Cubicles have a certain reputation: bland, generic…borderline soul-sucking (particularly if your workplace resembles Milton’s in Office Space). But it doesn’t have to be that way—something we’ve all come to realize.
Searches for “cubicle décor” and “how to decorate your cubicle” have been skyrocketing in recent weeks, suggesting that whether you’re just getting back to the office or simply need a change of scenery, we’re all looking for ways to liven things up. Well, look no further: We’ve got 19 ideas to bring a little joy to your workspace.
RELATED: How to Stay Organized at Work, Whether You’re in an Office or on Your Couch
Staring at that wide expanse of gray, stiffly padded cubicle fabric is…gloomy. The fastest way to spruce things up is with removable wallpaper. If you can’t get away with peel-and-stick (see: aforementioned padded cube walls), you can buy any wallpaper and use T-pins or push pins to secure it in place.
Instead of a mishmash of random push pins hastily tacked to your walls, streamline your aesthetic with a uniform set. While you’re at it, you might as well choose something that charms you, like this 24-pack of gold and amber bees.
Basic whiteboard? We don’t know her.
A 2,000-person study found that “access to daylight” was a critical factor in boosting employees’ happiness. You may not have much control over where you sit, but you can invest in a light therapy lamp to improve the brightness in your space. This sleek design comes in champagne gold or matte white, and it has three adjustable brightness levels.
This clip-on ring light is the secret to looking glowy on Zoom calls, and it hardly takes up any space.
Succulents and pothos make for great, low-maintenance desk plants, but if you truly struggle to keep greenery alive, it’s time to try a realistic fake.
These modern nesting trays provide a spot to set your drink down, corral pens and store your jewelry (should you realize three hours into the day that those heavy dangly earrings were a bit too much to endure for eight hours straight).
Nearly two-thirds of people feel they’re negatively impacted by clutter, according to a National Business Furniture survey (and everyone you know who’s ever felt disorganized). Clean up your act—and make use of whatever vertical space you have—with this adjustable desktop bookshelf.
Keep that mess of charger cables tangle-free with a few discreet leaf ties. This 12-pack should get the job done, no matter how many gadgets you have.
If you have the classic upholstered walls most cubicles possess, you know that hanging things up isn’t always so easy. Some push pins pop right off, and adhesive strips don’t always work either. That’s where these pin clips come in: They can hold papers, frames, even a hanger with a coat on it—as long as it clocks in at 4.4 pounds or less.
That vacation photo that reminds you of the blissful 20 minutes when your kids put down the screens, stopped fighting and you all frolicked in the sand deserves special treatment, like this showstopping frame.
There are some essentials you tend to leave at work…and turn into an avalanche of stuff under your desk. Keep that change of shoes, umbrella and tote bag secure in a basket, so you’re not tripping out of your chair later.
This minimalist riser helps keep the top third of your monitor screen at eye level, so you’re not straining your neck as you work. But, what’s more, it provides a spot to stow notebooks and other frequently grabbed items.
A sculptural pen holster that doubles as art? That’s actually a mug? Talk about a triple threat.
One of Marie Kondo’s top strategies for staying productive is having a “pending box” on her desk, where she stores papers and reminders. It serves as a to-do list that she can rifle through as she goes about her day, and well, if it works for organizing guru, we’re down to try it.
A few coordinated pops of color can make your desk feel like a more cohesive, stylish space. And this set of pens, pen cup, stapler, tape dispenser and desk tray comes in eight fun hues, so you can choose the color that best suits your aesthetic.
Even during the workday, let’s be honest: Your cell’s always within arm’s reach. This holster keeps you from losing it under a pile of papers and doubles as a vase.
Office chairs aren’t always the comfiest, but that doesn’t mean you should order a whole new chair. The Purple Gel Cushion makes even the stiffest seat feel plush, making it well worth the investment.
Out of all the planners we’ve tried—and we’ve tried a ton—there’s none we’ve enjoyed using more than Papier’s Daily Planner. You can customize the cover, adding your name and choosing from several different designs, and in addition to having decent space to jot down the day’s schedule, to-do’s and priority tasks, there’s an area to set three major goals for the year ahead, with monthly check-ins to chart your progress. Plus, the hardcover books are so pretty you can’t wait to display them.
RELATED: 15 Easy Desk Organization Ideas That Will Make You Feel 15x More Productive
PureWow may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from PureWow's editorial and sales departments.
