Whether you’re going back into your office or you’re still working from home.
A recent survey shows that a pretty big chunk of the American population (40 percent, in fact) wants to work from home forever. Still, plenty of U.S. companies are welcoming workers back into the office, albeit differently than before. But if the idea of giving up WFC (working from couch) while wearing coffee-stained sweatpants is tough, there are ways to soften the blow a little if you’re asked to return to the office. Whether you’ve got a windowed office or a petite cubicle, some carefully chosen office décor can turn your workspace into a way more welcoming and homey-feeling place.
While you can pin photos and posters to your cubicle walls, it doesn’t feel as curated or cozy as putting up frames does. Small touches like adding a lamp (goodbye, fluorescent lighting), a blanket on the back of your chair, or even some family photos can create a space that feels more like a home away from home, rather than just work away from home.
And if you’re still working from home and have an office or a designated workstation, taking the time to decorate your space really does have an impact on your mood (even if it feels a bit “extra,” in today’s parlance). Thankfully, there’s no need to break the bank to create a space you love. Here are some of our top picks for creating an office space that’s both organized and cozy.
Woodgrain Touch Table Lamp
Overhead fluorescent lighting can feel bleak, but the glow of a regular table lamp warms things up nicely. This one is a nice mix of retro and modern, and its small footprint is great for tight spaces.
Ruggable Washable Area Rug
It may seem silly to add a rug to your actual office, but you have to admit that it makes any space more cozy. This one from Ruggable comes in sizes as small as two by three feet for little office spaces, or up to nine by 12 feet — perfect for your home office space (aka your living room or studio apartment). Whatever the size, the pop of color of this washable rug in an otherwise monochrome environment will definitely add life and inspiration to your workday.
Courant Catch:2 Charger
Even if you don’t scroll on your phone during the workday, it somehow always manages to go dead before your trip home. Add a wireless charger to your desk space to not only reduce cords and cables, but to easily charge your phone and earbuds throughout the day.
Vitruvi Stone Diffuser
This one is best for those who have an enclosed office space, but if your coworkers are okay with the scent, then by all means, add it to your cubicle. A small (and stylish) diffuser is a great way to incorporate the feeling of a candle without having an open flame. Add your favorite essential oils, breathe deeply, and enjoy.
Bamboo Wood Storage Desk Organizer
Having a monitor and a laptop can easily clutter your desktop, even if you’re well-organized. This desktop riser not only elevates your monitor to a neck-friendly height, but adds some vertical storage to your desk. There’s a phone stand, open shelf, and two drawers where you can stow away smaller items — even enough space on the riser to pop a drink and pens on top.
Gracie Oaks Wall-Mounted Bulletin Board
Put all your hopes and dreams — OK fine, your expense receipts and notes about tomorrow’s meeting — on this wall-mounted bulletin board, which is big enough to give you some good wall real estate for pushpins and paper, and small enough not to be in the way.
Golden SuperLatte
A cup of watery pod coffee? It’ll do in a pinch, but why not make your break a little fancier with a golden milk latte? This probiotic and adaptogen-infused powder comes complete with warming turmeric, organic spices, oat milk, and coconut creme — just add water.
ZZ Plant
Fact: Plants in the office have been proven to make workers more productive and creative. ZZ plants are hard to kill, tolerate low light, and (if you care) are very trendy right now. This gorgeous specimen will be a long-lasting desk pal.
Rustic Farmhouse Diamond Patterned Throw
We can hear you saying, “Blankets? Seriously?” But at the office, you don’t have control over the thermostat, which can mean the super-powerful AC will have you shivering all day. Get a little cozier with a nice cushy blanket. (When you’re sitting with it across your lap, it’ll hardly be noticeable, we promise.)
Personalized Tree of Love Photo Frames
A framed photo of your kids, partner, or pet will make you smile every time you see it — even after your fifth meeting of the day. This one can be personalized with laser-etched names or initials and a date, to commemorate your wedding or the day you adopted Scruffy.
Blue Granite Tumbler
A paper — or, horror of horrors, Styrofoam — cup for your coffee or water does not feel cozy and is an environmental no-no. This arty-glam marbled S’well Tumbler is triple-insulated and endlessly reusable.
