Why Side Tables Matter in Office Breakout Spaces
Side tables might look small, but they do a lot of heavy lifting in a modern workplace. They support staff comfort, collaboration and the overall look of your breakout zones.
A well-designed breakout area encourages people to step away from their desks, reset and return more focused. Side tables give employees a practical place to put laptops, coffee cups, notebooks and devices without balancing everything on their lap. When paired with comfortable breakout seating, they help these spaces function as informal meeting spots, quiet focus corners or casual catch‑ups.
From a facilities and WHS perspective, stable surfaces also help reduce spills and trip hazards. Instead of staff placing drinks on the floor or stacking belongings on soft furniture, side tables create defined, safe landing zones. Over time, this protects your furniture investment and keeps shared areas looking tidy.
Side tables also play a role in zoning. Strategically placing them between armchairs, alongside single lounges, or at the ends of 2 seater lounges and 3 seater lounges subtly defines conversation areas without the need for partitions or screens. This is particularly useful in open‑plan offices where you want separation without shutting people away.
Key Features to Look For in Office Side Tables
Choosing side tables for the office isn’t the same as buying for home. Commercial use means higher traffic, more wear and greater safety considerations.
Start with durability. Look for commercial‑grade frames and finishes that can handle constant movement, cleaning and daily use. Powder‑coated metal bases, high‑pressure laminate tops and solid timber edges are common options that fare well in shared spaces. Avoid surfaces that scratch easily or show water rings, especially if your breakout zone includes coffee tables and side tables used for food and drinks.
Stability is equally important. A narrow base may look sleek, but if people are likely to lean on the table while working on a laptop, you need a weighted or well‑balanced design. Check that edges are smooth and rounded where possible to minimise bumps and snags, particularly around high‑traffic paths and near low ottomans that encourage movement.
Functionality should guide your final choice. Consider height relative to your modular lounges and chairs, and whether you need space for power points, wireless chargers or bag storage underneath. Nesting or lightweight options make it simple to rearrange breakout seating layouts for workshops, project huddles or social events without calling in maintenance every time.
Matching Side Tables to Your Breakout Seating
The best side tables feel like a natural extension of the seating around them. Start by looking at how your breakout furniture is actually used day to day.
For soft, lounge‑style settings with 2 seater lounges, 3 seater lounges and modular lounges, aim for tables that sit just above seat height. This makes it easy for staff to reach drinks and devices without twisting or stretching. Compact C‑shaped designs can slide partially over the seat, creating a makeshift work surface for quick emails or video calls.
Individual zones with armchairs or single lounges benefit from slightly larger tops, giving enough room for a laptop and notepad. Pairing these settings with coordinated coffee tables in the centre helps create a more relaxed, living‑room feel for informal meetings, with side tables acting as personal surfaces at the edges.
If your breakout area incorporates flexible pieces like ottomans and low stools that move around frequently, consider lighter, mobile side tables that can be dragged into place as needed. This lets teams quickly adapt the environment from solo focus work to collaborative sessions without compromising comfort or access to a flat surface.
Visual cohesion also matters. Coordinating finishes across breakout seating, side tables and coffee tables helps your space feel intentional rather than pieced together. You don’t need everything to match, but echoing colours, frames or top materials will tie the area into the wider office design.
Space Planning Tips for Breakout Zones
Good space planning ensures side tables enhance your breakout area instead of getting in the way. Think about circulation, accessibility and how many people you expect to use the space at once.
Allow clear walkways between armchairs, lounges and side tables, especially near entries and thoroughfares. As a guide, keep at least a shoulder‑width path so people aren’t squeezing past surfaces holding hot drinks. Position tables close enough to single lounges and 2 seater lounges that staff can reach them comfortably without leaning forward excessively.
Cluster furniture to create distinct “neighbourhoods” within one breakout area. One corner might combine 3 seater lounges and larger coffee tables for team catch‑ups, while another uses ottomans and compact side tables for quick breaks. This kind of zoning supports different work modes, from quiet reflection to active collaboration, without requiring extra rooms.
Think vertically as well as horizontally. Taller side tables beside higher‑back modular lounges can double as perch points for standing conversations, while lower pieces around deep breakout seating encourage a more relaxed, reclined posture. Mixing heights and footprints creates visual interest and caters to a broader range of body types and preferences.
Finally, plan for power. If staff frequently use laptops in breakout zones, position side tables near floor boxes or wall outlets, or choose designs that work well with cable routing. This avoids unsafe trailing cords and ensures the space is genuinely usable for short working sessions, not just a “nice‑to‑have” area that looks good on a floor plan.
Styling Ideas to Elevate Your Breakout Side Tables
Once you’ve chosen the right tables, a few styling touches can make your breakout area feel inviting and on‑brand. The goal is to support use, not clutter surfaces.
Keep everyday items like plants, magazines and décor to a minimum so staff still have plenty of functional space. A small plant or simple accessory can soften the look of metal frames and hard surfaces, particularly when combined with the softer lines of armchairs and upholstered single lounges. Choose easy‑care greenery that can cope with office lighting and occasional neglect.
Use side tables to reinforce your brand palette. Tops or bases that pick up accent colours from your 2 seater lounges, 3 seater lounges or modular lounges create a cohesive, professional feel. Coordinating finishes with nearby coffee tables and ottomans ensures the space looks curated rather than mismatched.
Where appropriate, consider adding shared resources like pens, sticky notes or small desk organisers to a few key side tables, especially in collaboration zones. Just be careful not to overload every surface; leave plenty of clear tables so people can easily set down laptops, bags and drinks. With the right balance of practicality and style, your breakout seating and side tables will become some of the most used – and most appreciated – spots in the office.
