It’s no secret that coffee fuels productivity. But is it the caffeine that propels people, or the routine of taking a moment to sip and savor while sitting through a long meeting, powering through a big project, or brainstorming on a new initiative?
If you’re looking to give your people a truly re-energizing coffee break, providing coffee is just the beginning. For one, you’ll want to give people choices, and display them in a neatly organized space – you need a coffee bar. Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be complicated or elaborate; it just needs to invite people in take a moment to refuel & refresh.
Let’s look at some coffee bar ideas for your office to get you started.
First, find the perfect spot in the office for your coffee bar
Maybe you already know exactly where you’ll put your coffee bar. But if you have a few ideas in mind, here are some considerations to help you decide.
Coffee cart options
You might need to invest in a large, sturdy coffee cart. Depending on the style of your office and what you have available, you could also repurpose a cabinet, table, or even a vintage wardrobe closet if you want to get really creative.
Powering your coffee station
Whatever route you go with your aesthetic, you’ll need to ensure some basics are accessible: outlets and a water source. You may need some extension cords, too, depending on the extent of your machinery.
Choosing the best location
You’ll want to make sure your coffee bar is in an area that’s central to everyone on the team. However, you also want it to be far enough away from meeting rooms so that any brewing noise or chatter isn’t disruptive.
Then, fill your office coffee bar with everything for the perfect cup
Let’s look at some tips for stocking your coffee bar.
A wide assortment of coffee & more
As Lorelai Gilmore would say, you’ll “need coffee – lots and lots of coffee.” And variety is key here, to elevate your coffee station into a true coffee bar. Choose an assortment of different roasts, flavors, and brands, plus some tea and hot chocolate, to keep everyone happy.
Choosing a coffee brewer
Speaking of coffee, you’ll need a dependable coffee brewer – or two. See some tips on how to choose the best coffee machine for your office in an earlier post. You can also see if you qualify for Quill’s Free Coffee Brewer Program.
All the coffee accessories
And, of course, you’ll need creamers (in a few flavors), sweeteners, stirrers, and cups. Tip: You can find all your coffee and coffee supplies on our Coffee with Quill page. Another tip: Paper cups are convenient, but ceramic mugs can bring the comfort of home to the office – plus, they’re a more sustainable choice. If you have a dishwasher and cabinet space, consider a set of customized mugs with your company’s logo to add a personal touch that says you care.
Keep everything organized
Once you’re stocked, you’ll want to organize all your coffee options and supplies so everything is easy to find and looks nice and neat. A few coffee supply organizers can go a long way in creating a tidy space.
Last but not least, add the finishing touches to your office coffee bar
Now for the best part – let’s explore some ideas for decorating your coffee bar. The type of décor you choose will depend on the feeling you’re trying to create.
Creating an office coffee bar that feels like a local coffee shop
You could create a space designed to foster community, with a cork board where people can post about events, fundraisers, etc. that bring everyone together.
Creating an office coffee bar that feels like an upscale cafe
Or you could create a space that feels like an elevated, trendy cafe, complete with table cloths or decorative tea towels and a chalkboard sign.
Creating an office coffee bar that feels cozy
If you have the space, you might also consider adding a couple bar stools, accent tables, or area rugs that bring a warm & cozy vibe to the space.
Quill can help with your coffee bar
From the furniture to the décor to coffee and coffee accessories, Quill has everything you need to create and stock the perfect coffee bar for your office. Shop all things coffee including coffee in bulk today.