The office cafeteria can be an important factor in employee productivity and satisfaction. The wrong office cafeteria design concepts can drain employees’ energy and inspiration or even make them uncomfortable. However, with our office cafeteria design ideas, you can create a space that uplifts workers.
Office cafeteria designs require thoughtfulness. You need a design that works with your available space, offers comfortable seating, and satisfies employee needs. Consider implementing one of these distinct design concepts when planning your office cafeteria.
1. Rustic Dining Room
You can curate a rustic, traditional dining room vibe in your cafeteria if you want something homey but still professional.
We suggest long, spacious dining tables with low chairs for this concept idea. Opt for warm materials like wood in dark tones that elevate the space. The cafeteria should be comfortable but with a formal feel.
You can keep the aesthetic refined or lean into the rusticity and select farmhouse-style pieces such as reclaimed chairs. You can certainly include outlets in the cafeteria, but you skip them and reserve the cafeteria for socializing, dining, and resetting before heading back to work.
Since the idea is a little more upscale, we recommend including an attended market, high-end coffee services, and catering.
2. Colorful and Creative
On the other hand, you can create a colorful, creative, and cheerful cafeteria. We recommend this type of design for more modern or nontraditional workplaces, such as a young tech start-up or artistic marketing firm.
The design can help inspire employees and keep their creative juices flowing even on their lunch break. The space should be bright with an open layout, so embrace all the natural light you can. Make sure you include outlets, so employees can work if inspiration strikes.
Bring in artistic décor and abstract art that uplifts the energy in the space. The furniture should still be tasteful and adult. We recommend varying seating, mixing high-tops with small tables and long dining tables. Consider a patterned tile floor or whimsical wall paint design.
Micro markets, attended markets, coffee stations, and vending machines are all wonderful for this type of design.
3. Professional Minimalism
Minimalism is still a popular aesthetic and can give your office cafeteria a modern and clean vibe. This simplified, unfussy design can be a calming sanctuary for employees who need a break from the chaos of work. It’s a wise choice for hectic, fast-paced offices.
Stick with neutral colors, like white, beige, soft grey, charcoal grey, chocolate brown, and black. For this aesthetic, we like to curate a symmetrical feel in the dining area. Disperse medium-sized tables evenly throughout the area. If you want, you can create high-top seating in the middle.
Ensure the space has convenient power outlets, water stations, coffee stations, and attended markets. While this design should be understated, the atmosphere should feel stately and luxe.
4. Biophilic Breakroom
Biophilic interior design is popular right now, and for good reason. Biophilic designs benefit humans in many ways, from improved mood to enhanced air quality.
For this idea, plants and greenery are musts. Natural light is also essential, so big windows, skylights, and open layouts are perfect. Use organic materials such as wood, bamboo, rattan, cotton, marble, and natural stone.
If you want to lean into the idea, you can make the cafeteria feel like it’s outside. Install a faux grass floor, hang plants from the ceiling, or add a water feature, like a small fountain. If you can create an indoor-outdoor cafeteria where employees can freely move between the indoors and outdoors, this is ideal.
A biophilic design concept is sensational for companies that are dedicated to sustainability and wellness. Consider curating the food and beverage options to align, including organic snacks, healthful beverages, and sustainable brands.
5. Charming Café
There’s a reason people choose to work at coffee shops: they’re cozy and comfortable, but not so much that you’ll fall asleep. Turn your office cafeteria into a charming café and create a welcoming space for your employees.
The cafeteria should feel welcoming and intimate, with small, low tables. Mix and match seating styles such as petite tables, cushy accent chairs, and casual couches. Comfort is important here, so prioritize cushioned seating and ergonomics. The atmosphere should be warm, but it doesn’t need to be rustic or moody. The space can still be bright but skip the fluorescent LEDs.
Both attended markets, and micro markets are excellent for this concept, so choose which makes the most sense for your business. However, we do think a robust coffee and tea station is necessary to achieve the café vibe.
6. Plush Playroom
For offices that embrace a playful and fun atmosphere, a plush playroom-inspired cafeteria is perfect. The design can have a whimsical and childish feel, which can help workers unwind, connect with their creative sides, and have fun.
You can bring in funky furniture such as hammocks, bean bags, picnic tables, and swings, but make sure you also include comfortable couches, ottomans, and chairs. The space should be colorful and light.
You can even add games. Things like foosball, puzzles, table tennis, a doodle wall, chess, checkers, and even video games can foster creativity and problem-solving. These kinds of activities can bring your team together, improving morale and interoffice friendships.
Since this concept is more informal and playful, micro markets and vending machines are our favorite options.
7. Innovative and Industrial
Not all office cafeteria design concepts have to be artistic and creative. If your office culture is more serious and business-forward, an industrial cafeteria can work.
While industrial aesthetics can feel cold and soulless, they can also be contemporary and casual. Use neutral, moody colors and sturdy materials such as stone, walnut, brick, and metal. Bring in raw lighting, like naked incandescent bulbs, and opt for structured, streamlined furniture.
For these kinds of spaces, we love high seating, but low, long tables can work too. Industrial designs don’t have an intimate feel, which can make it easier for employees to mingle and feel connected to others in the space.
Attended markets, micro markets, vending machines, coffee stations, and water stations are all conducive to this design.
8. Mini Meeting Spots
If your office cafeteria is more than just a space for people to eat and relax—it’s a space where people work—consider creating mini-meeting spots throughout.
Some office cafeterias are hotspots for networking and quick meetings over lunch. You can encourage and support this productive practice by setting up intimate seating areas where people can speak comfortably and privately.
Booth seating is ideal for this, offering a place where two to four people can sit and discuss business. The layout should feel open, but each seating area should feel somewhat closed.
For this idea, include plenty of outlets throughout the cafeteria so everyone can use mobile devices without worrying that they’ll run out of battery power. Use low, warm lighting directly over each table rather than strong overhead lighting throughout the space. Allow for medium natural light.
For a more formal office culture, we suggest attended markets or micro markets. If employees prefer casual meeting styles, micro markets and vending machines are ideal.
9. Indoor Picnic
An indoor picnic vibe is an endearing and fun cafeteria design concept. This option takes elements of biophilic design and creates a casual, sunny atmosphere.
Execute this idea by bringing in picnic tables, benches, tablecloths, and small plants. Keep seating low to the ground and ensure there is plenty of natural light flooding in. The lighting should be laidback, so consider string lights, lanterns, or naked bulbs.
If there is an outdoor area, set up tables with umbrellas. Maybe even add an outdoor game like bean bag toss or giant Jenga.
Place pillows on the indoor seats. You can even go the extra mile and make the floor a grassy shade of green or use artificial turf. With an indoor picnic design, employees can feel like every workday lunch is a whimsical and enjoyable activity.
We love attended markets and micro markets for this idea, but you can also place vending machines in the outdoor spaces.
Choosing a Concept That Inspires
These office cafeteria design ideas are all different, so be sure to choose one that’s conducive to your office culture. Not every office has the same dynamic. Consider which of these office cafeteria design concepts makes the most sense for your team and space.
If you’re stumped trying to choose, consider surveying your employees! The idea of eating lunch on a hammock might sound ridiculous to them—or maybe it sounds like a blast. You can also factor your budget into this decision, as some office cafeteria design ideas are more cost-effective.
Creating Your Cafeteria
No matter which aesthetic and concept you decide to implement, make sure you have all the food and drinks your team members need to satisfy their stomachs and get back to work.
From upscale attended markets to casual micro markets to convenient vending machines, we can help you set up your cafeteria with everything it needs.
Contact us today so your office can enjoy a functional and stylish cafeteria!
