Inspiring Office Decorating Ideas For A Productive Workspace

Your office space can make a huge difference in the success of your business. If you and your team are constantly cramped in a dark, unorganized space, then you can’t hope to get very much accomplished. In the digital age, modern work environments emphasize the need for physical decluttering to enhance office organization and team collaboration. But if you create a comfortable, aesthetically pleasing office that’s unique to your business, you can give your business a much better chance.

To create the best possible office space for your business, take a look at this list of office decorating ideas below.

Office Decorating Ideas

Make the Most of Your Natural Lighting

Lighting is one of the most important elements of a well-designed office. You can have the most organized space, unique furniture, and a beautiful color scheme. But you can’t see all of those elements clearly if you don’t have good lighting. Natural light is best. So try to keep any window areas unobstructed to make the most of the light that your space gets.

Get High Quality Task Lighting

But chances are you’re still going to need at least some artificial light to keep your office illuminated throughout the day. So opt for high quality lighting like lamps and indirect light instead of generic fluorescents.

Designate a Welcoming Entryway

Your entryway is going to be the first thing that you, your team members and your clients see when you walk into the office. So you should carefully consider the impression created right when you walk through the door. Your furniture and decorations in this area should be clearly welcoming to your staff and visitors. Adding table lamps can create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Fill Your Space With Plants

Plants can also be a great way to create a more welcoming space. Potted plants can help you separate spaces, provide natural accents, and even improve air quality in the office.

Use Light Colors for Big Spaces

Color can be one of the best ways to make your office stand out. But don’t jump right into painting every wall of all of your favorite colors. Whites and light neutrals can make your space feel larger and more airy. So it can be a good idea to save those dark or bright colors for accents, furniture or other decorations.

Integrate Your Brand Colors

When you are choosing a color scheme for your space, it can help for you to consider your brand colors so that you can create a space that really upholds a consistent style.

Stimulate Productivity Using Color

There are other ways to use color too. For example, you might consider using warm tones to stimulate productivity in the actual workspaces of your office.

Designate Relaxing Spaces

Likewise, you can use cool tones like blues and greens to create a more relaxing environment. So, in spaces like your break room where you want team members to relax, you could utilize those colors in the decor. Additionally, incorporating soft textures and decorative elements like rugs and pillows can make the space feel cozy.

Create a Color Story

No matter what colors you choose, you want to make sure they are at least somewhat consistent and complementary. So plan it out by creating a color story and checking to make sure all your choices look good with one another.

Outline Different Spaces With Rugs

If you have a larger space with multiple different areas, you might want to separate some of those different spaces with different elements. Rugs can be a great way of outlining spaces without creating physical barriers.

Color Code Your Supplies

You can also use color to organize your office supplies. And color coding different items and containers can also help you make sure that your space looks more organized and cohesive.

Put Up Large Wall Art

Art can also help you make your space look more unique and interesting. To make your space look as large as possible, you can opt for large-scale pieces instead of multiple smaller ones.

But Steer Clear of Corporate Art

It’s also a good idea for you to pick out some art that’s actually — you know — art. Generic corporate posters or stock artwork can just make your space look sterile and impersonal. So choose a style and get some actual paintings, photos or other items that work with your space.

Support Local Artists

In fact, you can use your office decor as an excuse to support some local artists. Check out galleries in the area or do an online search to find artists from your area who create artwork that fits with your office style.

Consider an Accent Wall

To add a bit more color to your space without overwhelming your senses, you can paint just a single wall with a bright or accent color and then leave the rest light or neutral.

Insulate Sounds from Separate Spaces

When decorating your office, it’s not only about how everything looks. You also have to consider some of the other senses, like sounds. For example, if you have a dedicated area for meetings where team members are likely to talk and collaborate and then a second space where people can work quietly, you should separate them somehow. If you don’t have a physical barrier in place or can’t put one there, then use other items like plants to insulate some of that sound.

Let Employees Reflect Their Personal Style in Their Spaces

Each individual team member is also likely to have their own taste and personal style. So, make sure they know they can decorate their specific cube or space to fit that style. Encourage them to integrate the elements that are most likely to keep them motivated throughout the day.

Get Input from Your Team

You can also get input from your team when it comes to decorating the rest of your space. If you’re considering a new conference table or other major piece of furniture, you can let employees vote on the options. Or you could even set up a board or other area where employees can add their own personal touches.

Choose Comfortable Furniture

You also shouldn’t discount the importance of comfort when choosing furniture for your office. If you buy a chair or desk just because it looks nice but then find that it really isn’t practical, productivity is likely to suffer. Investing in comfortable and ergonomic furniture can significantly increase productivity, so opt for ergonomic models whenever possible or at least tryout furniture before taking the leap.

Consider Adjustable Desks

Another way to increase comfort in the office is by allowing your team to actually get up and move throughout the day. Instead of just sitting in one spot all day long, you can invest in adjustable or standing desks so that people can work however they choose and even change it up.

Repurpose Older Items

When buying furniture and other items, you don’t have to just opt for mass-produced corporate options. You can buy more unique items at antique or secondhand stores and then update them with paint or upholstery.

Use Minimalist Furniture for Small Spaces

If you’re working with a small space, you don’t want to fill the whole thing up with a bunch of bulky furniture. So, opt for smaller models that don’t take up as much floor space to make the area feel less cramped.

Utilize Custom Vertical Storage

You can also make better use of small spaces by utilizing tall shelves or vertical storage so that it takes up less floor space.

Have a System for Avoiding Clutter

Even if your office is well designed, if it gets cluttered over time then it isn’t going to look great. So when designing the space, make sure you have outlined areas for things like files and other potential clutter. Consider using a filing cabinet to organize important documents and reduce clutter.

Make Sure Supplies Are Centrally Located

You should also ensure that the things people use every day, like the printer or copier, are located centrally so that people can access them quickly and easily.

Hide Unattractive Cords

Even though many offices are going cordless wherever possible, you’re still likely to have at least some items that need to be plugged in. But those cords can be unsightly and burdensome. So you can invest in some covers or other methods for keeping them mainly out of sight.

Highlight Attractive Views

On the other hand, if you have attractive views outside your office windows, highlight them by making sure the windows are unobstructed or even getting some unique window treatments that call attention to the views.

Don’t Forget About Smells

The smells in your office can also make a huge difference. So invest in some air fresheners and make sure that the air circulation is up to par.

Create an Intentional Space for Your Home Office

Even if you have just a home office, you still have to create an intentionally designed space. At the very least, make sure you have all the essentials and a designated space that’s just for work. Incorporating large surfaces like wide desks can enhance functionality and provide ample space for organizing your work.

Rearrange Regularly

Once you have a space you’re happy with, the work still isn’t over. It’s still a good idea to refresh the space with new artwork, furniture and even paint colors regularly. This can help you make sure that everything is up-to-date and as personalized to you and your team as possible.

Office Layout and Ergonomics

A well-designed office layout and ergonomic setup can significantly boost employee productivity and overall well-being. When planning your office layout, consider the specific needs of each team member and the type of work they will be doing. For instance, a software development team may require a quiet and private space, while a marketing team might thrive in an open and collaborative environment.

Incorporating ergonomic furniture and design elements can also help reduce eye strain, improve posture, and prevent work-related injuries. Investing in adjustable desks, comfortable seating, and proper task lighting can create a healthy and comfortable work environment. By prioritizing ergonomics, you ensure that each team member can work efficiently and comfortably, leading to a more productive and happy workplace.

Custom Storage Solutions

Custom storage solutions can help keep your office organized and clutter-free, improving productivity and reducing distractions. Consider investing in filing cabinets, shelving units, and desk organizers that are tailored to your specific needs. Custom storage not only maximizes your space but also ensures that everything has its place, making it easier to maintain an orderly office.

When designing your custom storage solutions, think about the types of items you need to store and how often they are used. Frequently used documents and office supplies should be stored in easily accessible locations, while less frequently used items can be kept in labeled bins or containers. By creating a system that works for your office, you can keep clutter at bay and ensure that your workspace remains functional and efficient.

Creating a Welcoming Guest Room

A welcoming guest room can make a great impression on clients and visitors and can also serve as a comfortable space for team members to relax and recharge. Consider incorporating comfortable seating, natural light, and calming colors to create a peaceful atmosphere. A well-designed guest room can reflect your company’s professionalism and attention to detail, making visitors feel valued and at ease.

When designing your guest room, think about the needs of your visitors and the type of impression you want to make. A luxurious sofa and a flat-screen TV can create a sophisticated and welcoming space, while a few plants and a vase of fresh flowers can add a touch of warmth and personality. By creating a cozy atmosphere, you ensure that your guest room is a pleasant and inviting space for everyone who uses it.

Displaying Your Company Culture

Displaying your company culture and values can help create a sense of community and teamwork among team members and can also serve as a powerful recruitment tool. Consider incorporating wall art, bulletin boards, and other visual elements that reflect your company’s mission and values. These elements can serve as daily reminders of what your company stands for and can inspire employees to embody those values in their work.

When designing your company culture display, think about the types of messages you want to convey and the type of atmosphere you want to create. Inspirational quotes and a vision board can create a motivational and uplifting space, while fun and quirky elements can add a touch of personality and humor. By showcasing your company culture, you create a work environment that is not only visually appealing but also meaningful and engaging for your team.

Minimizing Distractions

Minimizing distractions can help team members stay focused and productive and can also improve overall work quality. Consider incorporating noise-reducing materials, comfortable seating, and proper task lighting to create a distraction-free environment. A well-designed workspace can help employees concentrate better and work more efficiently.

When designing your distraction-free space, think about the types of distractions that are most common in your office and how you can minimize them. Plants and a water feature can create a calming and peaceful atmosphere while noise-reducing panels can help block out background noise and distractions. By addressing common distractions, you can create a work environment that supports focus and productivity, helping your team achieve their best work.

By incorporating these office decor ideas, you can create a workspace that is not only functional and efficient but also welcoming and inspiring. Whether you’re designing a guest room, creating custom storage solutions, or showcasing your company culture, these tips can help you create an office that reflects your business’s unique style and values.

Office Decor Photo via Shutterstock

This article, "Inspiring Office Decorating Ideas for a Productive Workspace" was first published on Small Business Trends