Employees need somewhere to sit when they're away from their desks. A small pantry with two chairs may be enough for a coffee break, but it doesn't always work when several people want lunch at the same time.
A café-style seating area gives staff a separate place to eat, chat, or spend a few minutes away from their computers. You don't need a large office or an expensive interior design project to create one. A few well-chosen tables, comfortable chairs, and proper lighting can make an ordinary corner feel more like a café.
Here's how to arrange a café-style office pantry without wasting floor space.
How to Set Up a Café-Style Seating Area in Your Office with the Right Furniture and Layout
Start by looking at the space you already have. Is there an unused corner near the pantry? Could you move an old cabinet and make room for a small table?
Measure your floor before you order anything. You need to remember chairs take up extra space when people pull them away from the table.
For a small office café area, consider:
- 2-seater tables: Good for coffee breaks and small pantry corners.
- 4-seater tables: Suitable for employees having lunch together.
- High Tables: Useful near coffee counters or windows.
- Wall-side seating: Keeps the middle of the room open for walking.
Try leaving around 90 cm for main walking areas. More space may be necessary behind occupied chairs.
Choose Dining Tables That Fit Your Office Pantry
Dining Tables aren't just for homes and restaurants. They also work well in office pantries where employees sit down for meals.
A four-person table measuring approximately 120 × 80 cm can suit a small group, depending on chair size.
If your office has twenty employees, don't assume everyone needs a seat at the same time. Check how many people usually take lunch together.
Round tables work well for small groups, while rectangular tables are easier to arrange along walls.
Choose tabletops that are easy to wipe clean. Coffee spills and food stains are unavoidable in a busy pantry.
Add High Tables for Short Coffee Breaks
Not everyone wants to sit down for half an hour. Some employees only need five minutes to drink coffee before returning to work.
High Tables are useful for these short breaks.
You can place one near a coffee machine or against an empty wall. Add two or three matching stools if there's enough room.
Before buying, check the table and stool heights together. A stool that's too low will make eating or drinking uncomfortable.
Avoid placing tall furniture directly in front of cupboards, refrigerators, or frequently used doors.
Make the Seating Comfortable, Not Crowded
A café-style office doesn't need a chair in every available corner.
People should be able to move around without knocking into others.
Choose chairs with supportive backs for lunch areas. If employees only use the space for quick drinks, stools may be sufficient.
You can mix regular dining chairs with high stools, but keep the colours and materials reasonably consistent.
Also consider noise. Hard floors and bare walls can make conversations sound louder, especially when several employees gather together.
Plan Electrical Connections Before Arranging Furniture
Employees may occasionally charge a phone or laptop while sitting in the café area.
If you want charging points near the tables, plan their locations before moving furniture.
Power Distribution Units (PDUs) are designed to deliver power to attached equipment, but the specific electrical arrangement is a consideration.
For everyday charging, properly installed wall sockets or suitable charging outlets may be enough.
Good cable management is important everywhere there are electrical connections. Keep cords away from walking areas and avoid running loose wires beneath chairs.
Ask a qualified electrician to handle any new electrical installation.
Can You Use Writing Boards in a Café-Style Office?
Yes, particularly if employees sometimes use the space for informal discussions.
Writing Boards can give colleagues somewhere to jot down ideas or discuss a small project without booking a meeting room.
A wall-mounted writing board takes up little floor space.
However, don't turn the entire pantry into another work area. Employees should still feel comfortable spending their breaks there without discussing office tasks.
What About Storage and Personal Belongings?
Office pantries often become cluttered with bags, lunch boxes, delivery packages, and other belongings.
Keep these items away from tables used for eating.
Depending on company policy, Safes may also be provided for certain secure storage when employees need to store personal items of value.
For everyday items, ordinary cupboards or lockers are usually more practical.
Keep the Café Area Easy to Clean
Choose furniture that can handle daily use.
Laminate tabletops are generally easy to maintain, while upholstered chairs may need more frequent cleaning.
Place bins where employees can reach them without blocking walkways.
Good ventilation also matters, particularly if food is heated nearby.
Avoid complicated furniture arrangements that make cleaning underneath tables difficult.
Find Office Pantry Furniture at Officebase
If you're planning an office café area in Dubai, Officebase has furniture categories for pantries and shared office spaces.
Dining Tables, High Tables and office accessories like Cable Management, Power Distribution Units, Writing Boards and Safes.
Officebase provides office furniture to companies in Dubai. Check the product measurements and available finishes before choosing furniture for your pantry.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much space do I need for an office café area?
A small corner can work for two to four people if there's enough room for chairs and walking.
2. Are high tables suitable for office pantries?
Yes. High tables work well for quick coffee breaks and informal seating.
3. Which table is best for an office lunch area?
A standard dining table with comfortable chairs is generally better for longer meal breaks.
4. What furniture should I buy for a small office café?
Start with a dining table, suitable chairs, and a high table if space allows.
5. How can I make an office café area look better?
Choose matching furniture, good lighting, easy-to-clean surfaces, and leave enough space between tables.