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Office Break Room: How to Design a Relaxing Space for Employees

How to Design an Office Break Room That Boosts Morale & Productivity?

A well-designed office break room is more than just a space to grab a cup of tea, it’s a strategic asset that can enhance employee wellbeing, foster collaboration, and increase productivity. In today’s evolving workplace, where hybrid schedules, remote collaboration, and mental health are at the forefront of business conversations, the office break room has taken on new significance.

No longer just a place to microwave leftovers or scroll through your phone, modern break rooms are central to workplace culture. They offer a physical and psychological pause from the workday, allowing teams to reset, socialise, and recharge. With the right layout, furniture, lighting, and features, these spaces can help reduce stress, prevent burnout, and even spark spontaneous creativity.

Whether you’re outfitting a brand-new workspace or upgrading an existing one, the break room should never be an afterthought. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of designing a break room that reflects your company culture, meets the diverse needs of your team, and adds value to your workplace as a whole.

Why Break Rooms Matter in the Modern Workplace

When we talk about acoustic solutions, we mean more than just one product. Instead, it is a complete approach to controlling sound in the workplace. These solutions are designed to absorb, block, or redirect noise so that employees can work more comfortably. The key is in finding the right mix of solutions tailored to the layout and needs of your office.

Some of the most popular acoustic solutions for open office buildings include:

• Acoustic panels and wall treatments that absorb echoes and reverberation.
• Desk dividers and acoustic screens that stop sound travelling across rows of desks.
• Meeting pods and acoustic booths that provide private, quiet spaces for calls or focused work.
• Acoustic seating and furniture that combine comfort with noise-reducing materials.
• Zoning strategies that use furniture, pods, and partitions to separate busy areas from quieter workspaces.

Explore our full range of acoustic solutions to see how these can transform your office.

Why Open Office Buildings Need Acoustic Solutions

A thoughtfully designed break room offers your team a much-needed mental reset throughout the workday. It’s where people recharge, catch up with colleagues, or spend a few minutes away from their desks, all of which contribute to a healthier, happier work culture.

Research from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) shows that companies investing in wellbeing spaces often see improved employee engagement and reduced stress-related absences. These spaces signal that the company values its people, encouraging a culture of respect, balance, and productivity.

In an era where burnout is a growing concern and work-life boundaries are increasingly blurred, break rooms offer a crucial buffer. Whether employees use them for a quiet moment of solitude, a coffee-fuelled brainstorm with teammates, or a bit of light entertainment to reset their focus, these moments contribute to sharper thinking and more effective collaboration throughout the day.

Break rooms also help improve retention and attract top talent. In surveys on workplace satisfaction, features like collaborative spaces and break areas consistently rank high, especially among younger generations seeking a more holistic workplace experience. When employees feel supported physically and mentally, they’re more likely to stay loyal and perform at their best.

Ultimately, break rooms aren’t just “nice to have”, they’re a strategic component of modern office design that drives measurable business outcomes.

Designing an effective office break room starts long before you buy your first kettle or sofa. The layout forms the foundation of how comfortable, functional, and inviting the space will be. Before diving into aesthetics or shopping for furniture, focus on these critical early steps:

1. Access Your Space

Measure the full dimensions of the room and take note of structural features, such as the location of windows, doors, radiators, and electrical outlets. This will help you plan where to place furniture, lighting, and kitchen equipment. Think about traffic flow: employees should be able to move around without squeezing past tables or disrupting others.

For small office break room ideas, modular furniture or dual-purpose items, like wall-mounted fold-down tables or bar-style seating with under-bench storage, can make a big difference in usability without overcrowding the room

2. Define the Purpose

What role will this break room play in your office culture? Some teams may prefer a relaxing lunch area with soft seating, while others may want to use it as a creative collaboration hub or a semi-formal meeting zone.

The layout and furniture should match your team’s habits. If quiet downtime is a priority, design areas with physical or visual separation from the main workspace. If it’s more of a social space, consider open-plan furniture arrangements and communal seating options.

3. Plan for Multi-Use Flexibility

Don’t assume your break room will serve just one purpose. A well-designed room can flex to meet various needs throughout the day, from solo relaxation to impromptu brainstorming.

Use lightweight, movable furniture that’s easy to reconfigure. Stackable chairs, nesting tables, and wheeled storage units offer versatility without long-term commitment to a single layout.

4. Consider Footfall and Usage Patterns

Observe how many people typically use the break room at once, and when. If most of the team eats lunch at the same time, prioritise more seating and food prep areas. If usage is staggered throughout the day, comfort zones and smaller clusters may work better.

Also consider nearby departments, e.g., if the room is adjacent to sales or customer service, acoustics and soundproofing may be important.

Furniture That Makes a Difference

The furniture you choose will set the tone for your break room’s comfort, professionalism, and functionality. Go beyond the basics to create a space that feels intentionally designed and people-first.

1. Include Comfortable Seating

Provide a variety of seating options that cater to different preferences, such as soft office sofas for lounging, bistro chairs for meals, and bar stools for quick chats. Make sure each piece offers ergonomic support to help staff truly unwind and reset.

Don’t forget accessibility, ensure at least some seating is appropriate for people with limited mobility.

2. Add Flexible Tables

Choose tables that support multiple uses. Folding, extendable, or height-adjustable models can easily adapt for meetings, meals, or solo work. Round tables encourage more social interaction than square ones, while long rectangular ones maximise space efficiency.

Consider surfaces that are scratch-resistant and easy to clean, especially in high-traffic break areas.

3. Don’t Skimp on Storage 

A tidy break room is a pleasant break room. Incorporate closed storage solutions, such as under-counter cabinets, drawer units, or lockers, to keep personal items, utensils, and snacks organised.

Well-thought-out storage reduces clutter and makes the space feel more spacious and calming.

Office Break Room Essentials

Once the furniture’s sorted, it’s time to layer in the essentials that turn the space into a fully functioning rest zone.

1. Kitchenette Features 

A fridge, microwave, kettle, and sink are the bare minimum. But going further with extras like a dishwasher, toaster, or bean-to-cup coffee machine will show employees you value their comfort.

Ensure there’s ample counter space for food prep and storage for mugs, utensils, and cleaning products. For bonus points, include eco-friendly products like compostable cutlery and refillable soap dispensers.

2. Charging Stations

Install discreet USB or plug sockets in seating areas or counters to allow staff to charge phones, tablets, or even laptops during breaks. This is especially important in flexible or hybrid offices where people move between desks or work on personal devices.

3. Rubbish  & Recycling

Make waste disposal easy and intuitive. Use colour-coded bins with clear signage to encourage recycling. For extra cleanliness, consider covered bins and a separate food waste container to avoid odours.

Injecting Style: Colours, Lighting, and Materials

Design and ambience can make or break your break room. Focus on elements that promote calm, creativity, and inclusivity.

1. Choose Soothing Colours 

Soft neutrals, muted greens, and pastel blues are ideal for creating a calm environment. You can also incorporate your brand colours subtly to maintain consistency across the office.

Accent colours, like mustard, coral, or teal, can be used for cushions, artwork, or chair upholstery to bring energy without overwhelming the space.

2. Make Use of Natural Light

Maximise any natural light available by keeping windows unobstructed and using light-coloured furnishings that reflect brightness. Add mirrors if needed to bounce light into darker corners.

If your room lacks daylight, mimic it with warm-toned LED lights or full-spectrum lighting that avoids the sterile “cold” look of older fluorescents.

3. Use Durable, Easy-Clean Materials 

Break rooms see heavy use, so durability matters. Prioritise furniture with wipeable finishes, stain-resistant upholstery, and flooring that stands up to spills and high footfall.

Vinyl, laminate, and treated wood are all great low-maintenance options for both style and longevity.

Creative Office Break Room Ideas to Inspire You

Want to take things up a notch? Add these creative elements to make your break room stand out and offer more than just a place to microwave lunch.

1. Create a Mini Library or Magazine Corner 

Install a small shelf or rotating rack with magazines, industry publications, and fiction. Reading can offer a mental escape and may even spark fresh ideas when people return to their desks.

Encourage staff to contribute to a mini book swap to build a sense of ownership and community.

2. Add a Snack Bar 

Set up a simple station with baskets or shelves containing healthy snacks and drinks. You can rotate the selection weekly based on staff preferences, include dietary-friendly options, and even trial local suppliers.

Use this as an opportunity to build team spirit, let employees vote for next week’s snacks!

3. Use Mood-Boosting Wall Art

Add art that promotes positivity and reflects company values. Think motivational quotes, framed photos of team events, or vibrant abstract prints.

Change artwork seasonally to keep the space fresh and engaging.

4. Include Games or Activities

Depending on your space and team dynamic, casual games like darts, table football, puzzles, or even LEGO bricks can offer fun stress relief. These additions support informal socialising and improve morale, especially in high-pressure work environments.

Small Office Break Room Ideas: Maximise What You’ve Got

Not every workplace has room for a sprawling canteen, but that doesn’t mean your break room can’t be clever, cosy, and full of character. Even the smallest spaces can become functional and inviting with a few smart choices.

Want more inspiration? Explore the 5 great products for creating a relaxing work environment to elevate your break room and boost employee wellbeing.

• Go Vertical 

When floor space is limited, think upwards. Wall-mounted shelves, magnetic spice racks, and hanging mug hooks free up counter space while keeping essentials within easy reach. Foldable wall tables can also double as standing desks or snack stations when flipped down.

• Use Multi-Use Furniture 

Look for furniture that works twice as hard. Benches with built-in storage, nesting stools, or compact dining sets can save valuable room while still offering flexibility. An ottoman with hidden storage or a sideboard that doubles as a serving station can be game-changers in small offices.

• Add Mirrors 

Mirrors reflect light and create the illusion of depth, instantly making a small room feel more spacious and less boxed-in. Use them strategically opposite windows or in darker corners to bounce light around the room.

• Create Zones 

Even in tiny spaces, visual separation helps avoid a cluttered feel. Use rugs, small partitions, or different lighting to subtly distinguish a dining area from a lounge or coffee corner. It gives structure without walls, and helps define how each part of the room is used.

• Keep It Clutter-Free

Organisation is everything in a compact space. Choose clean-lined furniture, limit visual noise, and add discreet bins or baskets to hide mess. Use drawer organisers and dividers in cupboards to make every inch count.

• Prioritise Light and Air

If your space lacks windows, go for light colours, airy materials (like mesh chairs or glass tables), and soft LED lighting that mimics natural daylight. A small desk fan or plant can also help the space feel fresher and less stuffy.ry inch count.

How to Transition  from Temporary to Permanent Office Space?

Temporary break rooms, whether in coworking spaces, modular units, or makeshift kitchenettes, often serve a short-term purpose but rarely reflect your company culture or meet long-term employee needs. When it’s time to shift into a more permanent environment, the transition should feel like an upgrade in both form and function.

• Get Employee Feedback Early

Start by asking your team what worked and what didn’t in your previous setup. Was the space too cramped? Were there enough seating options? Did the layout support quiet time or social interaction? Gathering this feedback ensures the new design aligns with real user needs, not just aesthetic preferences.

• Upgrade Equipment and Furniture 

Temporary break rooms often rely on basic equipment and borrowed furniture. Moving to a permanent space is your chance to invest in quality, from energy-efficient appliances to durable, ergonomic chairs. Consider integrating pieces from BT Office’s office breakout furnitures or office sofas ranges for both style and longevity.

• Scale and Adapt Your Layout

Retain any functional elements from your temporary setup, such as a layout that encourages collaboration, but scale it to suit a larger team or broader range of uses. For example, if employees enjoyed a high table for casual meetings, include it in your permanent space but surround it with additional seating and lighting for a more complete zone.

• Reflect Your Brand and Culture

A permanent office is more than just walls and desks, it’s an opportunity to visually reinforce your company’s identity. Bring in your brand colours through soft furnishings or wall décor, and use imagery or graphics that showcase your values. Even subtle touches like branded mugs or framed mission statements can make the space feel more ‘yours’.

• Consider Future Growth

Design with flexibility in mind. Modular furniture, movable partitions, and scalable storage will help your space adapt as your business grows, without needing another costly refit.

• Focus on Wellbeing

Now’s the time to prioritise comfort. Incorporate natural lighting, invest in air quality improvements, and provide spaces for both relaxation and quiet reflection. These enhancements demonstrate that your company takes wellbeing seriously, which can improve morale and reduce turnover.

See the full Funding Circle case study to explore how BT Office transformed their workspace.

Final Thoughts

An office break room isn’t just a convenience, it’s a reflection of your company culture and a strategic investment in employee wellbeing. Whether you’re designing a compact nook or a spacious communal area, thoughtful planning and quality furniture can transform it into a space where people genuinely enjoy spending time.

By creating an inviting place to pause, recharge, and connect, you’re not only supporting your team’s physical and mental health, you’re also fostering productivity, collaboration, and retention.

Ready to design a break room that works for your space and your team? Get in touch with our team for expert advice on how to bring your ideas to life.

Call 0800 298 7033 or email [email protected] to get started.

FAQs about Office Break Rooms

What is a break room in an office?

A break room is a dedicated space where employees can relax, eat, and recharge away from their desks. It helps improve morale, reduce stress, and encourage informal communication among colleagues.

What is the best colour for an employee break room?

Soft greens, blues, and earthy neutrals promote calm and focus. Accent colours like orange or yellow can add energy without overwhelming the space.

Are break rooms worth it?

Yes, break rooms are a worthwhile investment. They support employee wellbeing, boost productivity, and contribute to a positive work culture.

Should break rooms have windows?

Ideally, yes. Natural light enhances mood and energy levels. If windows aren’t possible, use bright, warm lighting and reflective surfaces to mimic daylight.

Should break rooms have TVs?

TVs can be useful for displaying company updates, news, or entertainment during lunch breaks. Just make sure the volume and content are appropriate for the workplace.

How to make a break room more fun?

Add creative elements like games, a snack station, mood lighting, or a theme wall. Rotate décor or snacks occasionally to keep it fresh and engaging.