When Remodeling Your Office Interiors, Don't Forget The Break Room!

All too often, the office break room serves as a catch-all for old furniture and seating that does little to help employees relax during downtime. When remodeling office interiors, the break room is typically the last space on your mind, but it shouldn't be. A well designed break room with good flow will encourage employee collaboration while reducing stress. Today on the blog we'll highlight the makeover tips and product suggestions needed to create an awesome break room on a budget. Enjoy!

First things first, you've got to do a little space planning. Measure your break room to determine how much room you have to work with. Take note of power outlets, doorways, and windows that will affect how your furniture is situated. With a good idea of square footage, you can determine how many tables and chairs will fit effectively without making your break room feel overcrowded.

Before rushing out to shop for new tables and chairs, it's a good idea to set a budget. You can find commercial quality break room tables for sale between $250.00 and $500.00 depending on size. The price spectrum on break room chairs is very wide. Some easy to clean plastic stack chairs can be purchased for less than $100.00 each. Doing a little preliminary research will help you determine what products you'll need and how much you should expect to spend.

Now it's time to get inspired! Since the break room is all about the employees, take the time to ask what features they'd like to see incorporated into the space. You can also visit social sharing sites like Pinterest and Instagram. They'll give you a ton of good ideas on how to get the most out of your square footage while simultaneously boosting corporate appeal.

You'll want to officially kick off your remodel by purchasing tables and chairs. You can keep things classic with round tables like the CA36SLB from Mayline, or go a bit more bold with a standing height table with swivel out seats like the 9004 model Endure from OFM. It's even got integrated power ports n the surface. While a bit more expensive initially, you won't have to invest additional funds in chairs. The Endure table is our favorite option for break room applications. The 4 seat model is available for $942.99.

Best Selling Break Room Tables:

• CA36SLB from Mayline
• Endure from OFM
• Mobi from Berco
• Bakhita from Global

Once you've selected tables for your space, it's time to find seating. In most cases, plastic stack chairs will do the trick. They're durable, easy to clean, and don't cost a small fortune. Upholstered office chairs are not recommended in high traffic areas that are subject to spills.

Best Selling Break Room Chairs

• Duet by Global
• Aire by Eurotech
• Escalate by Mayline
• Smart Series by OFM

With tables and chairs selected, you've laid the foundation for your space. Now it's time to accent and accessorize. We recommend starting with the essentials. Visit your local home store to pick up a coffee machine and toaster oven. You might also consider picking up some new silverware.

As far as aesthetic accents go, you can't go wrong with coffee shop themed wall art. Strive to maintain a simple, professional, and practical vibe with your remodel. There's no need to go over the top with modern area rugs and wall sconces.

The one splurge item you might want to consider for your break room is a flat screen TV. It will turn your space into a destination area where employees can congregate during down time. The ability to watch the news and sports will boost morale.

Now it's time to clean out your current space. Remove old furniture and clean out cabinet drawers. The refrigerator probably needs a little love too. With your space cleared, you'll be able to lay on a fresh coat of paint. In an ideal situation, your break room will be cleaned and ready to receive new items on the day they arrive!