The pantry is the area set aside in the office where food can be prepared and eaten. This is the focal social area of the workplace. Thus, it needs to have the necessary furniture to provide an adequate eating and rest area for the employees. Not only can it serve as a dining area, the pantry can also be a social venue for occasions and can even serve as extra storage area for the office. Here are some basic furniture found in the pantry.

1) The dining area

Since primarily the pantry is a dining area, there must be an adequate number of chairs and tables for use. Most often, rectangular dining tables are the norm for pantry furniture. There is no set ratio for the number of chairs but the rule of thumb is that there must be a reasonable ratio between the number of chairs in the pantry and the number of office personnel. But the pantry area must not be set up like a restaurant. The balance needed to be reached is that there must be an adequate number of chairs for use without overcrowding the pantry area.

2) Storage cabinets

Storage cabinets are also a must in the pantry. These are the receptacles for the things needed not just in the pantry but in the office as well. It would be the place where coffee mugs, glasses and maybe even plates would be kept. In many instances, office supplies are kept here under lock and key as well. The utility of these cabinets are but a sample and testament to the many options and opportunities that the pantry and its furniture provide the office personnel.

3) The water cooler and other appliances

These types of appliances are also important in the pantry area. The ubiquitous water cooler is a must to provide refreshing water for the office personnel. The microwave oven and the refrigerator, though optional, also provide office personnel the option to store and reheat food. These items are helpful in making the workplace feel just like a slice of home.

4) Garbage receptacles

As this is an area where food is consumed, then waste is produced in the form of wrappers and other trash. So there is a need to provide bins or waste baskets for the trash produced. But rules must be imposed as to the proper disposal of waste products, such as always throwing trash in the garbage disposal area. This is to make disposal of trash easier and to keep the pantry area hygienic and clean.

The pantry is the area of the office for both rest and recreation during breaks at the office. This space provides the break time area still within the office premises thus allowing maximum time to spend rest before going back to work. The employer must provide facilities for the office staff. Dining sets at the pantry, cabinets and receptacles for storage and other appliances for use are some of the items basic in the pantry.