A home office should be a place you want to sit in. That takes a bit of warmth as well as order: soft light, a few pretty things and storage that keeps the surface clear. These ten ideas make a small workspace feel cozy and organized without turning it into a showroom, and most cost very little.
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Set the mood
Choose a calm palette of two or three colours and stick with it. Add warm light and one living thing, such as a plant. Keep the surface clear except for what you use daily, so the desk feels open rather than crowded. The goal is a space that feels good at nine in the morning and at five in the afternoon.
Light and comfort
A desk lamp
Warm, adjustable light is kinder to your eyes and makes the room feel softer. A lamp with several brightness settings suits morning and evening, and a built-in USB port saves a socket.
(opens Amazon in a new tab)See our pick: LED desk lamps (opens Amazon in a new tab)
A small plant pot
A plant adds life and colour. A hardy one such as a succulent suits a desk with little care. A ceramic pot looks better than the plastic one it came in.
(opens Amazon in a new tab)See our pick: small planters (opens Amazon in a new tab)
A footrest
A footrest makes long days more comfortable, especially if your feet do not reach the floor. An adjustable one suits many chairs.
(opens Amazon in a new tab)See our pick: under-desk footrests (opens Amazon in a new tab)
Surface and storage
A desk mat
A mat in a soft colour makes the desk look finished and protects the surface from scratches. Pick one big enough for the keyboard and mouse.
(opens Amazon in a new tab)See our pick: desk mats (opens Amazon in a new tab)
A desk organizer set
A neat set holds pens and notes and keeps the desk clear. Choose a style that matches the room, such as white, wood or metal.
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A pen holder
A simple cup keeps pens within reach. It is cheap and takes a small corner.
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A monitor stand
A stand raises the screen to eye level and hides small items in a drawer underneath. It helps your posture as well as the look of the desk.
(opens Amazon in a new tab)See our pick: monitor stands (opens Amazon in a new tab)
Cable clips
Clips keep chargers from sliding behind the desk. They stick best to clean, smooth surfaces.
(opens Amazon in a new tab)See our pick: cable organizers (opens Amazon in a new tab)
Planning
A weekly planner
A planner pad keeps the week in sight on paper, which many people find calmer than a screen. An undated one works whenever you start.
(opens Amazon in a new tab)See our pick: weekly planners (opens Amazon in a new tab)
A wall calendar
A calendar on the wall keeps dates visible and frees you from checking your phone. Magnetic dry-erase ones are reusable.
(opens Amazon in a new tab)See our pick: magnetic wall calendars (opens Amazon in a new tab)
Make it yours
Add one thing that makes you smile, such as a photo or a candle. A cozy office is one you enjoy sitting in, and that makes you more likely to keep it tidy.