14 home office decor ideas to make you more productive

A bad workman blames his tools and a bad worker blames their…dreary home office?

It’s absolutely true that you’re a product of your environment, so what if your environment could make you more productive? I definitely believe that an organised, tidy and beautiful home office can make you work harder and more efficiently.

So if you’re fed up of working at the dining table, from your bed or in a home office that needs a bit of *spice*, take a look at my home office decor ideas! I’ve tried to cover everything from couple’s desks to dark walls and organised shelving, and even creative touches like using free embroidery designs to personalise your space.

 

1. The couple’s space

 

I love the idea of a couple’s office space. If you and your partner work from home, you can team up and work in the same space. This isn’t for everyone (sometimes we need space apart), but it’s great if you’re fed up of working alone all the time.

In this room, there are two separate desks so you can both spreadout and have your own clutter (because let’s be honest, there will be clutter).

 

2. A pop of colour

 

Use your favourite colours in your office space. You could spend upwards of 8 hours a day in there, so it should be a joyous room that makes you happy. It’s probably one of the few rooms any guests won’t see so go crazy and decorate it however you want. The wackier the wallpaper, the better.

I love how the paint has been applied in this home office to create a geometric pattern, while leaving some areas white. The prints help to balance the whole look.

 

3. A personal touch

 

Do you have a passion in life? Whether it’s art, photography, books, movies or something else, include it in your home office. It could make you more productive and makes for a lovely working environment.

Fill your shelves with paraphernalia and knicknacks that mean something. I love the array of cameras on the shelves in the image above, plus the plants add some much-needed green.

 

4. Bold walls

 

I am obssessed with a dark wall, particularly a dark blue wall. I think it works particularly well in an office space because it feels cosy but also serious. You can always lighten it by adding light funiture or artwork, as above.

 

5. Small spaces

 

Small absolutely doesn’t mean insignificant. During Covid, everyone got creative and found ways to incorporate a home office even when they couldn’t dedicate a whole room.

I love that spaces like this, that may otherwise go unused, have got a purpose. While I’m fairly sure this photo is AI (and you couldn’t get away without a railing on stairs like that), it proves my point that you don’t need a huge room to make a great home office. A lamp, a desk and a chair are all you need.

Here is another example:

 

6. Home office artwork

 

Artwork is an essential in any room, but it can really help to bring a home office to life. If you’re scared to go bold with any other aspects of your home office, then your artwork is something you can go bold on. You can create a gallery wall full of inspirational quotes and images.

You can use art to show your personality and brighten up the room. Even think about the frames you’ll use (gold, silver, metal, distressed, wood, there’s lots to choose from!).

 

7. Industrial chic

 

Industrial decor is still here and I love it, particularly for an office. It gives a professional vibe while also being a bit fun.

This office has it all – the original floors, the brick walls, the bare pipes and the hanging plants. While it looks like it could get a bit nippy in the winter, it’s a space that you’ll get work done in (even if it’s with a hot water bottle).

 

8. Masculine decor

 

If there’s one room of the house you can go masculine in, it’s the home office (and the man cave, but that goes without saying). I love this look. It feels so calm and I feel like I wouldn’t be stressed if I could work here. The dark wood floors and the dark blue walls make it so tranquil, but the shelves also make it a productive space with organisation at its centre.

 

9. Geometric patterns

 

I love geometric patterns. We have geometrics in a few of our rugs and they let you use multiple patterns in the same space without it feeling over the top. I love the geometric pattern on the wall in this office, but also the sharp edges of the rug. It all works so well, with the dark wood desk pulling the whole thing together. I especially love the black accents in all of the equipment and the rug.

 

10. Utilising the space you have

 

Just like the office under the stairs, this is another great example of using the space you have to create a good working environment.

The desk and computer sit within the main living room, but it doesn’t feel messy or overcrowded. Plus, you have a great view to work from, in front of those doors. It seems like a relaxing work space that doesn’t take itself to seriously.

 

11. The right equipment

 

For your home office to work well for you, think about the equipment you use every day and how you can store it/hold it/etc. This home office has special headphone stands, which I love! If you regularly use cameras, printers, laptops, headphones or other gadgets, definitely think about how you can store them when not in use. Smart storage and organisation is key to keeping your office looking tidy.

 

12. Add decorative items

 

Not every item in your home office has to be a requirement or a useable item. Fill your office with things that you love too! It could be knicknacks, plants, notebooks or other stationery, globes, photographs, anything you feel like.

These shelves are stuffed full of things that are partially useful but partially just look pretty.

 

13. Home office/gym

 

Don’t want to dedicate a whole room to being your home office? You don’t have to.

This office has the standard desk and shelves, but also houses a spin bike and weights. There’s no reason why you can’t mix business and pleasure to get the room you want.

It might even make you more productive (especially after a lunchtime spin session to get the oxygen flowing).

 

14. Stay traditional

 

A traditional home office is traditional for a reason – it’s classy, it’s sophisticated and it’s a beautiful space to work in. Plus, if you ever have clients come to your house, it looks the part.

Lighting is so important, so consider where and what type of lamps you will have. They may just be there as part of the decor, but you may also use them when it gets dark outside.

 

So there you have my home office inspiration! I hope it’s given you some ideas on how to properly create a work space and be more productive whenever you work from home.