How to Decorate Your Office and Add a Personal Touch

Adding some personal flair to an office will make it more comfortable.

Personal touches will bring a unique flair to an office space, where you likely spend 40 hours or more per week. The specific pieces should be subtle and leave the place uncluttered, and should fit within company standards, if applicable. Bringing in a few simple pieces will create a more comfortable, relaxing spot ideal for getting work done. Adding personal touches doesn't have to mean lots of clutter. Stick with a few simple, well chosen items.

Things You'll Need

• Plants
• Office supplies
• Photo frames
• Photos

Instructions

Adding Personal Flair

1. Paint picture frames. Use water-soluble paints, stamps, stencils and other craft supplies and have family members decorate plain wooden frames. Finish the frames with photos of loved ones and put them on the desk or, if possible, hang them on the walls.

2. Purchase office supplies. Instead of using standard disposable pens, consider investing in an engraved fountain pen. Purchase a stapler, cup holder and even writing pads in your favorite colors just to have something a bit different from everyone else.

3. Grow some greenery. Most potted plants require little more than occasional watering, and are a simple way to bring a little bit of nature to the office. Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) or cast iron plants (Aspidistra elatior) are both ideal for low light conditions common for office buildings.

4. Add color with accents. Find a few small vases in bright colors. Red, yellow and orange are good for concentration. Include an interesting paperweight or hang a couple of hand-drawn pieces made by the kids. A bit of color will help to offset the sometimes bland environment of the office.

5. Print a calendar. A calendar is an ideal way to add a fun, functional piece to the office. Select a design that features photos of a favorite spot, pastime or event. For something with extra personal flair, select some of your own photos and have them made into a calendar.

References

• Hollman Las Colinas Business Center: 5 Tips for Decorating your Office Space;
• Gardening Knowhow: Good Plants for Office Environment; Nikki Phipps
• Union County College: Cast-Iron Plant; T. Ombrello

Resources

• 360 Office Furniture: Cubicle Decorating 101