Choosing the right furniture for your office breakout room

Office breakout areas are a vital part of fostering collaboration, creativity, and well-being in any workplace. No longer considered a luxury, these areas play a key role in shaping a positive work environment. Providing employees with a space to unwind, recharge, and connect can boost productivity and teamwork. But what truly crafts a breakout area into a space for innovation and relaxation? The right furniture.

The furniture you need for your office breakout room will depend on the number of staff you have, what you want out of the space and the style of interiors you have gone for throughout your office. There are, however, some essential pieces of furniture that you will want to consider to ensure that your employees and visitors are getting the most of the room.

Collaboration is at the core of every successful organisation, and the right workspace setup makes all the difference in regards to motivating your staff and ensuring they are satisfied at work.

Modular tables and movable seating let teams customise their space as needed, making it easier to adapt to different tasks but also work in different group sizes. This type of furniture encourages spontaneous conversations, creative problem-solving, and seamless collaboration. Features like tables with built-in power outlets or effortlessly movable chairs ensure employees can focus on ideas rather than logistics.

Lounge seating offers a more relaxed environment where team members can unwind or engage in informal meetings, making it the perfect choice for breaking away from the rigidity of traditional desks and creating a more homely atmosphere. Soft furnishings can include anything from sofas, to arm chairs and beanbags.

The Journal of Environmental Psychology found that in 2019 comfortable, adaptable furniture like lounge seating contributes to reduced stress and increased productivity in the workforce by giving them a space to unwind and collaborate. So even if people are using the breakout space to work instead of for their lunch break, it is still having an impact.

While collaboration is important, there are times when employees need a quiet space to focus. Privacy pods provide the ideal retreat for those looking to escape the noise of the office and place themselves in an area which supports concentration, private conversations, or moments of quiet reflection. With soundproofing and ergonomic design, privacy pods create a comfortable environment for deep work, confidential calls, or simply recharging. Find out more about office pods and their impact on the workplace.

For quick meetings and casual conversations, high-top tables are an excellent addition to any workspace, however having the option of adjustable tables offers even greater benefits. Designed to encourage flexibility, choosing adjustable tables means that your staff and visitors can create an area which suits them, whether that’s a standard table to eat their dinner on, a high table for a private meeting, a low table for a coffee break or an extended table for a group meeting.

Explore the different types of office desks

These adaptable seating units can be easily rearranged to suit different needs, whether for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, or company events. Available in various shapes and sizes, modular sofas and seating allow you to create dynamic spaces that evolve with your team’s requirements and use your breakout areas for different uses. They’re also great for dividing larger rooms into smaller spaces, providing dedicated spaces for collaboration or relaxation so you don’t need to consider planning a new section for a different purpose and utilising your existing space if you have a small-scale office.

Selecting the right office breakout furniture requires careful consideration. Here’s a quick guide to help you make the best choice:

Assess office and team needs – First, determine what your office needs most. Do your teams need more collaborative spaces? Or does your office lack quiet areas for solo work and private meetings? Understanding your team’s habits will guide your furniture choices and ensure that you are creating a space that will be used properly and effectively.

Space planning – Next, think about how much space you have and how you can best use it. Is your breakout area in a central part of the office, or is it tucked away for a quiet approach? Plan the layout accordingly, ensuring there’s enough room for movement and flexibility.

Discover more about our space planning services

Budget considerations – Finally, balance style, comfort, and durability within your budget. Any office refurbishment is an investment, so it’s worth finding high-quality pieces that will last but plan what it is you want to invest more into.

If you are thinking about updating your office furniture, then give us a call on 0115 697 1705. Not only are we able to supply and deliver your furniture, but we can also install it all for you! This really is the no-stress way to a cleaner, more modern office.

Find out more about our office furniture service.