In today’s fast-paced and evolving workplace, more organisations are embracing the need for dynamic spaces that cater to different types of work and relaxation. Office breakout furniture plays a key role in this shift, helping to transform the workplace into a more collaborative, creative, and comfortable environment. But what exactly is office breakout furniture, and why should it be a priority for your office?
In this article, we’ll dive into the must-have office breakout furniture types, explore the benefits they bring to the workplace, and explain how to choose the right pieces for your office.
What is Office Breakout Furniture?
Office breakout furniture refers to the furniture designed for informal office areas, often called "breakout spaces." These are places where your team can step away from their desks to relax, socialise, or hold impromptu, informal meetings. These spaces are as essential to modern office design as traditional workstations. Typical office breakout furniture includes:
- Soft seating: Think sofas, armchairs, and bean bags.
- Modular seating: Furniture that can be easily rearranged for group or solo use.
- High-back chairs: Ideal for creating semi-private spaces within open-plan offices.
- Coffee and side tables: Functional pieces that provide a place for drinks or devices during meetings or breaks.
- Multi-functional items: Pieces like poufs or movable desks that adapt to different needs.
By adding these types of office breakout furniture, you're creating an inviting space for team members to take a break and generate ideas in a more relaxed setting.
The Purpose of Breakout Areas and Rooms in Offices
Breakout spaces aren’t just trendy extras – they are vital to creating a balanced, engaging work environment. They serve many important purposes such as:
- Relaxation: A designated place to unwind helps prevent burnout and improves employee well-being.
- Collaboration: Breakout areas foster informal meetings and discussions, encouraging idea-sharing outside the traditional meeting room.
- Creativity: Relaxed spaces lead to relaxed minds, making these areas perfect for creative thinking and problem solving.
And if these purposes aren’t enough, you should know that creating an office environment where team members can recharge and collaborate organically significantly boosts morale and productivity. A study in Stanford found that employees who work in collaborative settings are 50% more productive than those working individually.
Why You Need Breakout Furniture in Your Office
Now that we understand what office breakout furniture is, let’s explore why it’s essential for every workplace.
Promotes Employee Well-being - Office breakout furniture helps create spaces that allow team members to de-stress, step away from their screens, and recharge. Offering this break from the more formal work areas enhances mental well-being and leads to happier, more productive employees.
Encourages Collaboration and Creativity - An informal environment encourages colleagues to interact in a more relaxed way. Breakout areas are perfect for impromptu discussions, brainstorming sessions, and casual collaboration that often results in the most innovative ideas.
Increases Flexibility and Multi-Use Spaces - Office breakout furniture is often modular, making it easy to rearrange and adapt the space to suit different needs, whether that’s a quick one-on-one discussion, a team meeting, or just quiet spaces for individual work. This flexibility maximises your office space, allowing for all work practices and settings to be in the same area.
Enhances Office Aesthetics - Let’s face it, no one wants to work in a dull office. Stylish office breakout furniture not only adds to the comfort of the workspace but also enhances its visual appeal, making the office a more attractive and enjoyable place to be. The right breakout furniture can elevate the entire look of your office, leaving a lasting impression on clients and visitors as well as employees.
Key Features of Office Breakout Furniture
When selecting breakout furniture, there are a few key features you should prioritise:
Comfort and Ergonomics - It’s essential to choose comfortable, ergonomic furniture that supports a variety of postures, whether your team members are sitting for a meeting or lounging during a break. After all, a breakout space should feel like a change from traditional workspaces.
Modularity and Flexibility - Modular furniture that can be easily moved or reconfigured allows your breakout spaces to adapt to changing needs. For example, modular seating can transform a solo relaxation space into a collaborative meeting area in seconds.
Durability and Easy Maintenance - Breakout areas tend to be high-traffic zones, so it’s crucial that the furniture is durable and easy to clean. Look for materials that can handle everyday use without showing signs of wear and tear to maximise your investment into the space.
Aesthetic Appeal - Finally, the furniture should complement the overall design of your office. Choose colours, shapes, and textures that reflect your company’s brand and create a cohesive look throughout the workspace.
6 Types of Breakout Furniture You NEED in Your Office
So, what are the must-have types of office breakout furniture to consider? Here are six options to transform your office into a dynamic, functional space:
- Soft Seating and Lounge Chairs – Think of plush sofas, armchairs, and even bean bags (ok, Google..!). These pieces are perfect for casual conversations or quiet downtime.
- High-Back Chairs and Booths – High-back chairs or booth seating provide semi-private spaces within open-plan offices, allowing team members to work quietly or have focused conversations.
- Modular Seating and Tables – Modular options are a great choice for spaces that need to serve multiple functions. These can be rearranged to suit team meetings, solo work, or group collaboration.
- Standing Desks – For a more flexible breakout area, consider standing desks that can easily shift to meet different team needs. This promotes movement and adds variety to the workspace.
- Multi-Functional Pieces – Items like poufs or low tables can double as seating, planning areas or footrests, making them perfect for breakout areas when space is limited.
- Coffee Tables and Side Tables – Don’t forget functional pieces like coffee tables and side tables, which offer convenient surfaces for laptops, notebooks, or drinks during meetings or breaks.
How to Choose the Right Breakout Furniture for Your Office
Selecting the right office breakout furniture requires careful consideration. Here’s a quick guide to help you make the best choice:
Assess Office 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? Understanding your team’s habits will guide your furniture choices.
Consider Space and Layout - 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 quiet? Plan the layout accordingly, ensuring there’s enough room for movement and flexibility.
Budget Considerations - Finally, balance style, comfort, and durability within your budget. Breakout furniture is an investment, so it’s worth finding high-quality pieces that will last.
Conclusion
Office breakout furniture is more than just a trendy addition—it’s an essential part of creating a balanced, flexible, and inspiring workplace. By integrating the right breakout furniture into your office, you can enhance employee well-being, foster creativity and collaboration, and create a workspace that people truly enjoy.
Ready to start your tailored Workplace Design journey? Get in touch with our team of experts to learn how we can help transform your office.
