5 Breakroom Design Mistakes—and How to Avoid Them
July 9, 2025
Posted in : Uncategorized
A well-designed breakroom is a critical element in workplace satisfaction, productivity, and retention. Yet many facility planners and office managers fall into common pitfalls that reduce the functionality and appeal of this vital space. Whether you’re remodeling or building from scratch, avoiding these five breakroom design mistakes will help you create a space that supports your team and your company’s culture. 
1. Mistake: Prioritizing Style Over Durability
Aesthetic appeal is important, but in high-traffic environments, durability must come first. Choosing furniture that can’t withstand daily wear and tear leads to early replacement costs and a worn-out look that undermines employee satisfaction.
Avoid it by choosing: Plymold’s Dur-A-Edge® tables, which feature a seamless, impact-resistant edge that won’t crack, chip, or peel over time. These tables are designed for longevity in busy commercial settings and come in a range of laminate finishes and edge colors that match any design scheme without sacrificing toughness.
2. Mistake: Ignoring Seating Variety
One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to seating. Breakrooms should support quick lunches, group conversations, solo breaks, and everything in between. Relying on a single type of seating restricts how the space can be used.
Avoid it by incorporating: multiple seating solutions like Plymold’s booth seating for comfort and semi-private relaxation, combined with communal tables for collaborative mealtime or impromptu team huddles.
3. Mistake: Overlooking Layout Flexibility
A rigid layout limits a breakroom’s ability to evolve with your workforce. Fixed furnishings or poor traffic flow can discourage use and create bottlenecks during peak hours.
Avoid it by using: Plymold’s tables, which blend sleek design with practical mobility. Available in heavy-duty models and a variety of sizes, Plymold tables can be easily rearranged as your needs change. Paired with lightweight chairs or stools, the table collections support flexible planning and spontaneous gathering.
4. Mistake: Neglecting Cleanability
Breakrooms get messy—it’s inevitable. But if furniture is hard to clean or materials absorb spills, the space can quickly feel unhygienic and uninviting.
Avoid it by selecting: surfaces and upholstery that are easy to wipe down and resistant to stains. Plymold’s seating and table lines often include high-performance laminates and antimicrobial vinyl options, designed specifically for easy maintenance in commercial environments.
5. Mistake: Failing to Reflect Company Culture
A bland or generic breakroom sends the message that employee well-being isn’t a priority. On the flip side, a space that reflects your company’s values, brand colors, or team energy can reinforce identity and foster pride.
Avoid it by customizing: your finish selections, fabric choices, and layout. Plymold offers extensive finish and edge profiles across collections, so you can tie in brand colors or align the design with your overall office aesthetic—all while maintaining durability and comfort.
A thoughtfully designed breakroom boosts morale, supports wellness, and encourages team connection. By avoiding these common missteps and using versatile, high-quality furniture like Plymold’s booths, Dur-A-Edge tops, and table varieties, you’ll create a space that employees actually want to use—and one that stands the test of time.