Rethinking the Staff Breakroom: Designing for the Educators Who Shape Our Schools

Remember walking by the staff breakroom when you were a student? It was a mysterious and off-limits place where teachers, administrators, and support staff would recharge between classes. As educational planners and designers, we devote much of our energy to creating student-centric spaces that foster creativity, support diverse learning styles, and promote overall well-being. But what if we applied that same intentional approach to designing spaces for educators?

Teachers spend their days navigating complex learning environments, mentoring students, and adapting to ever-evolving expectations. Their breakroom shouldn’t be an afterthought—it should be a sanctuary. A well-designed staff space can improve morale, reduce stress, and even support professional collaboration.

Below are key design considerations to transform a breakroom into a restorative, functional space for the people who shape our schools.

Breakroom Must-Haves

A staff breakroom must be responsive to the various needs of educators—just as a classroom is for students. Purposeful design supports comfort, wellness, connection, and even productivity.

Ergonomic seating like cushioned chairs and soft couches help teachers relax after hours on their feet. Creating quiet zones with soft lighting and acoustic control offers space to mentally reset, while calming color palettes—blues and earth tones—further promote relaxation. Natural elements, such as plants and wood finishes, add warmth and cultivate a more inviting, restorative atmosphere.

Kitchen areas should be equipped with essentials such as refrigerators, microwaves, coffee machines, and water dispensers. A mix of tall and low seating encourages both casual conversation and solo downtime, helping to create a welcoming café-style vibe rather than a cafeteria-like setting.

A Space That Works (and Plays)

Educators use breakrooms for more than just eating lunch. A flexible design allows the space to serve multiple purposes throughout the day. Mobile furniture can be grouped or separated to suit different needs—from department meetings and professional development sessions to quiet work time.

Integrating technology tools like interactive whiteboards, projectors, computers, and printers further enhances the room’s functionality, making it a valuable space for collaborative planning and administrative work.

Adding personal touches—such as a “celebration corner” to recognize birthdays, milestones, and staff achievements—helps build a sense of community and appreciation among colleagues.

Light, Sound, and Surroundings Matter

Where the staff breakroom is located—and how it connects to its surroundings—greatly influences how it’s used and perceived.

Lighting and sound play a major role in creating a restorative space. Dimmer switches and zoned lighting allow staff to adjust brightness based on the time of day or activity, while acoustically absorbent materials help buffer noise from busy hallways or adjacent classrooms. Wherever possible, prioritize natural light and operable windows with views to the exterior to boost mood, reduce stress, and create a more refreshing atmosphere.

When site conditions permit, access to a patio with seating, shade, and greenery can extend the breakroom experience outdoors.

Inside, rotating art and motivational décor throughout the year keep the environment visually fresh and uplifting.

An Investment in Educators

The physical and emotional well-being of educators plays a vital role in student success. When we create spaces that care for teachers—spaces that invite them to rest, connect, and recharge—we reinforce the value of their work and their presence in our schools.

By treating staff breakrooms as essential, not optional, we’re not just designing better buildings—we’re designing better support systems. Let’s make sure our educators have a place that gives back as much as they give each day.