Office Break Room Guide With Four Examples That Will Inspire You

So if you can't find me...look to the office break room!

Creating a workplace where employees genuinely want to be is a challenge—but the answer might just lie in your break room. Your office pantry offers more than coffee; it's where connections happen, ideas are born, and employees fuel up to defy gravity. It can be magical when done right; best of all, it's within reach for every workspace!

Ready to change your break room for the better (and see how many Wicked references we can make in a single intro)? Don't worry, we're determined that you succeed, just follow our lead.

What are the Essentials for an Office Break Room Layout 

The perfect break room isn't about size; it's about smart, intentional design. Here are the three zones every break room should keep in mind:

• Explore: Set up an organized, easy-to-view area where employees can quickly see what's available, from office snacks to coffee to cold drinks.
• Prep: Designate a space for quick prep, such as making coffee, assembling oatmeal, or preparing an afternoon snack.
• Enjoy: Create a seating area for employees to relax and enjoy their food. You don't have to have a full lounge; you just need a few comfy spots where coworkers can chat and recharge.

What are the Products You Should Offer in Your Break Room at Work

Now that you've set up the space, let's talk essentials. You want to ensure employees have what they need to stay fueled throughout the day. In our latest Budgeting Report, we broke this down into four essential buckets:  

• Breakfast: Starting the day strong is essential, starting with coffee and breakfast. Provide a selection of coffee and tea options for your team and consider stocking easy grab-and-go options like oatmeal cups, yogurt, or fresh fruit to help employees kick off their morning.
• Lunch Add-ons: Supplement lunch with a vast selection of office drinks and shelf-stable office snacks like pretzels, popcorn, trail mix, etc., and/or perishable snacks like string cheese, hummus, and guacamole cups. You can also have grab-and-go options like ramen, mac and cheese, tuna cups, and more. 
• Afternoon Snacks: Keep the energy going all day with a selection of snack, and hydration options such as electrolyte drinks, protein bars, kombucha, jerky, and more. Plus, don't count out the restorative power of a small sweet treat! 
• Supplies: Provide the necessities your team needs to enjoy your breakroom offerings, such as cups, napkins, utensils, and plates. Across Crafty-powered breakrooms, our standard is to opt for compostable office supplies so your employees can enjoy break time without the guilt.

What are the Common Mistakes People Make When Designing an Office Break Room 

Designing a break room might seem like a no-brainer, but some sneaky mistakes can throw off the whole vibe. Here's what to avoid:

• Putting everything too close together: No one wants a traffic jam around the office coffee maker! Create micro-stations for coffee, snacks, and drinks to help employees flow through the space comfortably without any one place getting too crowded.
• Forgetting about pathways: Think about how people actually move through your space, even if they are just walking through it. High-traffic items like water dispensers need to be out of the main walkway. Hydration's a must; squeezing through the crowd shouldn't be!
• Using containers that are too big: The catch with containers is that you have to fill them to make them look good. Opt for a smaller container so you don't fall into the trap of overstocking and, therefore, overspending. If you're working with Crafty, we'll handle all that! 

Four Office Break Rooms That Will Inspire You 

Now it's finally time to explore a few office breakroom ideas, all powered by Crafty! These examples showcase the magic in action, with clever layouts, inspired product selections, and thoughtful touches that make all the difference. Some would say it would make it quite popular! 

1. Fintech Kitchen

• Coffee micro-stations: Placing the office coffee machines and cold brew keg on opposite sides of the room helps spread out the coffee crowd and keeps things flowing.
• Quick-access coffee backups: Having extra coffee supplies within reach means brewing the next batch is always quick and seamless.
• Smart supply placement: Keeping cups, stirrers and napkins across from the coffee machine makes prep a breeze without getting in the way. 
• A dedicated toasting station: A tucked-away toasting station is perfect for those craving a quick breakfast or snack without disrupting the morning coffee rush.
• Fruit as functional decor: Fresh fruit is a healthy snack option and a bright, inviting decoration—it's easy to see and grab.

2. Ferrara's Break Room

• Separate snack and office coffee stations: Placing the snack wall away from the coffee bar allows for smooth traffic flow; no snackers getting in the way of caffeine seekers!
• A mix of wire and wood containers: Wooden containers manage bulkier items without looking cluttered, while wire keeps smaller snacks visible.
• Spaced-out coffee machines: Coffee machines and kegs in the same area but not too close, giving people room to grab their drink without bumping elbows.
• Tea and sweetener station: A dedicated prep area by the coffee and kegs makes it easy for those who want to move to the side to prepare their drink. Plus, it's close to the sink, so any accidental overflow can be quickly cleaned up. 
• Coffee shop vibes: Seating around the coffee bar creates a casual hangout spot for teams to connect and recharge.

Read the Ferrara Case Study > 

3. Lemonade's Office Kitchen

• Multiple coffee areas: A bean-to-cup and drip machine in the front and a pod machine in the back mean more options with less crowding; there's no need to pack everyone into one corner!
• Open shelving with reusable cups: This doubles as decor and is a functional way to fill the space with sustainable supplies.
• Glass-door fridge: A see-through fridge makes browsing easy without opening the door. This way, drinks and perishables stay at an optimal temperature. 
• Multifunctional central table: This table serves as a prep, dine-in, and collaboration area, perfect for a break room that's as versatile as it is inviting.
• Candy jar at the communal table: A little treat by the table for a quick pick-me-up.

Read the Lemonade Case Study > 

4. DraftKings' Breakroom

• Two drink areas: Dividing prepackaged drinks from drink equipment helps keep the flow through the space seamless.
• Easy prep area for coffee: Room for syrups, sweeteners, and milk near the coffee machine keeps everyone's coffee routine running smoothly. 
• Stacked fresh fruit containers: These stacked wire containers for fresh fruit create more countertop space while still offering an abundance of healthy snacking choices. 
• Labeled recycling and waste cabinets: These are clearly marked, tucked under cabinets, and visually appealing for an easy-to-follow cleanup process.
• Double microwaves: Two microwaves mean no waiting to heat up lunch, so more people can enjoy a hot meal without delays.
• Central seating for breaks: A comfortable seating area away from desks offers employees a space to unwind, recharge, and chat.

Read the DraftKings Case Study >

Conclusion

Here's the deal: a well-designed break room should be a place employees actually want to be; a place that feels like a break, not just another stuffy part of the office. You've seen how a few thoughtful tweaks, such as smart layouts, stocked essentials, and inviting spots to relax or connect with teammates, can make a world of difference. 

When your breakroom needs a makeover, we simply have to take over!