You sit at your desk all day. OK, that’s a lie. You get up occasionally to get water, or to use the restroom, or to head to a meeting. But for the majority of the day, you occupy one tiny section of the office. So why not decorate it like you would your own home? After all, you’re probably spending more time there anyway. (Yes, you can pause to let that fact sink in.)
Obviously, I don’t mean you should haul in a chaise or hang a chandelier (unless you work in a palace, in which case, congrats!). I’m talking about finding small, creative ways to make your work space feel more personal.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Hang a Wire to Display Pictures
Photo courtesy of Red Leaf Style.
Sure, frames do the trick, but they also add to the clutter. Not only is a photo wire fun to stare at, but it’ll help your work neighbors put faces to your stories (“Oh, that’s your mother who won’t stop calling during meetings? Got it.”).
2. Keep Notes in Colorful Holders
Photo courtesy of Passion Shake.
Instead of tacking papers to the wall or taping passwords to the side of your computer, use colorful note holders to keep memos close by. Or, make it more fun by using them to display uplifting quotes or messages that’ll keep you going all day long.
3. Bring in Some Greenery
Photo courtesy of Brepurposed.
Plants are an easy way to brighten up your desk—and make you feel accomplished every day (“Did I water it today? Yes? Check!”). And bonus: Some types can actually purify the air in your office. If you don’t think your gardening abilities are up to par, try a low-maintenance variety, like succulents.
4. Add Decoration to Your Boards
Photo courtesy of Made In a Day.
Instead of keeping your cork or whiteboard all business, add some trim or decoration to give it a touch of personality. It’s easy to give even the plainest schedule a little bit of life using washi tape, Sharpies, or another easy-to-clean-option. Suddenly, you won’t be (quite) so scared to see all the meetings you have coming up.
5. Use Fun Magnets or Push Pins
Photo courtesy of Creative Me Inspired You.
These are small ways to give your cubicle wall a little life, even if you’re not planning a full workspace makeover. Opt for fun magnets and push pins for your magnetic or cork board. It’s a simple, cheap way to make a statement. And they’re so small, that you can really get crazy with bright colors.
6. Hold Files With Decorative Bookends
Photo courtesy of Windgate Lane.
If you’re reading “bookends” and thinking of an old, dusty study, shake that image from your mind. There are plenty of fresh, fashionable, and even quirky options out there that you’ll love. I promise that your books (and by books, I mean your files, manuals, and folders stuffed with endless amounts of paperwork) will look so much better sitting between something pretty.
7. Switch Out Your Mug
Photo courtesy of Pocketful of Posies.
You know you’ll have a half-filled cup of coffee on your desk at all times anyway, so instead of using a company cup or a boring one, hold your caffeine in something that better fits your style.
8. Add a Little Interest to Your Writing Implements
Photo courtesy of Hearts & Sharts.
Even if the rest of your desk is simple and sparse, a colorful pen will make doing your work so much more fun. Don’t believe me? Think back to middle school when you hoarded gel pens—yeah, that was amazing. You can relive that feeling every day by finding a few pens that make you smile. (And no, that free one from your dentist that showed up out of nowhere does not count.)