Are you spending more time working from home these days? Are you looking for some new home office decor ideas?
A tidy, functional home office can improve your productivity, save you money, and allow you greater flexibility. It also saves your company the expense of rent, utilities, and office supplies required for on-site staff.
If you're a recent home worker, you may find your office space limited to a snack table and a paper tray. But if it looks like you're going to be a remote professional more often, it may be time to look for some serious home office design plans.
Here are some of our favorite ideas for hunkering down on the homefront.
1. Invest in a Small Writing Desk
Some folks have a separate room for their home office, and others simply don't have space. If you need to carve out a corner in your bedroom or den for work, you'll want your workspace to be as compact and welcoming as possible.
Writing desks are small and stylish, and they have enough room for your computer, a small lamp, and some writing utensils. Accessorize with a simple piece of wall art or a small vase of flowers.
Placing your desk near a window will let the sunlight in and help to boost your serotonin levels and make you feel calmer and more focused.
2. Make the Most Out of Vertical Space
If your home office space is nothing more than a corner, it's best to make sure you get the best out of what you've got. Think about placing a simple rod with hooks where you can hang a chalkboard, scissors, and other office supplies.
You can also use the wall space above your desk by placing small shelves where you can place simple plants, lamps, or cool wall displays. This will get them off of your desk but close enough so you can reach for them when you need them.
3. Consider a Standing Desk
You may have heard the phrase "sitting is the new smoking." While a sedentary lifestyle is no good for your physical health, working from home can be a great opportunity to get your body moving a bit.
Believe it or not, standing desks can actually lower your risk of weight gain, reduce your risk of heart disease, and even improve back pain.
Many of today's standing desks are adjustable, allowing you to alternate between standing and sitting so you don't become tired. Look online for some simple options that can help you stay in shape while you get productive.
4. Get Cozy
While some folks prefer working in a sleek, minimalistic space, others love to create a warm, cozy space where they can feel cocooned while they work.
Look for wall decor ideas in tones that soothe and inspire you. Or add some plants, candles, and throw pillows in soft colors. It's important not to overwhelm the space, but instead to make you feel invited to get thoughtful and productive.
5. Use Two Dressers For a Desk
You may not have the funds to invest in a new desk right now. If that's the case, you can get creative by painting or staining two smaller dressers and laying a stained plank of wood between them. You might even be able to obtain the plank from an old lumber yard.
An extra bonus of this method is that you can use the drawers in the old dressers for storage. If they're deep enough, you may even be able to clear out space for some hanging file folders.
6. Use an Empty Closet
If there isn't much space in your home for a working nook, consider transforming an unused closet into your personal cozy corner. You can take off the doors, add some cool wallpaper, even put in a light fixture.
Just make sure the closet you choose is somewhere you'll be comfortable working throughout the day. A well-lit area can help keep you from feeling a little closed in.
7. Bring in Some Green
Even if it's just a single plant, greenery can really help to boost the feel of your home office. It can actually boost your mood, reduce your stress, and clean the air inside your home by reducing toxins.
If you aren't one for remembering to water the plants, opt for a fake potted arrangement. These are affordable and they'll last you a long time.
8. Use Wire Shelving
Some simple wire shelving hung from your walls is a great place to house books, papers, and accessories. And they won't look as clunky or take up as much space as other options.
If your space is small, think about investing in some wire shelving.
9. Keep Your Chair Comfy
If you're going to be working from home for hours at a time, you won't want a wooden chair that keeps you in uncomfortable positions.
Ergonomic chairs are available in all shapes, colors, and materials. And they are designed to best support the human body.
Ergonomic chairs can help with posture support, back pain, and circulation. It can even serve to boost your productivity.
If the home is your new office, you won't want to feel uncomfortable in your dining room chairs or too comfortable while you sit on the couch. Ergonomic chairs can keep you in a business frame of mind while still supporting your back health.
10. Make Use of Unused Spaces
If you have a small home or a big family or both, you may be wondering if you've got space to spare for a home office. Yet you'd be surprised at the number of spaces in your dwelling that you can easily utilize.
Maybe you can run a slim desk along the hallway in your entrance area, or maybe there's a foosball table no one's touched in years. Move things around and you'll find a spot that you can easily shape up to be a functional hideaway.
11. Go For Clutter-Free
A small space can quickly be overwhelmed with papers or too many accessories.
Believe it or not, a cluttered space can actually make you distracted, stressed, and unfocused. Those who declutter can experience an energy boost, a decrease in anxiety, and a sense of self-confidence.
If you know you've got a lot of stuff you may need eventually, consider using shelves, filing cabinets, or even under-bed storage to keep it within reach without crowding out your workspace.
12. Have a Comfy Spot
In smaller home offices, it may not be possible to have a corner dedicated to taking a break. If, however, you've got a sizeable office, a sofa or comfy chair in a separate corner can help the decor in your office blend in with the rest of your home.
You can get creative by adding an end table with books, shelving, and floor lamp to make sure the room still looks like a place for business. Yet it also provides some variety and inviting space for guests.
13. Color Pops
Many people are comfortable with a traditional vibe in their home office spaces. This may include neutral paint on the walls or subtle black-and-white photos.
These are great places to introduce unexpected pops of color. You may, for example, want to add some red throw pillows or a green vintage silk rug. Take a look at some photos to determine how you can best inject color into your workspace.
14. Colorful Storage
No one said your home office storage needs to be boring. If you're filing important documents or supplies in bins or baskets, get creative with matchy pastels or bold brights. This type of storage is especially eye-catching with white bookshelves or desks.
15. Your Stairway Landing
If you're looking for an unused space to call your own, consider adding a desk, chairs, and elegant lamp to your stairway landing. You can use an area rug to set off space.
A landing office is especially effective if you have a window. You can also add great accessories like bucket chairs, task lamps, and potted plants.
Just make sure that whatever you choose doesn't take up too much visual space. You'll want to open up the area as much as possible to make it feel like a real office.
Home Office Decor Ideas
Some of the best home office decor ideas are simple, colorful, and creative. Take a look at some photos and decide which styles really reflect your personality. It won't take long until you have a home office you'll love even more than the one you used to commute to.
Don't stop decorating like a pro now. For more great wall art and ideas, check out our blog today.