The rise of remote working has led to many of us creating workstations in our own homes as opposed to setting up shop in a cafe or coworking space.
Since it’s your own permanent space, the boring and lifeless appearance of corporate offices can be rejected in favor of something a little more playful and personalized.
To give you an understanding of the unlimited potential of decorating a desk, we’ve rounded up 13 amazing desk decor ideas.
Go for global appeal
These days we can rely on our smartphones to navigate the world and it has probably helped to make physical maps even more alluring. Indeed, historical items always translate into amazing pieces of decor and this is true of globes.
These spherical models of Earth never get boring to stare at, and may even inspire you to travel to new places, so all the more reason to prop one on your work desk.
Bring nature indoors
Studies have consistently shown that plants have a positive impact on your mood, and since happy workers are more productive, it makes perfect sense to have them as companions on your desk.
Not only will a desk plant help you complete your work faster, it’s worth noting that they will bring a pop of color and some much-needed organic texture to give your setup the visual appeal it deserves.
Put up some shelves
The wall behind your desk is a big part of the overall aesthetic and so you should jump at the chance to give it a decorative voice.
Of course, shelves full of display-worthy items will do a good enough job of filling a blank wall, but some consideration for the look and design of the shelf itself will truly land your setup in stylish territory.
For instance, floating shelves never fail to please the eye as they often have hidden brackets to create a seamless look.
Display an inspirational quote
It’s amazing how a few words of encouragement can motivate us to push harder, which is why you often see inspirational quotes on display in commercial fitness environments and home gyms alike.
If it works wonders for fitness fanatics then a well-chosen inspirational quote in a framed print will most certainly make a difference to your own work rate while stationed at your desk.
Enjoy your mirror reflection
Generally speaking, homes aren’t designed with office space in mind, so many people simply have to cram in a desk where one will fit and they end up feeling as though the walls are closing in on them.
In this situation, decorating with a mirror is an absolute must.
A nice oversized mirror above the desk will radically boost your sense of space while the right mirror frame will contribute as much decorative style as you require.
Create a clipboard wall
If you’re at risk of being buried alive in paperwork, it would be wise to find a solution that enables you to organize it while freeing up heaps of desk space.
This is where clipboard walls enter the fray, and even if you’re already doing a good job of keeping your papers in order, it’s totally worth creating a clipboard wall for the sake of displaying art, photos, punchy phrases – anything your mind can conjure up!
Stack your favorite books
Books can be relied upon to add decorative touches throughout the home and your personal workspace is no exception.
They bring about that homey feel thanks to their elegant covers, and we’ve all experienced that emotional attachment to our favorite books and stories, so it sort of feels like you’re working alongside a friend when there’s a stack of your most cherished books on the desk.
Add a quirky trash can
It’s high time that under-desk trash cans get some appreciation for their ability to make great desk decor – some of the designs out there are borderline works of art.
They will always be containers for your office waste first and foremostly, but also view your trash can as a vessel for fun shapes, vibrant colors and fantastic patterns, all of which will make your setup look and feel decorated.
Set the wheels in motion
Achieving a killer workspace setup that stands out for its uniqueness isn’t easy. Sometimes it pays to inject an element of randomness into your choice of decor and see how things play out.
For example, you’d think that cast iron wheels have no business in an office-based setting, but that’s all part of the fun, and there’s no question that they will stimulate the eye to no end, and no doubt the presence of heavy-duty materials is a good fit for your strong mindset.
Take advantage of a notice board
If you’re a huge fan of decorating with practical pieces, look no further than notice boards as they come in a whole host of cool designs.
Notice boards are instrumental for keeping your workspace organized by putting all your office essentials neatly on display.
Pegboards are particularly handy as you have the ability to change what’s hanging on it whenever you like – if you grow bored of an arrangement, you can just mix and match different items to create an entirely new look.
Light up the space
It doesn’t hurt to have additional light sources on hand, not least because a lot of tasks performed at desks such as reading and writing require more direct forms of lighting.
Plus, it’s nice to have a bit of an atmosphere when working through the night.
A good-looking desk lamp is a no-brainer in this sense, and they’re particularly useful if your workspace is crying out for taller accessories, which is sure to earn you mega points for styling.
Decorate with skateboard wall art
The worst thing you can do is stifle self-expression when decorating and styling your home office desk. Being surrounded by the things you love most in life can really boost morale when you’re feeling the strain of meeting those tight deadlines.
One way to express yourself is to turn to your hobbies and see how they could lend themselves as decoration. For example, if you have an affinity for skateboarding, it just so happens that skateboard decks make awesome pieces of wall art!
Warm up with a chair throw
They are an essential accessory for styling a sofa like a professional and there’s nothing in the rule book stopping you from decorating your desk chair with a throw, too.
The benefits of doing so are too good to ignore, including the fact these lush fabrics bring heaps of color, texture and warmth to what is all too often a lifeless space.