Looking for tips on improving office break rooms
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I think you're not on the right forum for this kind of post.
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How about a pinball machine?
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Baby foot table
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@PotatoStarch said:
How about a pinball machine?Very good idea. 👍
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@Fizz_Code_FRERG said:
Baby foot tableIs that foosball?
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A Keurig coffee machine with pods always stocked, a microwave, and a fridge is a must so lunches don’t spoil. A direct water filter cold with hot water. Phone charging cables on the tables and comfortable chairs that are easy to clean would round it out.1
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Yes sorry was sure the english name was the same
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A pool table.
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@PotatoStarch said:
How about a pinball machine?I second that! Pinball and/or a retro arcade game (Pac-Man, Street Fighter, etc.) would go well in a break room. It's a good idea to have signs that prohibit food and drink near any games.
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Seeing how everyone is locked to their phone nowadays, I would think you just have to make sure every chair has a wall charger beside it and nobody will complain ;-)
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What are the dimensions of the room?
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Here are a few thoughts you could share in response:
It’s great that you’re thinking about making the break room more intentional—those spaces really do affect morale and energy levels. Comfortable seating and good lighting are a strong starting point. If possible, mixing seating types (soft chairs, a small couch, and a table with regular chairs) helps accommodate different needs, whether someone wants to relax or eat and chat.
Using simple plans or layouts can definitely help, even for a break room. You don’t necessarily need highly detailed blueprints, but a basic floor plan with measurements can make a big difference. This is where concepts from blueprint takeoffs are useful: measuring the space, understanding clearances, and planning where utilities are (power, water) before choosing appliances like a coffee machine or fridge. It helps avoid overcrowding and ensures good flow.
Other ideas that often improve functionality:
Clearly defined zones (food prep, seating, quiet corner)
Storage cabinets to reduce clutter
Plants or wall art to make the space feel less “office-like”
Plenty of outlets or USB charging points
If you do use plans, even a simple scaled drawing or a free space-planning tool can help visualize different layouts before committing. Involving employees by asking what they’d actually use can also lead to better results and more buy-in.
Overall, treating the break room like a small design project rather than an afterthought usually pays off.
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You need a fish tank...
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@Ekay said:
A Keurig coffee machine with pods always stocked, a microwave, and a fridge is a must so lunches don’t spoil. A direct water filter cold with hot water. Phone charging cables on the tables and comfortable chairs that are easy to clean would round it out.I would never recommend using someone else's cable especially one left in a unintended room. To easy to get your phone hacked that way.
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I agree that leaving cables out is a bad idea. They can get damaged, stolen and more. Some charging stations have them built-in, but they are also prone to damage. I've seen most venues replace them with rentable power banks instead.
A small number of venues have Qi wireless charging, but I find that wired charging works best.
At the office and several restaurants, we have AC outlets that also offer built-in USB-A charging ports. These should generally work well, but those who want to be extra safe can bring a power-only USB-A to USB-C cable. These do not allow data transfer.
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You could bring in a few plants. They clean the air and make the space feel more organic. You could have some fun and have a plant naming contest and give them little personalities. If you wanted to go further, you could have a journal for the plants and invite people to write in them for fun: imagine the adventures the plants have when no one is around, or have them pine for the people over the weekends/down time.
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It is necessary to have a surveillance camera in case accidents happen
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Great question! I'd ask the people who want you to use the break room what they are looking for. Do they want a place to hang out? A place to grab a coffee? A place to relax and unwind? They may have great ideas.
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@JohnAlaric said:
I’ve been thinking about ways to improve our office break room. Currently, it’s pretty basic and doesn’t offer much in terms of comfort or functionality. I want to create a space where employees can relax and recharge. Some ideas I have are adding more comfortable seating, better lighting, and maybe some small appliances like a coffee machine or fridge. I also wonder if there are any design plans or layouts to help organize a break room better. I recently learned about blueprint takeoffs and how they can be used to plan spaces effectively. Does anyone have experience using plans for such projects or suggestions for creating a more functional break room? I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts and suggestions on this. Thanks in advance!Your ideas are right on point. Comfortable seating, good lighting, and practical appliances like a coffee machine or fridge are usually the biggest wins. A few additional suggestions that often make a difference:
Zoning the space: If possible, separate areas for eating, relaxing, and quick breaks. Even subtle dividers (furniture placement, rugs, lighting) can help.
Lighting: Warm, indirect lighting makes the space feel more inviting, especially if the room doesn’t get much natural light.
Functionality first: Enough outlets, counter space, and easy-to-clean surfaces go a long way.
Storage: Cabinets or shelves for mugs, snacks, and supplies keep the room from feeling cluttered.
Small touches: Plants, wall art, or a bulletin board can make the space feel less “corporate” and more welcoming.
Regarding plans or layouts, using simple floor plans or even lightweight “blueprint-style” planning can be very helpful, especially to:
Visualize circulation and seating capacity
Ensure appliances fit properly and safely
Plan electrical needs ahead of time
You don’t necessarily need full architectural plans for a break room, but scaled layouts or basic takeoffs can definitely help avoid mistakes and make better use of the space.
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Maybe some sort of analog game like a pinball machine or something?
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