25 Ways To Update Your Office Decor On A Budget

Office Decor
25 ways to updat e your office decor on a budget

Office decor matters. We spend so much time at the office- we need things to flow, look good and not hurt our back. We want an office environment that encourages our creativity with its vibe. Whether you work in a large corporate setting or from the comfort of your home office– if you are looking to make a change or many changes, here are 25 ways update your office décor at all price ranges.

1. Declutter.

If you are one of those “neat freaks” then you can skip to #2. But if you are anything like us, you could use a re-organization and fresh wipe down of your workstation. Try taking everything off and then item by item, deciding which things belong back on the top. If it’s the endless paper on your office desk you can’t seem to escape, try using a scanner app like GeniusScan to store digital copies of your important documents online. Then, you can give Mother Earth a hug when you recycle all those papers. Make your workspace a tidy environment, and you will have made a huge change absolutely free.

genius scan app - pdf scanner

2. Desk accessories.

The way you store essential office supplies, tools and paperwork doesn’t have to be boring. Make a statement with your office accessories when you break from the standard black or a work-issued beige. Try red or try making your own like these we saw on Pinterest. Adding accessories is always a game changer.

desk accessories - red stapler
I believe you have my red stapler.

3. Frame a print.

The sky’s the limit with what you can frame. Whether it is a motivational quote or a map of your travel conquests – you will be reminded of what is important to you while giving you your clients and coworkers something interesting to ask you about. Choose from free print downloads to ordering something on a site like Etsy.

4. Paint a wall or use a room divider.

A list about redecorating any room could never be complete without a mention of paint. It is well known that painting the walls, or an accent wall is one of the cheapest ways to give your office space a makeover. If you are in a situation where you cannot paint, consider a room divider choosing a color that compliments, pops or blends with your office décor.

room divider office furniture

5. Light it up.

Some form of lighting is obviously essential to do your job but the type of lighting is often overlooked. One option is to simply change the bulbs, as in changing your fluorescent bulbs to natural light bulbs. Fashionable office fixtures are an obvious option, but do not hesitate to follow the trend of using a more cozy living room lamp in your office.

6. One fun piece. At least.

What is the thing in your office that people tend to comment on the most? Is it the huge bean bag in the lobby or the Mermaid sculpture on the conference table? Consider a fun statement piece (or 5!) that encourage creativity and connection like this photo of the Airbnb office.

Image credit: Photography: Mark Mahaney via Kontor

7. But first… Instagram spot.

Any business that does not have an Instagram worthy spots in their location may be missing out on a huge market and some being very influential. Whether you set up a visual background with inspiring words or bring in a giant stuffed unicorn, it doesn’t hurt if your clients feel the urge to check in to your business and share with their followers on Instagram and Facebook. We think the green wall at Irene’s in Austin, TX is a brilliant example.

austin, texas - irene's instagram spot
#instabusiness

8. Change the office furniture.

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention our favorite kind of office decor update. Restore or alter a piece of used office furniture. Desk chair, office desk, storage unit or anything you can get your hands on at a deep discount. Try Facebook Marketplace, family, friends or give us a call to discuss our used office furniture inventory

9. Mo’ plants.

Not only do plants give us something eye catching to look at, it is scientifically proven that they both calm us and produce oxygen so we can all work smarter. Be sure to ask about watering frequency and if it is a good plant for your sunlight situation. Need some ideas? Here are 20 Indoor Plants That Can Improve Your Office Environment from Small Biz Trends.

10. Encourage collaboration.

The key to the dry erase board is always having markers readily available. And if you do, prepare yourself for instant collaboration and probably a little bit of laughter. If you don’t like the idea of your company secret brain-storming sessions to be on display, try one of the self contained Conference Presentation Board units that we offer.

11. Bring a pet.

Austin gets it. Dogs are therapy. Depending on the rules in your office or home office – bringing a dog bed into your area can change everything about your office decor and work vibe. Dogs are even better than plants at reminding us not to take ourselves too seriously. For many new tech companies especially, it’s nothing unusual for the office to have a dog-friendly policy. Someone above needs convincing? Send this dogs in the workplace article to your boss for a boost.

office desk dog working

12. Give something new life with spray paint.

You can give old things new life with spray paint, says Bob Villa. Even with your office decor, you can create color symmetry between mix match objects or bring a picture frame to life with the extensive variety of spray paints available now in your local hardware store. Consider the metallics if you like all that jazz.

13. Post your mission statement.

Whether you are an entrepreneur or an employee or the head of a big company – it always pays to make sure that everybody is on the same page. Posting your mission statements in a place for many to see means that it may be a frequent conversation about your business goals and what you stand for as a company or brand. Need inspiration? Check out these inspiring mission statements.

14. Keep Austin Weird. #localart

Depending on the size of your business and obviously the size of your budget incorporating a wall of local Austin artists is always an appeal. Take the extra step and include descriptions relevant to each piece of art like the artist name, name of the piece and/or reason for creation.

keep austin weird #localart erika wildman
E. Wildman Gallery –
Energetic Showdown

15. Focus on the windows.

Use as much natural light in your office decor as possible. You may even consider using mirrors on opposing walls to give the allusion of more brightness in spaciousness.

16. Add a fruit basket.

The idea of having a fruit bowl in your office or on your desk is pretty to look at, healthy and friendly. The small cost that it would take to fill the basket with fresh fruit like bananas, oranges and apples would pay back 10 fold. Fruit is one of those things that is not always readily accessible but always a refreshing and appreciated snack option.

office fruit basket

17. Computer screensaver.

This probably has more impact from a large screen desktop but the concept works even for your laptop. Set the computer screen saver to something that compliments your office decor. Someone is sure to notice it on a day that you do not, so make sure it is uplifting.

18. Paper wall calendar.

The paper wall calendar or desk calendar will always be in style. While making appointments or planning your quarter, you want to see things at a glance. This is the time of year to add an inspirational desk calendar or a custom wall calendar that suits your personality and office decor. Use this opportunity to show a fresh image or thought to reflect on throughout the month. Or use all those great Instagram photos and create a custom calendar with an online software like Shutterfly.

19. Smellevision.

If you have ever walked into The Westin Austin hotel, you understand the importance of the perfect air freshener. The way that your business smells is an opportunity missed by many businesses. This fact may make smell a more powerful change than you are standard office décor. Start with The Westin’s White Tea scent here.

21. Feng shui.  Or just schway.

Rearranging, Feng Shui or whatever you prefer to call it, just may make be the flow change you need. Get a second opinion from a friend, watch some YouTube videos or hire a consultant to freshen up your existing set up.

22. Sounds like a good idea.

There’s a reason they play relaxing music in a fancy spa and loud heavy stuff at the gym… music changes us. And it can change the feel of the office decor also. Whether you choose Classic Rock, Golden Oldies or Beethoven- you can affect your customer’s mood, as well as your own via music. Click here for some Spotify Playlists that may help boost your work vibe.

23. Desk toys or office game.

There is a reason that ad agencies, like Austin’s own GSD&M have games on site. Try ping-pong, mini-basketball or a small office putting green to help dissipate stress and encourage creativity. The Golf Channel gets it.

office games golf

24. Double-duty furniture and storage.

Choose an adjustable height desk that can adjust to your liking in a moment’s notice like one of our sit stand desks, mobile workstations or a bench that doubles as storage. If your office feels small, take a cue from tiny apartments in New York City and make your pieces work harder.

25. Add a coffee oasis.

The world loves coffee and tea. By having a cute little set-up in your office with a variety of choices, you are able to offer clients and co-workers an unexpected, but always appreciated treat. Don’t forget to add some water to complete the office decor too.

office coffee oasis

That’s it. We hope you found this article useful. If so, please share it with your friends and send us photos of your office decor ideas.

As always, if we (Tom and Twyla) can help you with your office furniture needs, please give us a call or send us a message.

PS: We offer free space planning also!

pinterest office decor updates 1
pinterest office decor updates 2

This article was researched and written by Jen Knoedl.

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