A well-set-up office break room does more than give staff somewhere to eat lunch. It gives people a genuine reason to step away from their desks, recharge, and come back more focused. The essentials are straightforward: seating suited to short breaks, a table height that matches that seating, and a layout staff actually want to use. This guide covers each of those decisions, with practical advice on furniture types, sizing, budgeting, and where to shop in Australia.
A functional office break room needs three things: comfortable seating that encourages short breaks without becoming too relaxed, a table or bench surface at the right height to match that seating, and enough space for staff to move around without feeling cramped.
For most small-to-medium offices, that means a mix of cafe-height or standard-height tables with matching stools or chairs, and possibly a small lounge corner if space allows. Keep the layout open, the furniture easy to clean, and the aesthetic consistent with the rest of the office.
The right seating depends on how long staff typically spend in the break room and what kind of atmosphere you want to create.
Cafe chairs paired with standard-height tables (around 75 cm) are the most versatile option. They suit quick meals, informal catch-ups, and offices where the break room doubles as a meeting space. Browse cafe lounge furniture for options that balance comfort with practicality.
Bar stools work well with bench-height or bar-height tables (90–110 cm). They take up less floor space, suit smaller rooms, and give the space a more casual, social feel. If your break room is compact, bar furniture is worth considering as a space-efficient alternative.
Lounge chairs or small sofas suit offices with a larger break room or a dedicated relaxation corner. For guidance on choosing between the two, see our post on sofa vs lounge chair for shared spaces.
Avoid seating that is too deep or reclined for a break room context. Staff should feel refreshed after a break, not reluctant to return.
Table height should always be chosen alongside seating, not independently. The three standard heights are:
For table size, allow roughly 60 cm of table width per seated person. A 1.2 m table seats two comfortably; a 1.8 m table seats four to six. Round tables work well in smaller rooms because they eliminate corners and allow more flexible seating arrangements.
If your break room is narrow or doubles as a corridor space, a wall-mounted bench or a high bar table along one wall can free up significant floor area.
The furniture is only part of the equation. Layout and atmosphere matter just as much.
A few practical principles:
The goal is a room that staff choose to use, not one they avoid because it feels like an afterthought.
Break room furniture does not need to be expensive to be effective. A practical fitout for a small office of 10–15 people can be achieved for $1,500–$3,500 AUD, depending on the number of seats and the quality of materials selected.
A rough budget breakdown for a small break room:
Buying furniture as a set or as part of a broader office fitout often reduces the per-unit cost. If you are also furnishing desks, storage, and meeting rooms at the same time, our guide on how to fit out a new office on a budget covers bulk-buying strategies that apply across all furniture categories.
Prioritise durability over price at the lower end of the budget. Break room furniture takes heavy daily use, and replacing cheap pieces every two years costs more in the long run.
EasyMart delivers Australia-wide, with warehouses in VIC, NSW, QLD, WA, and SA. That coverage means faster transit times for most metro and regional addresses, with free warehouse pickup available if you prefer to collect in person.
For businesses furnishing a break room alongside a broader office fitout, bulk-order quotes are available. Our team can help coordinate sizing, finishes, and delivery across a single order. Browse our full range of cafe chairs to find options that suit your space and budget. Payment options include Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Shop Pay.
What furniture does a small office break room actually need?|||A small break room needs at minimum a table and enough seating for a reasonable portion of your team to use the space at once. For a team of 10, aim for seating for four to six people. Add a lounge chair or two if space allows. Keep it simple: the fewer pieces, the easier the room is to maintain and the more inviting it tends to feel.@@@Should I choose bar stools or standard chairs for a break room?|||Bar stools work best in compact rooms or where you want a casual, social atmosphere. Standard cafe chairs are more versatile and comfortable for longer breaks. If your break room has a standard-height table already, stick with standard chairs. If you are starting from scratch, choose the seating style first and then select a table height to match.@@@How much does it cost to furnish an office break room?|||A basic fitout for a small office typically costs between $1,500 and $3,500 AUD, covering a table and four to six seats. Mid-range fitouts with lounge seating and better-quality materials sit between $3,500 and $7,000. Costs vary depending on the number of seats, materials, and whether you are buying as part of a larger office order.@@@Can break room furniture be ordered as part of a bulk office fit-out?|||Yes. EasyMart offers bulk-order quotes for businesses furnishing multiple rooms or an entire office at once. This is a practical option if you are fitting out a break room alongside meeting rooms, reception areas, and workstations. Contact the team directly to discuss quantities, finishes, and delivery coordination across a single order.@@@
