Find 10 office decor ideas that can help you get more done. Explore layouts, colors, plants, and decorating tips for building your dream workspace.
If you work from home or just need a place to set up shop, this post is full of ideas for a space that is both practical and pretty.
A productive workspace takes more than a chair and a desk. It needs to block out distractions so creativity can flow and work can get done. A leftover corner of the house rarely inspires much, so let’s look at how putting thought into your office decor can improve the way you work!
This post brings together office decor ideas that are useful, good-looking, and easy to adapt. Whether you have a cozy home office or a small business setup, you’ll find plenty of ways to build a space that keeps you motivated and shows off your style.
How My Home Office Looked Before
I took a dated lime green room in my house and transformed it into a pretty, feminine office with blush and brass details. We also added some much-needed privacy to the space!
A home office was a must-have when we were searching for a house. We found a great setup with lockable French doors just off the entryway.
When I first posted the design board for my feminine blush & brass office makeover, I had no clue a global crisis was on its way. I also didn't expect my simple decorating project to stretch from one month to seven! I can't really complain, though, since it all came together and I adore it.
Let's look back at where this makeover began:
One wall held two lovely windows that let in plenty of daylight, yet the paint and custom drapes clashed with the look I was going for.
On the opposite wall, though, were gorgeous built-in bookshelves and storage cabinets that I adore. All they needed was some organizing and styling!
Initial Plans for the Home Office Makeover
I began planning this room by placing my desk in the center and building outward from there. A rug was the first thing that caught my eye, but since I'd be spending my workdays here, I wanted the room to lean feminine.
Here's a look at the plan 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
Here is the to-do list I made for the office:
- Get the space organized – DONE!
- Paint the walls Shoji White (Sherwin Williams) – DONE! Check out my go-to white paint shades here.
- Install a ceiling light. We're holding off on this for the time being, though we do plan to install one eventually.
- Hang blinds on the French doors. – DONE!
- Take down the old curtains & shop for and install new ones. – DONE!
- Lay down a rug
- Build panels for the back of the desk. – DONE!
- Arrange the bookshelves. – DONE! (I'll always be fiddling with them)
- Buy or make art for behind the desk and the other wall. I put up an Emily Ley quote I made from vinyl a few years back. I also hung some printable art between the windows. I'm sure more pieces will join them over time!
- Bring in some pink plaid! – I achieved it with this hand-painted plaid wall (tutorial here).
- Put up a calendar and art behind the desk. – DONE! (The Lindsay Letters calendar is wonderful, and I'm fond of my pin board for displaying inspiration. Unfortunately, the LL Calendar is no longer available.)
- Swap the built-in knobs for matte brass ones or use rub and buff to tone down some of the shine. – I skipped this step and will live with the shiny brass for now. I might switch to the ones I bought for my kitchen later, but for the moment it's fine!
Before we see how it looks today, let's think back to how it used to look! The lime green walls and old window treatments had to go.
And here's how it looks today!
I'm thrilled to call this room finished! Let me show you some of my favorite pieces in it!
I first refreshed this room nearly five years ago, and it has evolved a bit since then. I recently snapped some new photos. It looks pretty much the same, with a few upgrades added.
The biggest change was swapping my laptop for a desktop computer. Carpal tunnel was giving me trouble, so I raised the desk with these desk base risers. I also picked up a great computer stand to lift the screen a bit higher and free up more room on the desk. It's been working really well so far, and the new lamp is great too!
Why Office Decor Is Important
You might think it's unnecessary to care about where you work. After all, a laptop can get the job done at any table. Still, office decor is about more than looks. A thoughtfully designed workspace can:
- Boost productivity by cutting down on distractions
- Lift your mood and ease stress
- Help clients and guests feel at home
- Show off the personality and values of your business
The best news? A big budget isn't required for a big difference. A few simple changes can completely change the feel of your workspace!
Now, on to the decorating ideas!
1. Begin With a Practical Layout
Before you plan any decor, make sure the layout actually works. Ask yourself:
- Do I have enough room to move around comfortably?
- Is my desk close enough to natural light?
- Are the tools I use most within easy reach?
Set up your furniture to support focus. For instance, put your desk near a window for daylight and a pleasant view, but keep it out of busy walkways so you aren't constantly interrupted. A practical layout is the groundwork of any good space.
I skipped placing the desk against the built-ins and set it in the middle of the room, facing outward instead. I like how it looks as you walk in the front door. I also like being able to keep an eye on the door while still looking out the windows.
It's lovely to look out the windows while I work instead of facing a wall. My desk bases offer plenty of storage, so nearly everything I need is within reach. I put the printer right behind me, so I can simply turn around whenever I need to grab something.
Adding Backing Panels to the Desk
Once I decided the desk would sit in the middle of the floor, I noticed its back was unfinished. Oops! As a DIYer, though, that's an easy fix.
I picked up a sheet of plywood and some 1 x 3 boards and built my own back panels. I painted them my favorite white, Simply White by Benjamin Moore, which happens to suit my desk color. They aren't flawless, but they do the job and make the desk look complete.
A brad nailer held them in place, and it was quick work. When I attached the bases to raise the desk, I needed to trim a bit off the bottom edge of the panels to make everything fit. I used my reciprocating saw right there in the office to take off about half an inch!
It looks even better now that the bases and panels are both in place. I love it!
2. Pick a Color Palette That Gives You Energy
Color can shape your mood and energy. In an office, choose shades that encourage focus and calm:
- Blues and Greens: These nature-inspired hues are famous for their soothing, stress-easing qualities. I enjoy being able to peek into my blue and green dining room from my desk.
- Soft Neutrals: Gray, beige, and white give off a clean, minimalist vibe. I began with off-white walls and layered in gray, soft pinks, and brass accents.
- Splashes of Yellow or Orange: Bring in these brights through decor for a jolt of energy and inspiration.
Pro tip: If you're unsure where to begin, keep the walls neutral and add color through accessories. It's an easy way to freshen up a room without picking up a paintbrush.
Much of the color in this room comes from the DIY plaid painted wall behind my desk. I don't normally love accent walls, but with big windows on one side and built-ins on the other, I decided to try one here.
I'm completely smitten with both pinks, Raleigh Peach and Wythe Rose from Benjamin Moore. They still bring a big smile whenever I walk past my office. My favorite moment is when visitors assume it's wallpaper and I get to say I painted it myself! See my full plaid wall tutorial here.
3. Choose Furniture That Feels Good to Use
Your desk and chair are the headliners of any office. Choose ergonomic pieces that support your posture and keep you comfortable. Here's what to look for:
- An adjustable chair with lumbar support – I've since swapped my desk chair for this one. The old one looked nice, but it was straining my back. The right seat really matters!
- A desk that suits your height and needs (standing desks are a great choice!) – As I noted earlier, the desk bases and computer riser helped set everything at a comfortable height.
- Plenty of storage to keep clutter at bay – built-ins and desks with drawers are a win!
Comfort should always come first, since you spend hours in this space every day.
4. Bring in Greenery for a Hint of Life
Plants aren't only on-trend; they're good for you too. Research suggests they can lift productivity, ease stress, and even improve air quality! Here are some low-fuss options that suit offices well:
- Snake Plants
- Pothos
- Succulent Varieties
- ZZ Plant
Not blessed with a green thumb? Faux plants give you the same look with zero upkeep. My office has a blend of both, though I'm especially fond of the real ZZ plant. It needs very little care and has thrived in here.
5. Add Wall Art That Lifts Your Spirits
Empty walls can look flat and drab. Wall art brings personality and motivation. Here are a few options:
- Framed prints with uplifting quotes
- Abstract pieces in your favorite shades
- A pinboard or corkboard for ideas and goals
- Personal photos or keepsakes that make the room feel truly yours
Gallery walls let you blend these pieces together in fun ways. Keep the theme tidy and consistent for the best look.
The pin board behind my desk holds anything that inspires me or reflects my brand. It's a fun way to show off my favorite things.
At first I hung framed printable art on the wall between my windows. One Christmas I swapped it for a lovely print from Gracelaced and never took it down. Its colors work beautifully, and I adore it, so it stays up all year!
6. Upgrade the Lighting for a Brighter Room
Lighting can make or break an office. A dim room feels gloomy, while good light gives you energy.
- Natural Light is your best ally. Add window treatments, but leave the glass uncovered.
- Task Lighting on your desk can ease eye strain during detailed work.
- Add a Statement Lamp for style and a warm glow.
My office has no ceiling light, only a switch. Eventually I plan to have an electrician install one. For now, the daylight from the windows and my lamp do the job nicely!
7. Build a Distraction-Free Zone
To get more done, set up your workspace to limit interruptions and encourage concentration:
- Pick a quiet spot away from busy areas.
- Cut down on noise with headphones or a white noise machine.
- Use blinds or other barriers to set the area apart.
A dedicated workspace helps draw a line between work and personal life, which boosts efficiency overall.
In our house, lockable doors on my office were important for having a true workspace. They help me separate work from home life and keep out distractions when I need to concentrate.
I hung privacy bamboo shades on the inside of my French doors. They help me concentrate and signal to my family that I shouldn't be disturbed when they're home.
It's tricky to capture this angle well, but I can tell you that being able to close off my French doors has been essential lately. They've been a lifesaver on days when I need a couple of hours to work without my girls stopping by to make faces at me through the glass.
Here's how they look from the outside when closed...
My exact blinds are the Designer Series Woven Wood Shades in Jute Wheat. You can always order free samples to see which color suits your home best!
I'm a big fan of the cordless option. There are no cords for kids to get tangled in and no loose strings hanging around. You just pull a simple round loop on the back to raise and lower the shades.
8. Choose Storage That Is Both Useful and Attractive
Keep clutter in check with storage that looks as good as it works. Try these approaches:
- Store supplies in decorative baskets or bins.
- Put floating shelves to work for books, decor, or awards.
- Think about a rolling cart for storage that can change with your needs.
The trick is pairing function with style. When every item has a home, staying organized comes easily.
Organizing and styling the shelves in this office was a blast. I've always wanted built-ins in a workspace, so they were a major reason we chose this house!
They have to be useful and attractive, so I keep some books on display and tuck office and craft supplies into hyacinth baskets, closed boxes, and magazine holders.
This post walks you through the design rules I followed to decorate each shelf. I know shelf styling can feel overwhelming, and I hope it helps if you're tackling your own shelves!
9. Create a Neat and Motivating Desk Area
Your desk is the heart of your workspace. Keep it neat and uplifting:
- A monitor stand frees up room and improves ergonomics.
- A desk mat helps define a clean work zone.
- Add small decor touches such as candles, a clock, or a plant.
Clear out clutter regularly and keep only the essentials within reach for a calmer space. (I need this reminder too!)
One way I keep the office tidy is with a basket for my cords and plugs! Cables for the computer and other gear are unavoidable, but the visual mess doesn't have to come with them. I found a basket and a round extension cord that gather all my outlets and cords in one spot, out of sight from the doorway.
10. Create a Cozy Corner for Breaks
Even the most dedicated workers need a breather. If you have room, carve out a little nook to relax:
- Include a comfy armchair or beanbag.
- Place a side table nearby for coffee or books.
- Use gentle lighting for a calming atmosphere.
A cozy break zone makes it easier to pause and recharge, which supports productivity over the long haul.
I'd love to add a comfortable chair to the corner of my office (where the fiddle leaf fig is now) for reading and sipping coffee. Maybe even a spot for a quick power nap! Someday!
Closing Thoughts
I'm so pleased with how the room turned out, and I'm more thankful than ever for this private space now that everyone has been home for months. It's a happy place for me (as long as I keep it tidy!), and my girls and I use it all the time.
A beautiful, functional workspace doesn't have to feel daunting. Small tweaks, like adding plants or rearranging the layout, can make a big difference fast. Your office should inspire and support you every single day.
Which of these office decor ideas will you try first? Adding just one or two can completely change how you feel about your workspace.
Have fun experimenting, and turn your office into the place where your best work gets done!
What do you think? Tell me your favorite part, or let me know if I missed anything or if you have questions!
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