How to Decorate Offices

If you spend your workdays in an office, you know that comfortable work zones and an efficient layout promote good work habits. Colors, texture and light also play an important role. Most offices share the same basics--a desk, a chair and a file cabinet. Office decoration doesn't need to be dull and utilitarian. Leave your design open for personalization. Start with these ideas to decorate offices and then modify each space for the needs of the office user.

Things You'll Need

• Office furniture
• Paint
• Bookcases
• Carpet
• Throw rugs
• Plants

Instructions

1. Decide which elements the office needs. An architect would probably need a large table to spread plans out on. A programmer who sits at her desk all day long will need ergonomic furnishings.

2. 

   Select a desk that incorporates the office user's needs. Make sure it has plenty of drawers and cubbyholes. Most standard desks are the same height, but consider customizing the height to meet special needs. Use a chair that's both ergonomic and comfortable.

3. Use the same color wood throughout the office. Use of uniform colors will make the office seem more spacious, and have a calming effect.

4. 

   Install at least two bookcase units. Office users without books can personalize the space with photos and mementos. Put matching baskets on some of the shelves to keep clutter down by creating storage for odd things.

5. Use the same neutral color on all of the walls if you're uncertain about the taste of the future office user. Beiges, pale blues and greens are soothing colors. Mount a large work of art or photograph on one wall.

6. 

   Lay heavy-duty low pile carpeting in a neutral color. Use bold throw rugs as accents. Hide a file cabinet in an armoire.

7. 

   Choose one of the colors in the throw rugs for the draperies. Floor to ceiling drapes work well in a formal office. Sheer drapes or blinds work better in a less formal office.

8. Create a seating area that can also function as a workspace. Use a large coffee table and small sofa, or, if you have the space, surround the coffee table with a sofa and two armchairs.

9. 

   Arrange several oversized potted plants in the office. Select hardy plants that can stand some neglect and do well in low-light situations.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid a utilitarian look by shopping at furniture stores, rather than office supply stores.

Resources

• Home Office Decorating Ideas
• Low Cost Office Decorating Ideas
• Wall Decoration and Lighting Ideas for Offices