Office Decorating Ideas

by Giorgina Devereaux

One of the most important pieces of office furniture is the desk.  It’s the place where we spread out and conduct some of our most important tasks.  There are many different styles of desks that have handy features sure to suit your needs.  Compact sized desks are perfect for smaller spaces, such as a corner or a wall that is not very wide. 
 

If your office doubles as a bedroom, then you may wish to consider incorporating an armoire desk as one of your office decorating ideas. 

When the armoire is closed, it creates the illusion that it is housing a television and gives the room a cleaner appearance because all of the paperwork and electronics is neatly tucked away. 

With every desk, it is important to have an office chair that is comfortable and ergonomically correct.  Some chairs have adjustable seat heights, swivel, and have wheels on the bottom for easy rolling while others simply have legs. 

You can find chairs in wood, vinyl, leather, and other stain resistant fabrics that come in a variety of colors.  Some chairs are constructed with an extra thick foam seat for added comfort.  It all depends on what your preference is and what look you are trying to achieve in your office. 

The other important component to an office is having enough storage to help you stay organized.  File cabinets, bookshelves, and bookcases are available in different sizes, colors, and styles.  You can find file cabinets that have a locking mechanism for added privacy, but if you do not want to hassle with keys, you may opt for ones without this feature. 

Understanding the different types of office furniture available will enable you to make the best decision when trying to find the most suitable pieces for your office decorating ideas. 

Computer Desks
 

Computer Armoire:  Computer armoires are fantastic for organizing your home office.

It allows you to close the cabinet when not in use for a neater and cleaner appearance.  They are large and spacious with swing out work surfaces. 

Some other features include a top compartment for a monitor, a cork board on one door for hanging reminders, a dry erase board on the other door, a divided storage shelf, a slide out keyboard tray, printer shelf, space for CPU, and file holders. 

Computer Cart:  A computer cart is smaller than a desk in terms of width and generally rolls on wheels making it conveniently mobile.  It has a pullout keyboard tray, good sized work surface, hutch, printer shelf, CPU storage, and an additional shelf on the bottom for books.  Other computer carts are not as elaborate and simply have an area for the computer, a pullout keyboard tray, and a shelf on the bottom. 

Corner Computer Desk:  A computer corner desk is one of the more creative office decorating ideas to maximize space.  Some feature a spacious work area, a keyboard shelf, CPU storage, locking file drawers, utility drawers, a hutch, and CD storage.  This is a great space saver alternative.

Executive Desk:  An executive desk creates an elegant home office environment.  Executive desks are usually deeper than credenzas and generally feature intricate details, antique bronze hardware, two storage drawers, and a file drawer on each side.  The center top drawer can be used to store pens, pencils, and note pads.  This type of desk gives the office a very majestic and presidential feel. 

Computer Desk Return:  A computer desk return is a desk that is positioned off the main desk.  It functions to hold the computer, printer, or phone while providing additional work and storage space.  It looks lovely adjacent to an executive desk and is also available in an L shape.   

L Shaped Desk:  L shaped desks provide you with two different work areas all in one. 

The work space on this type of desk is generous and allows you to work on your computer on one side of the desk and then if you need to handle paperwork, you can do so by using the other desk adjacent to the area that the computer is occupying. 

You can opt for a hutch on this desk on either the left or right side, which provides much needed storage space.  Other features include a box drawer for office supplies, a file drawer, a keyboard tray, and CPU storage.

U Shaped Desk:  U shaped desks consist of three components which is a credenza flanked by two desks on either side.  One desk functions to hold a computer while the desk behind it serves as an extra work area.  You may opt for a hutch, which is typically located on the side where the computer sits since the computer would be encased within the hutch.  The hutch has shelving for the printer and room for other storage.  Other features include a pullout keyboard tray, a file drawer, keyboard shelf, and a CPU platform. 

The great thing about L and U shaped desks is that in addition to giving you plenty of work space, it may accommodate a guest on the other side of the desk.  They both have the appearance of an executive desk and will definitely give your office an elegant feel.  Not only are both of these office decorating ideas practical in terms of saving space and increasing storage capacity, but they also look nice. 
 

Secretary Desk:  A secretary desk is an affordable and stylish way to keep your office organized. 

Secretary desks feature a set of large, flat drawers.  On top of the drawers, there is a hutch with shelving that is usually enclosed, along with an area underneath that has small nooks and other storage in the back of the desk. 

A flip-down tray encloses the area under the hutch and when in use, this drop front creates ample desk space and reveals various storage compartments, such as slots for separating bills. 

A variation of the secretary desk utilizes a roll top mechanism to secure the desk space and does not include a fold out section.  This desk is perfect office decorating idea for securing information since the folding area of the desks locks.  You can store files, books, miscellaneous documents, as well as small items. 
 

Nothing gives an office a hint of aura than a secretary desk since it blends in beautifully with most office furniture and decor.  You can find secretary desks that feature a smooth and lustrous finish and brushed pewter hardware.  Others feature a hand-painted design consisting of an intricate floral arrangement on an antiqued-beige background.  This makes a simple, delicate, and beautiful statement that gives personality to this lovely desk. 

If you prefer detailed carvings, you may wish to consider a secretary desk covered in ornate hand carved patterns.  This elaborate secretary desk is an office decorating idea sure to make your room look more beautiful as well as help simplify your life with staying organized.

Office Chairs

Office chairs are available in the following:

• Fabric

• Leather

• Vinyl

• Wood

Office chairs are offered with the following features:

• Arm rests

• Contoured seat cushion

• Dual wheel carpet casters

• Ergonomic design

• Full lumbar support

• Gas lift seat height adjustment

• Headrest

• Height adjustable ratchet arms

• Knee tilt mechanism

• Locking tilt control with adjustable tilt tension for balanced reclining resistance

• Memory foam seat

• Mesh upholstery

• Padded foot rest

• Seat swivels 360 degrees

• Stain resistant fabric

• Synchro tilt mechanism

• Tufted back cushion

• Various reclining positions 

Finding the Right Office Chair

In order to find the right office chair, you first need to determine how much time you plan on sitting in the chair.  Since office chairs come with a variety of mechanisms that control the tilt angle, tension tightness, these features make a difference as to whether or not you are sitting in comfort. 

If you are going to be spending a lot of time sitting in front of your desk, you may wish to consider a chair with a synchro-tilt mechanism, which provides for the most natural motion to vary the human posture during prolonged seating periods.  This mechanism will allow you to lean forward or back and the chair moves with you to provide back support at all times. 

For people that tend to get up from their chair often to handle other office tasks, you may want to opt for a chair with a knee-tilt mechanism. This will allow you to lean back in the chair while still keeping your feet planted flat on the floor.  Chairs that lack this feature causes your feet to lift up when you lean back, and over time, this may lead to discomfort. 

Miscellaneous Office Chairs

Club Chairs:  A club chair provides very comfortable seating for office guests because of the dense foam padding and sloping arms.  It also adds elegance to the office because of the rich leather grain in combination with the rest of the furniture. 
 

Conference Room Table

A conference room table transforms an office into a stylish and efficient conference area. 

Depending on the size of your office, you may have room to accommodate a decent sized conference room table, which adds a slew of new office decorating ideas. 

If you need something that is more compact that can host small meetings, then you may wish to consider a round conference room table.  For larger meetings, an oval conference room table is spacious enough to comfortably seat at least 6 people. 

Conference room tables are available in different designs, finishes, and sizes. 

Office Storage

Lateral File Cabinet:  A lateral file cabinet will enhance the look of your office while providing additional storage space to help you stay organized. 

Typically, lateral file cabinets are comprised of two file drawers, along with a locking mechanism for added security and privacy. 

You can find this cabinet in the same height as your desk and can function as an extended work surface when positioned side-by-side. 

Mobile File Cabinet:  A mobile file cabinet generally has two drawers, with some offering three drawers. 

It allows you to wheel it with ease which is a great feature since you don’t have to worry about carrying a heavy piece of furniture should it need to be moved. 

Mobile file cabinets also feature a locking mechanism. 
 

Other Storage

Bookshelves:  A stylish office decorating idea to display your books is through the use of a bookshelf.  Bookshelves are available in different heights, sizes, and finishes.  Some come with 5 adjustable shelves while others have two, three, or four shelves. 

Other bookshelves include corner ladder bookshelves and ladder bookshelves.  These add interest to an office since they do not have the typical backing that a standard bookshelf has. 

You can find bookshelves that have glass doors that can be opened and closed. 

This is a great feature since it helps protect the books and minimizes the amount of dust that can accumulate. 

If a single bookshelf will not give you enough room to store your books, then you may wish to consider a double bookshelf. 

Some come complete with canister lights and nice architectural details, such as arches for added elegance.

Another option is to place two bookshelves side by side to create the illusion that it is one continuous piece of furniture.

Lastly, you can find bookshelves that come in three compartments with the center unit having two doors on the bottom.  This is ideal for large walls and in a situation where storage is greatly needed.  

Desk Hutch:  A desk hutch provides extra storage while helping keep your desk uncluttered.  It generally features several shelves perfect for books or binders, along with concealed storage areas for supplies.  Some desk hutches have glass doors and canister lights, which beautifully accents books and other items. 

This office decorating idea is the perfect space saver since it sits on top of the desk.  It also adds a lot of beauty to the overall office. 

Library Bookcases:  The perfect solution to fill a large wall is to incorporate a library bookcase. 

These bookcases are fantastic because there is an incredible amount of space for books and they even come with cabinets on the bottom for concealed storage. 

Some offer lighting, an entertainment center, bookcases, and desk all in one.  It will make a very elegant addition to your office because of the fine details.  The library ladder further adds to the beauty of this bookcase.

Printer Stand/Utility Stand:  This is ideal for placing a printer on top and for storing reams of paper.  They are generally mobile and come with or without doors.

Finishes Available for Office Furniture

• Aged Pine

• Cherry

• Chocolate

• Coffee

• Distressed Ebony

• Distressed White

• Honey

• Mahogany

• Maple

• Merlot

• Oak

• White

Office Accessories

• Art

• Bookends

• Business card holder

• Bust sculpture

• Chair mat

• Clock

• Coat rack

• Decorative box

• Decorative waste basket

• Desk pen stand

• Faux plant and decorative urn

• Globe

• Leather desk mat

• Letter trays and mail holders

• Lighting (floor lamps and table lamp)

• Mouse pad

• Photo frames

• Presentation board which is a white dry-erase board with a sculpted lower tray that holds markers and erasers.  It is the perfect office accessory for meetings.

For more information on how to decorate bookshelves using decorative accessories, please visit our article titled, “How to Decorate Bookshelves."