Staff Room Furnishing Ideas

Teaching staff should look forward to spending time in the school staffroom and the space should provide enough comfort to help them manage stress levels and maintain job engagement. When it comes to refurbishing or renovating the staffroom it’s an important task that should include all relevant parties in the process to ensure it works for everyone. To give you an idea of how to shape the project, here we offer some staff room furnishing ideas for you to consider as part of the plan.

Promote healthy living

Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or just grabbing a quick coffee, your staff room ideas will need to include enough time and space for teachers and staff to eat and drink. But it’s not just a case of throwing in some tables and chairs – where they are positioned, how much space you need for a dedicated eating area and the type of break room furniture you buy will all count.

You’ll want to create a positive environment that reinforces positivity and offers support for staff. Installing staffroom boards is a good idea, which can be a place to post information about healthy events and activities in the school and local area (such as farmers markets, 5k runs etc.). Make sure there is a water dispenser in the room and perhaps even some free weights, as they can be great stress relievers.

Make it a place to relax

The staffroom is a place to relax and get away from the busy classrooms, corridors and stairwells, so it’s important to invest in modular furniture that is comfortable and promotes relaxation. Aside from the school staffroom furniture, other features in the room will also play a key role. For example, softer lighting will create a calmer ambience in the room, and you could also include a stereo or Bluetooth speakers so music can be played quietly in the background via a smartphone.

The room should ideally be separated into different sections, where people can eat and drink in one area and relax in another. Think about including some plants and flowers, as there are plenty of low-cost species that are suitable for indoor spaces. They will add colour and promote the overall idea that the staffroom is a place of escape.

Staffroom functionality is key

How teachers and teaching staff use the room will be determined by its layout and functionality. The way a staff room table and chairs are arranged, and other features are positioned will encourage teachers to make good use of the room and feel comfortable to spend time there.

Avoid clutter and provide a separate space for office equipment and other similar items so everything is organised, easily accessible, but not obstructive. Any cabinets, drawers and fixtures and fittings may need to be updated too, as there is little point refreshing the staffroom furniture without looking at the overall aesthetic. A bookshelf will prove to be incredibly useful, with staff able to share and swap reading ideas, which could be complemented by a dedicated reading area for those who want to unwind for a little while.

Why are break rooms essential to school wellbeing?

Break rooms provide an important place of escape for teaching staff where they can relax and recharge during the school day. It’s a space where teachers and assistants can eat and drink, relaxing in a welcoming environment that can help to boost morale and job satisfaction.

Who can lead a break room makeover?

A break room makeover is usually led by a group of people, with headteachers, teaching staff and administrators all involved at some level. It should be a collaborative project that seeks feedback from staff who will use the space to ensure the changes made achieve the required objectives.

Where to get supplies and furnishings

There are lots of places to get supplies and furnishings for a break room makeover or refurbishment. However, it is important to use a reputable school furniture supplier that has experience working with schools and can offer specialist advice and guidance for the project. This is an area of expertise for the Spaceist team who work with schools of all age groups, helping them transform staff rooms and break rooms.