend less time sitting. For teams that make a lot of phone calls, a ratio of one standing phone booth for every 8 to 10 workstations is appropriate.
The seated version is better suited for extended use: HR interviews, client video calls, focused work sessions, and individual work lasting more than 30 minutes. For teams of consultants, HR staff, or subject matter experts, a ratio of one seated phone booth per 12 to 15 workstations is recommended.
The best strategy is often a combination of both. Combining the two formats allows for a wider range of uses. The Model S and the Model S Office from Essentielle share the same footprint: 95 × 96 × 212 cm. They can therefore be lined up without a visual break.
For 4 booths in a 40-workstation open space, a simple layout works well: 2 standing and 2 seated. It covers short calls, long video calls, and occasional need for concentration.
Ergonomics: Why Alternating Between Standing and Sitting Is Good for You
The problem isn’t sitting. The problem is sitting for too long. In a traditional office, workstations, meeting rooms, and shared spaces often encourage the same posture.
The standing phone booth introduces a micro-break. Every call becomes an opportunity to stand up. Three to five calls spent standing per day represent 15 to 30 minutes less time spent sitting. Over the course of a month, that adds up.
Standing activates the posterior muscle chain more effectively. Calves, glutes, and lower back muscles help maintain posture. The Model S’s tablet, positioned at 103 cm, allows for a natural posture during a call or for quick note-taking.
For some users, a high stool can complement the setup. This is useful for very short or very tall people, or for calls lasting longer than 15 minutes.
The goal isn’t to replace all seated booths. It’s to offer an alternative. Standing for short conversations. Sitting for longer sessions. It’s this variety that improves comfort in the office.
Technical specifications to check for a standing phone booth
The first criterion is the tabletop height. Aim for 100 to 110 cm. The Model S Essentielle stands at 103 cm. Its tabletop measures 33 × 79 cm. It can accommodate a laptop or a notebook.
Acoustics must be top-notch. A reduction of 25 to 30 dB under real-world conditions is a good benchmark. The Model S claims up to a 30.3 dB reduction in speech levels. Also check for laminated glass, soundproof seals, and sound-absorbing materials.
Ventilation is crucial. A small, poorly ventilated booth quickly becomes uncomfortable. The Model S offers an airflow rate of 280 m³/h, with 3 fans. The air is completely refreshed in 40 seconds.
Connectivity must be comprehensive. A 220 V outlet, USB-A, USB-C, and RJ45 are essential. The Model S includes 1 220 V outlet, 2 USB-C ports, 1 USB-A port, and 1 RJ45 port. The touch-sensitive dimmer allows you to adjust the lighting and ventilation.
Lighting matters too. Warm lighting is less tiring on the eyes. The Model S features 1 LED spot light (800 lm) in warm white (3000 K).
Mobility makes setup easier. The Model S base includes 5 built-in casters and 8 height-adjustment legs. The cabin can adapt to changes in the open-plan space.
Customization should remain simple. Essentielle offers 3 exterior finishes: white, anthracite, and light oak. The A Élégance range features 6 fabrics. The B Chili range features 4 fabrics, M1 fire-retardant and 100% post-consumer recycled polyester.
Finally, check the origin and warranty. The Model S is made in France, certified Origine France Garantie, and rated Eco Impact A.
How can you integrate a standing phone booth into your open-plan office?
Location plays a major role in how it’s used. Place the booth in a visible area, but not one that’s too exposed. The edge of an open-plan office, a wide hallway, or an area near the reception desk work well.
Avoid placing it right next to workstations. Users may hesitate to use it if they feel like they’re being watched. Also avoid hiding it at the back of a floor plan. An invisible booth is often underused.
In terms of requirements, make sure there’s a 220V outlet nearby. The floor must be level. The leveling feet allow you to adjust the height. Also leave space around the booth for ventilation and to open the door.
The environment matters. A furnished room often improves acoustic perception. The surrounding furniture absorbs some of the sound. Conversely, an empty, heavily glazed area can accentuate reverberation.
Provide simple signage: “Phone Booth.” That’s enough. A high stool nearby can also help users who want to alternate between standing and sitting.
In a standard open-plan office, the general rule is one phone booth for every 10 to 15 workstations. For a team that makes a lot of calls, reduce this to one booth for every 8 workstations.
Essentielle Model S: the standing phone booth made in France
The Essentielle Model S is a single-person standing acoustic booth. It is designed for modern open-plan offices. It is designed, manufactured, and assembled in the Essentielle workshop located in the Drôme region.
Its format is compact. It measures 95 × 96 × 212 cm on the outside. The interior measures 87 × 83 × 198 cm. Its floor area is 0.9 m². It therefore fits into a dense workspace without blocking traffic.
Its shelf measures 33 × 79 cm. It is positioned 103 cm above the floor. This height is suitable for standing calls, quick note-taking, and short video calls with a laptop.
Acoustic performance achieves up to 30.3 dB of speech level reduction. The booth combines 8 mm Silence laminated glass, acoustic foam, soundproof seals, and an acoustic airflow system that acts as a sound trap.
The ventilation system provides a flow rate of 280 m³/h. It is powered by 3 fans. Air is completely refreshed in 40 seconds, with a maximum variation of 200 ppm CO₂ compared to the outside environment.
Lighting is provided by one 800 lm LED spot in warm white (3000 K). Connectivity includes one 220 V outlet, two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, and one RJ45 port. The touch-sensitive dimmer allows for adjustment of both lighting and ventilation.
The extra-flat 2.8 cm base incorporates five casters and eight height-adjustment jacks. The cabin remains mobile. It can adapt to changes in the layout.
In terms of finishes, Essentielle offers white, anthracite, or light oak. Fabrics are available in the A Élégance range and the B Chili range, both M1 fire-retardant and made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester. An optional 57 × 207 cm glass panel made of 8 mm Silence laminated glass is available.
The standard finish is available for express delivery within 2 weeks. A custom configuration is delivered within 6 weeks. Assembly takes 40 minutes with two people and requires no structural work.
View the Model S specifications →
How much does a standing phone booth cost? The price guide
The price of a standing phone booth varies depending on its origin, acoustics, finishes, and warranty level.
An entry-level model, often manufactured in Asia, ranges from €1,800 to €3,000 (excluding tax). Acoustic performance and lifespan may be limited.
A mid-range model, often European, ranges from €3,500 to €5,000 (excluding tax). It offers decent acoustics but with fewer customization options.
Premium models range from €5,000 to €7,500 (excluding tax). These include booths manufactured in France or Scandinavia, featuring certification, extended warranties, and more refined finishes. The Model S Essentielle falls into this category, starting at €5,150 (excluding tax).
Above €7,500 (excl. tax), you enter the realm of custom-made or highly specific designs.
On the Model S, the main options are straightforward. The 57 × 207 cm glass back panel adds €360 (excl. tax). Category B fabric—M1 fire-rated and 100% recycled—adds €260 (excl. tax). An optioned booth therefore remains close to €5,770 excluding tax.
You must also factor in shipping and installation costs. At Essentielle, these are calculated based on the delivery area. Multiple orders qualify for discounts: 5% for 3 or more booths, 10% for 5 or more, and 15% for 10 or more.
Over 8 to 10 years, the annual cost becomes clearer. Above all, a well-sized booth avoids having to use a meeting room for a single person’s call.
The standing phone booth is a compact, economical, and ergonomic solution. It addresses a very specific need in open-plan offices: making short calls without monopolizing a room or staying put for too long.
It frees up space. It speeds up communication. It also helps reduce the time spent sitting at a desk.
Essentielle’s Model S combines these qualities in a booth manufactured in France. It is high-performance, mobile, certified Origine France Garantie, and rated Eco Impact A. It is available for express delivery within two weeks in a standard finish, starting at €5,150 (excluding tax).
Configure your Model S at essentielle.fr or request a personalized quote. An advisor will contact you within 24 business hours.
