10 Inspiring Office Decor Ideas
Discover 10 office decoration ideas to boost productivity! Explore layouts, colors, plants, and decor tips to create your ideal workspace.
Whether you work from home or simply need a home office, here you’ll find inspiration for creating a functional and beautiful space for getting things done from home!
A space where you can work efficiently is made up of more than a chair and a desk. It’s a space where you can shut out the distractions and allow creativity to flow and productivity to thrive. A random space in your home isn’t the ideal place for ideas to come to life. So, let’s see how prioritizing office decor can enhance the way you work!
This blog is packed with office decoration ideas that are practical, stylish, and customizable. From cozy home offices to small business setups, you’ll find inspiration to create a workspace that boosts motivation and reflects your personality.
My Home Office Before
In my home, I turned an outdated, lime green space into a beautiful, feminine home office with blush and brass accents. We also gave this room some much-needed privacy!
When we were house shopping, a home office was a non-negotiable. And I got a great set up with (lockable) French doors right off the entry way.
But when I first shared the design board for my feminine blush & brass office makeover, I had no idea that a global crisis was about to hit. I had no idea that my easy little decorative makeover was going to take 7 months instead of 1! But I can’t complain too much, because it finally came together and I love it so much!
Let’s take a look back at where we started with this makeover:
On one side was two beautiful windows with lots of natural light, but the wall color and custom draperies did not complement my design aesthetic.
But on the other side of the room, I had these incredible built-in bookshelves and storage cabinets, which I love! I simply needed to organize and decorate!
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Original Home Office Makeover Plans
The vision for this space started with my office desk in the middle and expanded from there. I first fell in love with a rug, but wanted to have a feminine bent to this space since I would be working in it.
Let’s take a look at the vision for my Blush & Brass Feminine Office Makeover.
Flush Mount Ceiling Light | Dry Erase Wall Hanging Calendar | Brass Task Lamp | Emmaline Floral Curtains | Brass Curtain Rod | Blush Rug | Faux Sage Greenery | Marble and Brass Pencil Cup | Brass Clock | Brass Turtle Trinket Box | Desk | Rolling Desk Chair | Bulletin Board | Buffalo Check Wallpaper | Elsie de Wolfe Quote Wall Decor | Blush and Brass Globe | Storage Baskets | Brass Knobs
And this is the to-do list I had for my office:
- Finish organizing the space – DONE!
- Paint the walls Shoji White (Sherwin Williams) – DONE! see my favorite white paints colors here.
- Add an overhead light. We decided to wait on this one for now, but eventually we plan to add an overhead light.
- Add blinds to the french doors. – DONE!
- Remove old curtains & buy and hang new curtains. – DONE!
- Add a rug
- Make panels for the back of the desk. – DONE!
- Style the bookshelves. – DONE! (but will always be tweaking them ☺️)
- Order or DIY art for behind the desk and other wall. I just hung up an Emily Ley quote I made with vinyl a few years ago. And I hung some printable art between the windows. I’ll add more art along the way, I’m sure!
- Add some pink plaid! – I did it with this painted plaid wall (tutorial here).
- Hang calendar and art behind the desk. – DONE! (The Lindsay Letters calendar is so good and I love my pin board for hanging up my inspiration pieces. Sadly the LL Calendar is no longer sold.)
- Either replace the knobs in the built-ins with matte brass knobs or use rub and buff to cut down in some of the shiny-ness. – I didn’t do this and plan to just live with the shiny brass for now. I may replace the knobs with these that I bought for my kitchen, but for now it’s fine!
Before we look at how it looks now, let’s take a moment to reflect on how it looked before! The lime green and old window treatments had to go.
And here’s how it looks now!
I’m so happy to call this room done! Let me walk you through some of my favorite things in the room!
I originally updated this room almost 5 years ago, and since then and it’s morphed a little bit. So, I recently took some new pictures. It’s still looks pretty much the same, but with a few upgrades.
And really the main change was that I replaced my laptop with a desktop computer. I was having carpal tunnel issues, so I needed to raise my desk with these desk base risers. And I got this great computer stand to make everything a little bit higher and add more real estate to my desk. So far, it’s worked great! The new lamp is great, too!
Why Office Decor Matters
It may seem superfluous to care about the environment in which you work. I mean a laptop at any table could get the job done. But office decor is about more than aesthetics. A thoughtfully designed workspace can:
- Enhance productivity by reducing distractions
- Improve mood and reduce stress
- Make clients and visitors feel welcome
- Reflect the personality and culture of your business
The best part? You don’t need a huge budget to make a big impact. A few simple updates can completely transform your work environment!
Now, let’s get into the decorating ideas!
1. Start with a Functional Layout
Before you start planning your decor, make sure your office layout works. Ask yourself:
- Can I move around comfortably?
- Is my desk near enough to natural light?
- Do I have the tools I need within arm’s reach?
Arrange your furniture to promote productivity. For example, place your desk near a window for natural light and a refreshing view, but keep it clear of high-traffic areas to minimize distractions. A functional layout is the foundation of any successful space.
I chose to forego the “desk” on the wall of built-ins and put my desk in the middle of the room, looking out. I like the way it looks when you walk into the house. And I also like to be able to see the door while also looking out the windows.
It’s so nice to be able to see out the windows while I’m working and not staring into the wall. I also have a desk where the bases have lots of storage. I love that most everything I need is right in my desk. And I placed the printer right behind me, so I can turn around and grab things there, when needed.
Adding Back Panels to the Desk
When I decided the desk was going to float in the middle of the floor, I realized it didn’t have a finished back. Oops! No problem when you’re a DIYer, though.
I grabbed a sheet of plywood and some 1 x 3 boards and created my own back desk panels. I painted them in my favorite white paint, Simply White by Benjamin Moore, which seems to match my desk color. They aren’t perfect, but they work fine and make the desk look finished.
I attached them with my brad nailer. Easy peasy! And when I added the bases to the bottom to raise it up, I had to shave off a little bit of the bottom of the new panels to make it fit. I used my reciprocating saw right there in my office to cut about a half an inch off!
It looks even better with the bases and the panels. I love it!
2. Choose a Color Scheme That Energizes You
Color has the power to influence mood and energy levels. For an office, stick to shades that promote focus and calm:
- Blues and Greens: These natural colors are known for their calming and stress-relieving effects. I love being able to see into my blue and green dining room from my office.
- Soft Neutrals: Think gray, beige, or white for a clean, minimalist look. I started with off-white walls and added gray, soft pinks and brass accessories.
- Pops of Yellow or Orange: Add bursts of these colors in decor for energy and inspiration.
Pro tip: If you’re not sure where to start, keep the walls neutral and use accent colors in your accessories. This is an easy way to refresh the space without repainting.
A big portion of my color comes from the DIY plaid painted wall behind my desk. I’m not usually a fan of accent walls, but since one walls has big windows and the other wall is built-ins, I decided to go for it in this room.
I’m in LOVE with both pink colors (Raleigh Peach from Benjamin Moore and Wythe Rose from Benjamin Moore). They still make me smile so big when I walk by my office. And I love it when everyone who visits thinks it’s wallpaper and I can tell them I actually painted it! See my full plaid wall tutorial here.
3. Invest in Comfortable Furniture
Your desk and chair are the stars of the show in any office. Invest in ergonomic designs that support your posture and comfort. Here’s what to look for:
- An adjustable chair with lumbar support – I’ve since replaced my desk chair with this one because the old one was cute, but it was hurting my back. The right chair is important!
- A desk that fits your height and needs (standing desks are a fantastic option!) – As I mentioned before, the desk bases and computer riser were important for keeping things at the right height for optimum comfort.
- Plenty of storage to minimize clutter – yay for built-ins and desks with drawers!
Comfort should always be a priority. After all, you spend hours every day in this space.
4. Add Greenery for a Burst of Life
Plants aren’t just trendy; they’re also great for your health. Studies show they can boost productivity, reduce stress, and even improve air quality! Here are some easy-to-care-for options perfect for offices:
- Snake Plants
- Pothos
- Succulents
- ZZ Plant
Don’t have a green thumb? Faux plants can provide the same visual effect without the maintenance. I have a mix of both in my office, but I sure do love the real ZZ plant I keep in there. It’s so low maintenance and has really flourished in my office.
5. Incorporate Wall Art That Inspires
Bare walls can feel dull and uninspiring. Add personality and motivation with wall art. Here are some ideas:
- Framed prints of motivational quotes
- Abstract art in your favorite colors
- A pinboard or corkboard for inspiration and goals
- Personal photos or mementos to make the space uniquely yours
Gallery walls are a fun way to mix and match these elements. Keep the theme clean and cohesive for the best results.
I love my pin board behind my desk for keeping anything that inspires me and represents my brand. It’s such a fun way to showcase my favorite things.
I originally had some framed printable art on the wall between my windows. But one Christmas I changed them out for a beautiful print from Gracelaced and never took it down. The colors work perfectly and I love the print. So, I’ve kept it year round!
6. Improve Lighting for a Brighter Space
Lighting makes or breaks an office setup. A dimly lit space feels dreary, while bright lighting energizes you.
- Natural Light is your best friend. Add window treatments, but don’t cover the windows.
- Task Lighting on your desk can reduce eye strain during detailed work.
- Add a Statement Lamp for style and warmth.
My office doesn’t have an overhead light, but it does have a light switch. At some point I’ll have an electrician add an overhead light to the room. But for now the light from the windows and my lamp are fine!
7. Create a Distraction-Free Zone
To boost productivity, design your workspace to minimize distractions and maximize focus:
- Choose a quiet area away from high-traffic areas.
- Reduce noise by using headphones or white noise machines.
- Add blinds or other physical barriers to separate the space.
By creating a dedicated workspace, you can set boundaries between work and personal life, increasing overall efficiency.
In our home, it was important for me to have locking doors on my home office for a dedicated work space. This helps me set boundaries between work and home life, but also helps block out distractions when I need to focus.
I installed privacy bamboo shades on the inside of my French doors to help me focus and let my family know that I don’t need to be interrupted if they are home.
While it’s hard to get a perfect shot at this angle, let me just tell you that having a way to close off my french doors is essential during these times. They have been crucial on the days when I needed a couple hours to work without my girls coming by and making faces at me through the glass.
Here’s how they look closed from the outside…
The exact blinds I have are the Designer Series Woven Wood Shades in Jute Wheat. You can always get some free samples to see which color works best in your home!
I LOVE the cordless option, which means there’s no choking hazards for kids and no unruly cords hanging around. Just a simple round circle on the back side that you pull up and down to lower the shades.
8. Use Functional Yet Stylish Storage
Keep clutter under control with storage solutions that look as good as they work. Here’s how:
- Choose decorative baskets or bins for supplies.
- Use floating shelves for books, decor, or awards.
- Consider a rolling cart for flexible storage options.
The key is to combine functionality and style. When everything has its place, it’s easier to stay organized.
I had so much fun organizing and styling the shelves in this office. I’ve always dreamed of having built-ins in an office, so these were a huge selling point for this house!
I need them to be both functional and pretty. So, I have some books on the shelves and then hide some office supplies and craft supplies in hyacinth baskets or closed box storage and magazine holders.
This post all about how to style shelves will walk you through the design rules I used to decorate each shelf. I know shelf decor can be overwhelming, but I hope it helps you if you need to style shelves, too!
9. Set Up a Tidy and Inspiring Desk Area
Your desk is the centerpiece of your workspace. Keep it organized and inspiring:
- Use a monitor stand to save space and improve ergonomics.
- Add a desk mat for a clean and defined area.
- Incorporate small decor pieces like candles, a clock, or a plant.
Declutter regularly, keeping only the essentials within reach to maintain a stress-free environment. (Preaching to myself, here!)
One of the ways I keep my office area tidy is this with basket for my cords and plugs! The cords for my computer and other things are unavoidable, but that doesn’t mean I want the visual clutter that goes with them. So, I found a basket and round extension cord that keeps all of my outlets and cords in one spot, hidden from the view from the door.
10. Build a Cozy Nook for Breaks
Even the hardest workers need a break. If space allows, set up a small nook to unwind:
- Add a comfortable armchair or beanbag.
- Include a side table for coffee or books.
- Use soft lighting to create a relaxing vibe.
A cozy “break zone” can encourage you to pause and recharge, boosting long-term productivity.
I would like to add a comfortable chair to the corner of my office (where the fiddle leaf fig tree is now) and create a space for reading and sipping coffee. Maybe even a place to take a quick power nap! Someday!
Final Thoughts
I’m so happy with how the room turned out and more grateful than ever for this private space to work while everyone has been home for months now! It’s a happy place for me (as long as I keep it clean 😜) and one that my girls and I use all of the time.
Creating a beautiful and functional workspace doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Small changes, like adding plants or reorganizing your layout, can quickly make a big difference. Remember, your office should inspire and support you every day.
Which of these office decoration ideas will you start with? Incorporating even one or two can completely transform how you feel about your workspace.
Get creative, have fun, and make your office the space where your best work happens!
What do you think? Let me know your favorite part or if I missed anything and you have questions!
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Beautiful! One question how did you hide cords?
Fabulous office transformation! I’m moving into my new space to day, but it will be a little while until I can start replacing dated items. Your pist has given me some great ideas!
Beautiful. My dream office. Can you tell me a little more about the rub and buff? I just moved into a new house with a beautiful kitchen but the handles are super shiny brash. Most of them are super long 10 inches. I would really like to tone them down. for now. It is easier on the budget.
Laura, such a well planned, creative and good lookin` office space. Every girl will one! 👸🌟😊
What a beautiful transformation. I love the clean lines. You did an outstanding job, making your home office even beautiful
What a beautiful space. Enjoy!
It’s absolutely gorgeous! Love the plaid walls!
So very pretty! Love the plaid wall, not sure I would have the patience for that, lol, and I’ve done my share of painted wall treatments (hello, 90’s sponge painted walls). I’m guessing it would be way cheaper than wallpaper, based on what I’ve seen! You did a fantastic job!
Great job Laura! Beautiful. Question about the bamboo blinds. When you have them all the way pulled up, what do they measure? I’m very interested in these but am looking for something that I can pull way up during the day so I don’t lose any of my view. Can they be hung higher than the actual window do you think?
Hi Anne! They measure 11 inches when pulled up and block 8.5 inches at the top of my window. But they CAN TOTALLY be hung above the window if you have the wall space! I did this in our old living room (see pictures of them here: https://theturquoisehome.com/neutral-fall-mantel-decor/) and hung them a foot or more above the actual window, then pulled them down just to the top of the window panes so that it didn’t block any of the view! (It also made it look like the windows went that high up the wall, when they definitely did not.) Obviously I can’t do that on my french doors because I don’t have the space above the windows, but I do take this into account when I’m installing bamboo blinds. I only put them on windows where it won’t block a view or I can hang them high enough to keep the view in tact! Totally! 🙂 I hope this helps! xo, Laura
Thank you so much. That’s so helpful. 😊
Oh Laura!! Great job!! I love it all. You are so inspiring
Love what you did to the back of the desk to make it look finished! Mine looks just like that and I plan on trying what you did! Looks great!!
Hi Suzanne, I bought a sheet of plywood and cut it to the size of the backs of the desk, then trimmed it out with 1×3 boards. I didn’t even miter the corners, just butted them up to each other. It was so simple! I glued the trim pieces to the plywood, then used my nail gun to nail them into the back of the desk, filled the holes with spackling compound and painted it with Simply White paint. Super easy! I think you could even screw the panels into the back of the desk if you don’t have a nail gun. It’s not fancy and not perfect, but looks a ton better! Thanks so much! xo, Laura
Hi Laura,
Your new office is so elegant, beautiful and functional. I just love what you did with it. Your talents are amazing! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much for the sweet words, Linda! It brings me joy to share with you all! xo, Laura
It’s beautiful, Laura. So many things I love about it.
Aww, thank you so much, DeAnna! I appreciate your kindness. xo, Laura
WOW! what a great job. Very cute.
Thank you, Rebecca! So sweet! xo, Laura