How to Create a Relaxation Area in Your Coworking Space for Happy, Productive Days

A well-designed coworking space is about more than just desks and Wi-Fi. Balance matters.

When people step away from their work, they return with more focus and energy. A relaxation area gives everyone a spot to recharge, reduce stress, and work more effectively.

I’ve created calm corners with comfortable seating, soft lighting, and a few plants that change the mood of a workspace. Simple touches like acoustic panels or a small water feature help people unwind.

You can add a plant wall or set up quiet zones for short breaks.

A dedicated relaxation area makes a coworking space feel more welcoming and supportive. The goal is to create an environment where people can pause, breathe, and return to work with clarity.

Why Create a Relaxation Area in Your Coworking Space?

A well-planned relaxation area can change how people feel and work. It supports mental health and helps reduce stress.

It also creates a more welcoming environment that encourages focus and collaboration.

Benefits for Employee Well-Being

When I take breaks in a calm space, I feel my stress levels drop. This gives my mind and body a chance to recover during the day.

A dedicated office relaxation area can include:

• Soft seating or lounge chairs
• Quiet lighting
• Access to water or healthy snacks

These small touches improve mood and reduce tension. Research on workplace wellness shows such spaces encourage social interaction and help build a sense of belonging.

When I feel supported in my environment, I’m less likely to experience burnout. A relaxation area becomes part of a healthy work routine.

Impact on Productivity and Creativity

When I step away from my desk for a few minutes, I return with a clearer mind. A space designed for rest helps me reset and approach problems from a new angle.

Distractions pile up quickly in coworking settings. A quiet, comfortable spot makes it easier to recharge and get back to work with focus. Creating a relaxing workspace improves concentration and helps generate fresh ideas.

Short breaks in a peaceful area prevent mental fatigue. This helps me maintain steady productivity throughout the day.

Enhancing Office Atmosphere

The way a space feels changes how people interact. A relaxation area shows that well-being matters and encourages a positive, respectful culture.

Features like plants, natural light, and comfortable seating make the office warmer and more inviting. Incorporating nature and ergonomic design reduces stress triggers in busy environments.

When I see these elements in a coworking space, I feel more at ease. This comfort makes collaboration smoother and people more willing to share ideas.

Planning Your Relaxation Area

I look for a quiet, comfortable spot that people will want to use. I make sure the space is functional, organized, and fits the budget.

Choosing the Right Location

I walk through the coworking space and find areas with the least foot traffic. A relaxation area works best away from ringing phones, loud conversations, and kitchen noise.

Natural light helps. Placing the space near a window makes it feel open and calming.

If I can’t use a window, I plan for soft, warm lighting. I also use plants, bookshelves, or acoustic panels to create privacy and reduce noise.

When possible, I pick a spot near restrooms or a kitchenette so people can grab water or tea easily.

Determining Space and Layout

I measure the available area before buying anything. Even a small corner works if I arrange furniture smartly.

I create zones for different activities. For example:

I keep walkways clear so people can enter and exit without disturbing others. I position seating to face away from busy areas to reduce distractions.

If the space is flexible, I use lightweight furniture that’s easy to move. This lets me adjust the layout if the team’s needs change.

Setting Goals and Budget

I decide early what I want the space to achieve. For example, is it for quiet reading, short breaks, or group relaxation activities?

Clear goals help me choose the right furniture and decor. I set a realistic budget based on essentials first. My priority list usually includes:

1. Comfortable seating
2. Adequate lighting
3. Noise reduction elements

If I have extra funds, I add plants, art, or small wellness tools. I also plan for ongoing costs like replacing cushions or maintaining lighting.

To save money, I sometimes buy second-hand furniture or repurpose items from other parts of the office. This helps create a welcoming office relaxation space on a budget.

Design Elements for a Relaxing Environment

I focus on features that lower stress, help people feel comfortable, and support steady energy. Small design choices—like the right colors, natural elements, and sensory details—make a big difference for employee well-being.

Color Schemes and Lighting

I choose colors that feel calm and easy on the eyes. Soft blues, muted greens, and warm neutrals help create a steady mood.

I use bright, intense colors only in small accents. Lighting matters too. I place seating near windows to maximize natural light and support alertness.

For areas without daylight, I use warm LED bulbs instead of harsh fluorescent lights. Adjustable desk lamps or dimmable overhead fixtures let people control brightness for reading or quiet breaks.

Incorporating Nature and Greenery

I add plants to soften the space and improve air quality. A few potted plants on desks or shelves make the room more inviting.

For larger areas, I use a living wall or tall indoor trees to divide work zones and quiet areas. This reduces visual clutter and adds texture.

I choose low-maintenance plants like snake plants, pothos, or ferns. These thrive indoors and need little care. Designing Calming Spaces suggests using natural materials like wood or bamboo to add warmth.

Even small touches—like a bamboo divider or a tabletop succulent—help people relax during a busy day.

Sound and Scent Considerations

I manage noise by adding soft furnishings like rugs, curtains, and upholstered chairs. These absorb sound and keep the space calm.

If I can’t create silence, I use gentle background sounds, like low-volume instrumental music or a white noise machine. These mask distractions without being intrusive.

Scent influences mood too. I avoid strong fragrances and use subtle options like lavender or eucalyptus essential oil diffusers. These scents calm people and keep the space fresh.

Balancing sound and scent helps maintain focus and reduces stress.

Essential Features for Comfort

I make the space inviting and practical. The right seating, layout, and soft details help people relax and focus.

Comfortable Seating Options

I pick seating that supports the body and feels good for long periods. Ergonomic chairs with adjustable height and lumbar support prevent discomfort.

I add cushioned armchairs and small sofas for a casual feel. I mix seating types—bean bags or lounge chairs for relaxing, sturdy chairs at tables for focused work.

I choose breathable fabrics like cotton or mesh for warm climates, and leather or faux leather for easy cleaning. I also space out the seating so no one feels cramped.

Flexible Furniture Arrangements

I use furniture that can be moved or reconfigured easily. This lets the space adapt to quiet reading, group chats, or solo breaks.

Lightweight chairs and foldable tables make rearranging simple. I avoid fixed layouts and use modular seating that can be pushed together or pulled apart.

I mark zones with rugs or low shelves instead of walls. This keeps the room open and makes it easy to change the layout.

Soft Furnishings and Textiles

I add cushions, throws, and area rugs to make the space warmer and quieter. These soft elements absorb sound and reduce echo.

I use natural fabrics in neutral or muted colors for a relaxed look. Cotton, linen, and wool feel comfortable and are easy to maintain.

Curtains or fabric panels can separate areas without blocking light. This creates privacy but keeps the space bright and airy. Small details make the environment feel more personal.

Types of Relaxation Spaces to Include

I create spaces that help people slow down, recharge, and return to work refreshed. Each space serves a different need, from quiet reflection to light activity. I design them with clear purposes and simple, functional features.

Quiet Corners for Meditation

I set up quiet corners away from busy areas. I use soft lighting, comfortable seating, and keep distractions to a minimum.

I add noise-reducing panels or curtains to block sound. I place a small bookshelf with meditation books or headphones for audio sessions to help people use the space.

I include natural elements like plants or a tabletop fountain to create a calm feeling. Adding greenery supports mental well-being and reduces stress in shared workspaces.

Nap and Rest Zones

I keep nap spaces simple and clean. I use reclining chairs, daybeds, or nap pods.

I set the lighting to dim and adjust the temperature for comfort. I provide soft blankets and clean pillows.

Short naps boost focus and mood. Rest zones help reduce burnout in coworking spaces.

Recreational and Play Areas

I add spaces where people can take active breaks. These areas might have a ping-pong table, board games, or a reading nook with casual seating.

Members get a way to relax without being still. Light activity clears the mind and encourages social interaction.

These areas strengthen community ties in coworking spaces. Open and engaging spaces often spark spontaneous conversations and boost creativity.

Indoor Zen Gardens

I create small indoor gardens with sand, stones, and plants. These spaces bring nature inside and offer a place to slow down.

A table-sized Zen garden fits smaller areas. Larger green corners with potted plants make a stronger visual impact.

I add seating nearby so people can pause and enjoy the view. Using natural dividers like bamboo creates privacy without closing off the space.

Encouraging Use and Maintaining the Space

I let people know the space is available and show them how to use it. I keep it clean, stocked, and visually appealing so people want to visit.

Promoting Regular Breaks

I remind coworkers about the benefits of taking short breaks for focus and energy. A quick 5–10 minute visit can improve mood and reduce stress.

I use simple tools to encourage breaks:

• Calendar reminders for mid-morning and mid-afternoon
• Posters with short tips about rest and mental wellness
• Team challenges that reward consistent break-taking

I lead by example and use the space myself. When I take time to recharge, others feel comfortable doing the same.

Establishing Usage Guidelines

Clear guidelines help everyone enjoy the area. I keep rules short, visible, and easy to follow.

My basic rules include:

1. Keep voices low to respect others.
2. Limit use to 20–30 minutes if others are waiting.
3. No strong-smelling food or messy drinks.
4. Clean up before leaving.

I post these rules inside the space and in our coworking group chat. This way, everyone knows what’s expected.

Having guidelines helps me address problems quickly. If someone forgets a rule, I can point to the posted list.

Keeping the Area Inviting

I check the space daily to make sure it feels fresh and welcoming. I wipe surfaces, straighten furniture, and replace any used supplies like tea bags or coloring pages.

Every month, I add small changes. I swap out a plant, add a new puzzle, or update wall art.

These updates keep the space interesting. They encourage people to come back.

I choose warm, soft lighting instead of harsh overhead bulbs. Comfortable seating and a tidy layout help the area feel calm.

I add a few personal touches to show care. This supports employee well-being.