A break room is an important area in many offices, but some offices only have room for a relatively small break room. Luckily, there are many easy ways to utilize any space, even a small one, to create an area where employees can relax and get a respite from their busy day.
At Urban 9-5, we're proud to offer a huge selection of unique office furniture pieces, including everything from office seating to desks, storage and a variety of accessories. We've helped many clients design smaller spaces in their offices, including smaller break rooms. Here are some general themes and tips we offer for this sort of setting.
Table and Chair Selection
You'll be looking to conserve space wherever possible, and selecting smaller tables and chairs is one way to do that. There are a variety of table and chair combos on the market that can be especially helpful in this type of situation.
Another option is to choose tables that fold up or down. This way, you can store them away when they're not needed and only pull them out when employees need to take a break.
Storage Solutions
Storage is always a concern for break rooms. You want to be able to store the essentials like cups, plates and utensils, but you also want to give people plenty of space to leave personal belongings such as purses or jackets. You should be thinking about wall-mounted storage options as well as furniture with built-in storage.
One great option is to choose a cabinet or credenza with doors that open up. This will give you plenty of concealed storage space that won't take up any extra floor space.
Decorating and Personalizing
Adding a little personality to your break room can really help employees feel at home. You can do this with accessories like plants, art, or even a small kitchenette.
If you're short on space, consider adding a few personal touches to the walls. Wall decals or other removable wall art is a great option, as it won't take up any permanent space and can be changed out as needed.
Proper Lighting and Comfortable Temperature
Proper lighting and temperature control are important for any area where employees will be spending a significant amount of time, but it's even more crucial in smaller break rooms. You should have well-lit areas with plenty of natural light as well as overhead lighting options for darker days or times of the day.
You should also consider installing a programmable thermostat to help employees and guests stay comfortable and regulate humidity as needed. It's especially important that you address any temperature problems during the winter, as inadequate heating can contribute to health issues such as flu and colds.
For more on how to properly design a small break room space in your office, or to learn about any of our industrial office furniture pieces, speak to the staff at Urban 9-5 today.