There are few things as important in the workplace as having a well-designed and welcoming office space. A great way to set your company apart is by providing an inviting, comfortable, and functional lounge area for employees that's separate from their work desk or cubicle but still feels like part of the overall environment. However, it can be tricky finding just what you're looking for- on the one hand, there needs to be enough room, so people don't feel cramped while also offering guests a pleasant experience when they stop by; yet at the same time not giving up too much of its functionality since after all this is also a designated meeting space.
While escaping the monotony of a dull work environment can seem complicated, it's not impossible! Today we'll talk about how to make your lounge more engaging and enjoyable for you and your employees with just a few simple changes that won't break the bank. This will involve things like switching out some furniture, adding pieces that make the most of your office space, or incorporating accessories that encourage a sense of calmness and relaxation. This way, when people go back from their breaks, they're re-energized enough to take care of all those mountains waiting patiently for them on their desk - without any complaining!
The atmosphere of the work environment can make or break success. If you want a productive and engaged workforce, it's important to find furniture that is comfortable for your employees but not overly comfortable, so they slack off in front of clients. Read on as we give some tips paired with viable furniture suggestions to turn dull lounges into hotspots!
Set an Appropriate Tone
What is the general look and energy you're looking for? Should your lounge be extremely professional? Or do you want something subtly playful? Thinking along such lines can help you determine the sort of energy you'd like to fill the recreation rooms and hallways.
It's also wise to think of who will use the lounge most of the time. If it's your clients, then go for conservative color pallets backed by appropriate furniture choices.
An employee lounge could benefit more from a playful mix of comfortable seats and multipurpose desks. Feel free to add a range of color options, tactile fabrics, and robust materials.
Consider the Available Space
Selecting the right furniture starts with measuring all the dimensions of the available space. This measure informs you of the furniture combinations that can fill up the lounge. A drawing of the floor plan can help.
You could take it a step further by creating a 3D plan. Then, it’s a matter of using a VR headset and Sketchfab to help you visualize the space. This adds an element of fun to your contingency planning. But, a floor plan can suffice if you lack the time and tech skills.
Avoid Bulky Furnishing
Massive sofas and coffee tables may add an element of pomp and flair to your lounge. But, they can overwhelm your space and challenge your economy of space. So, it may be wise to opt for a streamlined approach. Stick with furniture pieces that make the room airy and easier to walk around.
Optimize the Space for Utility
Who says your lounge has to serve one purpose? Well, it could also be a conference room or a visitor’s reception area. This space can host contractors or act as a spillover when there isn't enough office space.
The trick to this is laying out the furniture in a manner that optimizes the foot traffic. You should also add tables that can be nestled to reduce the storage space. Or opt for chairs that can seat more people.
Furniture Considerations
Executive Lounge Seating Options
The following seats are so comfortable that your employees and clients will feel like royalty when seated here.
The Scalloped Accent Chair 1049
Product Specifications
Color option(s): Pink, Blue & Grey
Seating area: 29" x 26"
Backrest Size:16" x 29"
Height: 33"
Material: Wood, velvet
Retail price: $139.99
Ergonomics and functionality
The backrest has a curvature that imitates the human spine. And, the headrest is wide and thick enough to support the weight of your shoulders. The seat cushion is curved to relieve most of the pressure off your spine.
It's the type of chair that makes you want to melt into it as it whisks away all the pressure from your weary body.
Aesthetic Appeal
This scalloped Accent Chair offers an excellent way of draping your lounge in opulence. The edges feature seashell vertical channel tufting decked in chic velvet upholstery. It sits on 4 wooden legs that have surpassed 100,000 X stress tests.
Pros
Luxurious look and feel
3 stunning color choices
Durable construction
Cons
A dust magnet
Less resistant to direct sunlight
Alternative Products
Accent chair 008
Accent chair 005
Two Point Massage Recliner
Product Specifications
Color: Light Grey & Beige
Dimensions: 23.3x29.9x24.4 inches
Backrest Height: 40.5 inches
Weight: 75.46 lbs.
Material:Flax
Retail price: $209.99
Ergonomics and functionality
This Massage Recliner is all your office staff needs to make the most of their break or for a restful sleep after a long shift or a night shift. It features high-end materials that are breathable and soft to the touch. Its recliner features a robust tilt mechanism with a reinforced structure for maximum weight support.
Aesthetic Appeal
This recliner features a slimmer profile than most furniture in its class. This makes it ideal for an office environment. It comes in subtle colors that won’t complicate your design motif and color palate. This chair is also padded and contoured for full-body support. Again, it’s soft enough to work out all the tension from all your major muscle groups.
Pros
Relieves chronic back pain
Offers optimal rest without sleeping
It helps reduce pregnancy aches and pains
Reduces acid-reflux and cardiac issues
Cons
Unsuitable for compact office spaces
It costs a little more than most comfortable office chairs
Alternative Product
Recliners Single Sofa 9078
leather Massage recliner 9086
YC8052 - Pasadena Manual Recliner with two pin-point massage
Massage Gaming Chair
Product Specifications
Color:Black, Pink, Blue, Grey & White
Capacity: 280 Pounds
Dimensions: 31.5 x 24.41 x 11.81 inches
Weight: 54.8 pounds
Retail Price: $199.99
Ergonomics and functionality
This chair is padded with high-definition foam to keep all muscle aches at bay. It features a rectangular footrest that pops into place for additional support. The lower third of the backrest features a vibrating massage, while the headrest features an additional pillow. To top it off, therefore it rotates 360 degrees and has casters that ease moving it around your lounge or anywhere in your office space.
Aesthetic Appeal
This Massage Gaming Chair adds a novel twist to a contemporary racing-style gaming chair design. It features more color options than any product on this list, which fits all kinds of design approaches to your lounge.
Pros
Vibrating massage functionality
Wide selection of color choices
Complete lumbar and leg support
Tilt and rotation functionality
Cons
Limited breathability
Reclined backrest makes it unsuitable for desk operations
Alternative Product
Big & Tall Massage Gaming Chair with Footrest 293
Office Massage Chair Ergonomic Desk Chair 5080
Gaming Chair with Footrest 8525
Supplementary Seating
Accent Chair 008
Product Specifications
Color: Blue, Beige, Pink, Grey & Green
Seating area: 18" X 19"
Backrest Size: 18" X 18"
Overall Dimensions: 18 X 19 X 38 inches
Price: $94.99
Ergonomics and functionality
For starters, this Accent Chair features curved cushioning, which relieves pressure on the hips. This makes it an ideal option for secretaries and receptionists. It also has a thickened headrest to help stave off shoulder cramps. The backrest features curves that line with the spine to eliminate back pain.
Aesthetic Appeal
This accent chair has minimalist design cues that make it ideal for a professional design motif. And, the color choices also play well with the overall design.
Pros
Features casters
Occupies smaller spaces
Price point supports multiple purchases
Cons
Doesn’t have armrests
Bland color choices
Alternative Product
Accent Chair 005
Ergonomic Office Mesh Chair Mid Back Swivel Chair 1368
Scalloped accent chair 1049
Ribbed Low Back Armless Swivel Desk Chair
Product Specifications
Color: Grey & White
Dimensions: 22 x 24 x 14.2 inches
Seating area dimension: 18.11"W x 14.37"D
Backrest: 13.19"
Weight: 20 lbs
Warranty: 3 years
Height range: 17.91” - 22.64”
Material: Durable PU Leather
Price: $99.99
Ergonomics and functionality
This Ribbed Low Back Armless Swivel Desk Chair features a highly durable PU leather material. It also has a height-adjustable swivel functionality and rolls on 3600 tilting casters. The overall height profile supports usage in a variety of office scenarios.
Its backrest has a spinal curvature and adequate padding, therefore you won’t experience discomfort even if you sit on this beauty for hours on end.
Aesthetic Appeal
Flexispot has outdone themselves on this chair. They've combined subtle grey/white leather with stainless steel support posts. This creates a product that stands out despite having such a minimal color pallet.
Pros
Price point supports multiple purchases
Features durable PU leather
Contoured backrest for optimal support
Understated and classy
Easy to maintain
Cons
Lacks backrest tilt support
It doesn’t feature armrests
Alternative Product
Ergonomic Office High Back Mesh Chair with Adjustable Headrest H3005
High Back Office Chair 2191E
Ergonomic Task Chair 1011
Height Adjustable Wobble Stool BH2
Product Specifications
Height Range:22.3" to 28.1"
Tilt angle: up to 15 degree
Base Diameter: 13"
Seat Cushion Diameter: 13"x15"
Weight Capacity: 154 lbs.
Price: $89.99
Ergonomics and functionality
This Height Adjustable Wobble Stool adjusts to a height of 28.1 inches. It's suitable for use with a height-adjustable desk as it offers you a break without having to pivot down to a standard office chair. The thick sponge cushion is highly resilient to mechanical pressure.
Aesthetic Appeal
This wobble stool scores top marks for the innovative pipe drive and dust-resistant base cover. The best thing about this stool is its 360°swivel functionality. You can also tilt in any direction at an angle of 15°.
Its reinforced iron base ensures it doesn't fall under the slightest pressure. Additionally, its 11 lbs weight makes it easy for you to move to any part of the lounge or office.
Pros
Highly portable
Compatible with standing desks
Features adequate seat padding
Swivels and rotates to a wide range of angles
Cons
Lacks back support
It doesn’t feature armrests
Alternative Product
Ribbed Low Back Armless Swivel Desk Chair 1391L11
Ergonomic Task Chair 1011
Accent Chair 005
Accent Chair 008
Multipurpose Lounge Desk
Multipurpose desks support various activities within the lounging area. They can double up as surfaces for recreational activities or conference desks. You can achieve a lot with these desks with a bit of ingenuity!
Height Adjustable Whiteboard Standing Desk
Product Specifications
Lifting Mechanism: Motor
No. of Leg Stage: 2-stages
Height Range:29.9" - 49.6"
Table Angle Adjustment: 0/60/70/80/90 degrees
Programmability: 3 memory height presets
Max. Weight Capacity: 154 lbs.
Storage Box Capacity: 1.32 lbs.
Desktop Size: 48"(W) x 24"(D)
Color: white
Price: $379.99
Ergonomics and functionality
This Height Adjustable Standing Desk features a 0.7- inch thick PET high-gloss film desktop. So it can double up as a whiteboard. The smooth and durable surface makes it easy to jot quick notes with a temporary felt pen. Simply wipe clean with a dry cloth or eraser and leave no trace of what you wrote.
It's a fun and convenient way to capture your ideas any time! The wide tabletop also makes it ideal for hosting office party games whenever your employees need to wind down after a hard month of delivering on their quotas.
Aesthetic Appeal
The top features a simple one-handed lever mechanism that flips back with minimal effort. This feature also allows for easy transportation. You can also nest it along with other pieces of furniture for compact storage. The anti-collision function ensures safety by preventing the desktop from being damaged or crushing other objects and devices while in motion.
Pros
Doubles as a whiteboard
Has adequate safety features
Has a conservative space occupation
Features casters for easy transportation
Cons
Comes in 1 color
Alternative Products
Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk E2AL
Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk EN1 - 48" W
Seiffen Laminated Standing Desk (Eco & Pro)
Storage Options
Your lounge needs some storage space. However, it doesn't have to be elaborate, so the following product will suffice.
Floating Shelves
Product Specifications
Colors: Maple/ Mahogany
Load capacity: 44lbs (20kg)
Dimensions: 17.7 x 6.67 x 0.98 inches
Pieces: 3
Price: $49.99
Ergonomics and functionality
These floating shelves come in sets of three. Each shelf is 17.7" x 6.67" and has a thickness of 0.98". They are not just decorative, but each can handle a weight of up to 44 lbs. Two featured hooks add loads of functionality to your office storage and organization. To top it off, they can be mounted anywhere in your lounge. This is thanks to their stress-free installation.
Aesthetic Appeal
These aesthetically pleasing storage options come with a color choice of maple or mahogany.
Pros
Easy to install
Feature hooks that can hold umbrellas, keys, and other items
Take up very little office space
Cons
Limited weight capacity of 44lbs.
Nap Nooks
It may seem counterintuitive to your office productivity, but your staff could use a nap nook. This is because a siesta, especially after a heavy meal, can help improve focus. Employees that go on overtime can also opt to take a nap before proceeding home.
The following product offers a classic twist to this new age concept.
Hammock Under Desk for Office Napping
Product Specifications
Suitable for: Dual-motor and Dual-beam Standing Desk
Capacity: 220 lbs.
Warranty: 1-year warranty
Color: Blue
Price: $49.99
Ergonomics and functionality
You don’t need to drill any holes to install this under the Desk Hammock. This hammock can be ready for use within a few minutes. All you need to do is hook it up to the holes in the plate underneath the desktop. It’ll buckle securely, and you can proceed to enjoy a much-needed nap.
Aesthetic Appeal
It features sturdy materials that can support anyone weighing up to 220 lbs. The only drawback is that it comes in one standard color- blue.
Pros
Easy to deploy
Installation doesn’t require any specialized tools.
It comes with a storage bag.
Hooks and pairs conveniently with most standing desks
Cons
It comes in 1 color
Office Workout Equipment
A daily workout regimen doesn’t only promote employee fitness and mental wellness. It can also go a long way toward reducing your company’s insurance co-pay. However, extended office hours can get in the way of hitting those fitness goals.
Why should your office workers go to the gym when you can bring the gym to their lounge? The following products don’t cover all the callisthenic bases, but they offer a good starting place.
Under Desk Bike V9U
Product Specifications
Color: White
Dimensions: 37.6” x 22.8" x 29.6"- 37.2"
Height range: 29.6"- 37.2"
Weight: 51 lbs
Ideal height: 5'1" to 6'2"
Magnetic tension resistance: 8 Levels
Max Weight capacity: 300lbs
Price: $299.99
Ergonomics and functionality
This Under Desk Bike V9U comes in a complete fitness package that needs no further installation. So, you get to hop right on and pedal your way to fitness. It features casters that make it easy to move around the lounge or other office spaces.
Adjusting your under desk bike to fit your exact needs is easy, thanks to its height-adjustable seat. This bike also features user-friendly pneumatic adjustment levels, which move the seat up or down at the press of a button. So, you don’t even need to stop cycling.
Aesthetic Appeal
Compact design tucks neatly below any standing desk, making it the ideal exercise option for the employee lounge or office. The V9U features premium cushioning and has one of the most comfortable seats in the market.
Pros
Minimal setup requirements
Solid design concept
Robust material construction
Cons
It doesn’t fit under standard office desks
Alternative Product
Home office All-in-One Desk Bike/Bike Workstation V9
Smart Bike Trainer Stand BT01
Sit2Go 2-in-1 Fitness Chair
Favorite Combo: Standing Desk + Under Desk Bike
Adjustable Dumbbell set
Product Specifications
Color: Black
Number of pieces: 1
Barbell grip: metal/textured
Max weight: 25, 12.5 & 55 lbs.
Brand: Lionscool
Price: $149.99
Ergonomics and functionality
This Adjustable Dumbbell LCL set offers similar performance to 5 sets of free weights. So it helps to think of it as a complete dumbbell pack for your office lounge wrapped in one neat device. This versatile product also ensures that every fitness seeker in your office can enjoy a safe and effective workout with the same pair of dumbbells.
Aesthetic Appeal
This set features textured non-slip handles, which enhance the general ergonomics. It also has a safety lock built into it. That ensures you don’t drop the weight on the floor or your feet.
Pros
Offers adequate weight resistance
Fortified against rust and corrosion
Trusted brand
Weight locks and other safety mechanisms
Cons
It lacks a rubberized grip
Verdict
As you can see, there’s more than one approach to equipping your office lounge. Particularly, it doesn’t have to be too stuffy. However, it would be wise to be guided by a general theme. We hope these few ideas, furniture, and office accessory choices give you a solid foundation in your office improvement and staff motivation endeavors. Stay tuned for more tidbits that will help you transform your office into a place your employees can call a second home.