Ready to put your stamp on your work space but wondering exactly how to decorate your desk? We’ve got heaps of office desk decoration ideas for you to consider. With just a few of these simple tips, you can totally revamp your work desk into a space you’ll love spending time at.
What are you waiting for? Let’s get decorating.
1. Change up your desk lighting
Ever find yourself squinting into your computer screen even when the big light is on? It’s not uncommon. Enter task lighting. Not only will it help illuminate your work and take the strain off your eyes but it’s also a perfect opportunity to add some style to your space.
Here are some desk lamps that make gorgeous decorative pieces:
- A chic wireless table lamp with a warm glow – This is a great pick for desks without nearby plugs.
- A brass Tiffany lamp – An antique Art Deco or Art Nouveau glass lamp could really liven up your space, especially if you love all things vintage.
- An industrial-style desk lamp – Think exposed bulbs and matte black metal for a modern edge.
- A sleek LED strip – Tuck it under a shelf or along the back of your desk for a subtle, contemporary light source.
- A minimalist architect lamp – These adjustable classics never go out of style
2. Pair your desk with an attractive office chair
There’s no point putting these other fantastic office desk decor ideas into action if your desk is partnered with an unsightly and uncomfortable chair.
Slouch can help you there. Our stylish ergonomic office chairs come in a range of artful neutrals that work beautifully with any office aesthetic. From classic Charcoal to soft Pink or Cedar tones, each chair is designed to complement your work space while keeping you comfortable all day long.
3. Increase your space with a mirror
Mounting a mirror above your desk is a great way to make your office look more light and roomy. In fact, it’s one of our top office desk decoration ideas to make your space look bigger because it gives the optical illusion of a larger room.
4. Give your stationery a glow-up
Your work desk essentials don’t need to be boring. Pick up pens, notebooks and sticky notes in colours that complement your decor. Plus, having beautiful stationery close at hand might even make tackling that to-do list a bit more enjoyable.
5. Add in some inspiring wall art
Add your personality to your space through framed art and photos. These don’t need to be expensive to make an instant positive impact on your space. From photos of family and friends to nature prints, motivational quotes and abstract pieces, your walls are your canvas.
Create a gallery wall with mismatched frames for an eclectic vibe or things sleek with matching frames. Tip: If you have an adjustable height desk, ensure you have some desk decor placed at eye level for when you’re standing as well as sitting.
6. Create a vision board
Speaking of things you could add to your wall, our next office decoration idea is another must-have piece of wall decor for above your desk.
Are you into manifestation? If so, you might have heard of vision boards. They’re a popular method frequently used and talked about by life coaches as well as on some of our picks of the best manifestation podcasts.
The idea is simple but effective. You gather images, quotes, and goals that represent your dreams and aspirations, then arrange them on a board where you’ll see them every day. That way they’ll never be far from your thoughts and intentions.
Even if manifestation isn’t your thing, a magnet or pinboard above your desk could still help keep your motivation high with inspiring quotes and images. Stick them on with some fun magnets or push pins to add extra personality.
7. Make your office smell amazing
Having a space that smells great can be a huge motivator to want to get into your home office and start the day. Add an essential oil burner, electronic diffuser or even a pretty bowl or potpourri sprayed with your favourite fragrance to your desk.
Orange oil is well known for its invigorating properties, while fragrances like lavender and eucalyptus are notoriously relaxing.
Tip: Choose a burner or diffuser that matches your office aesthetic – whether that’s a sleek white electronic diffuser or a quirky painted clay oil burner.
8. Coordinate your desk colour theme
Often when you’re setting up your home office, the essential thing is to get it set up and function ASAP. However, down the road that might mean you’re left with an uncohesive overall aesthetic.
Take a proper look at your space and see if there are any items that jar with your colour scheme that you could swap out for something more harmonious. Then start looking for opportunities to bring in more pieces that complement your chosen palette – from artwork to accessories, each item is a chance to reinforce your colour theme.
9. Choose a fiddle toy
Have something at hand for those absent-minded moments when you just need to stop and stare out of the window for inspiration or work out some nervous energy. A fiddle toy preempts this with something satisfying to sate the urge. Stress balls, mini desk golf sets and fidget spinners are all popular.
If you want something to keep your hands busy that also makes an aesthetically pleasing piece of work desk decor, you can’t go wrong with a smart looking Newton’s Cradle or a metal fidget cube.
10. Stock up on snacks
Here’s an office desk decor idea that’s practical and stylish – stash your snacks in an attractive desktop organiser like a rattan or wicker box.
Having healthy treats like dried fruit or nuts within reach helps keep your energy up and saves you from wandering off in search of the biscuits. Plus, a beautiful storage box adds texture and warmth to your workspace while keeping everything neat.
11. Get organised with a desk tidy
Get your desk looking its best by popping your daily essentials into some stylish desktop storage organisers. Pick up a sleek pen pot, bamboo drawer set or clear acrylic stationery tray that matches your vibe. Your workspace will look instantly more polished and you’ll know exactly where everything is.Tip: Check out our extra office storage ideas for more smart ways to keep your work space organised.
12. Make your storage aesthetically pleasing
If you have to look at it every working day, your storage should be kind on the eye. Luckily there are plenty of options to keep your desk and workplace looking great. We’ve touched on desktop organisers, but have you considered the rest of your desk storage?
For instance, if you’re staring at a bland grey filing cabinet under your desk all day why not consider upgrading to something more in line with your desk aesthetic. While you’re at it, get your notes and papers off your desk with some smart-looking binders or paper trays.
13.Add some DIY decorations
Don’t panic if you’re watching your spending – some of our favourite office desk decoration ideas cost next to nothing. All they involve is a little DIY and thinking outside the box. For instance, you could:
- Make your own bunting from scratch to hang overhead using fabric scraps or an old piece of clothing.
- Paint a cheap terracotta pot in a colour that tones perfectly with your chosen office decor colours.
- Have a look around your local charity shop for office desk decorations like pretty china plates to mount on the wall or trinkets to display on your desktop.
With a little bit of reinvention you can find and make plenty of desk decorations that will add personality and style to your work space.
14. Wallpaper the inside of your drawers
Line your desk drawers with some tasteful wallpaper for a little burst of joy every time you reach for something inside.
Want some inspiration for what to pick? Consider delicate florals, geometric shapes, polka dots, stripes or botanicals.
15. Upgrade your keyboard
The latest premium desk accessories that are all the rage? Plush, upscale mechanical keyboards.
These keyboards are worlds away from the dreary blocks of beige plastic that most employers give as standard issue. Think soft typing noises and totally custom colour palettes made from premium materials. Remember to add in a matching mouse to complete the look!
Need some inspo? Check out the retro inspired keyboard Saan has at her Slouch desk setup video here.
16. Keep things analogue with a clock & calendar
Sure, you’ve got the time on every digital device but there’s something satisfying about a beautiful wall clock or desk calendar to keep you organised. Not only do they make great desk decor pieces, they’ll keep you on track even if you’re taking a screen break.
17. Neaten up your wires
Wires hanging all over your desk can really kill the vibe and take up valuable space. Get the most visible permanent ones (like for monitors or keyboard) under control with some wire tidy sleeves. That will keep them neatly bunched together and hidden from view.
Check out our full list of cable management ideas for your desk for more ways to get those pesky wires under control.
18. Get creative with your greenery
There’s nothing that can lift your spirits quite like having a little slice of nature on your desk. In fact, we’re only just starting to understand the full extent of the powerful mood-boosting effect that plants can have on our psyches.
Here are some fun ways to get plants onto your desk:
- Create a mini herb and botanical garden! Rosemary, thyme, mint and lavender will all fare fine in pots. Simply rub the leaves and inhale them for a lovely sensory lift during your day.
- Small space to grow? No problem. Get into bonsai. This Japanese gardening method takes standard-sized plants and intentionally trains them to grow on a teeny-weeny scale.
- Create a terrarium landscape. Layer pebbles, soil and tiny plants in a clear container to create your own miniature self-contained ecosystem. Check out the tutorial on how to build one for yourself.
19. Or opt for more low-maintenance plants
We get it – plants can be hard work and you might be away from your desk for days at a time. If that’s a concern for you, opt for some low-maintenance varieties like succulents, air plants and cacti, that don’t need watering every day – or even every week.
20. Pop a rug underneath your desk
Sometimes the office desk decoration ideas that make the biggest impact are the simplest. Like adding an area rug under your desk for instant cosiness. Not only will it make your space feel more inviting, it will also help protect your floors from chair wheels.Tip: Choose a low-pile rug that your chair can easily roll over while still adding that cosy touch.
Your desk, your rules
When it comes to your office, every element should come together to make you feel comfortable, productive and inspired. At Slouch, that’s exactly why we design our ergonomic chairs and desks – to give you a space where you can do your best work.
Browse the full range today to build an office setup that works as hard as you do.
