Elevate your workspace: 5 desk decor ideas for enhanced productivity

Starting work at a cluttered and disorganised desk can easily ruin an entire day's productivity. Tangled cables, scattered papers and files, pens strewn about haphazardly - all these can significantly hamper work efficiency. On the other hand, a well-organised workspace can set the right tone for the day.

In today's world, productivity at work is non-negotiable. This necessitates doing everything possible to enhance it. If you're seeking unique and straightforward desk design ideas and tips, you've come to the right place. Mid-day Online spoke to Aditi Murarka, co-founder of Nestasia, who shares design ideas you can easily implement today.

"Designing your desk is a personal choice, but it's a space that needs good energy, enabling you to be your most productive self. A well-designed desk tailored to your needs reduces stress, fosters creativity, efficiency and focus. It can also instill a sense of motivation and pride in your workspace, leading to increased satisfaction and dedication to your work," Murarka explained.

She emphasised, "A cluttered and disorganised desk can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety. A messy workspace can be overwhelming and make it harder to stay calm and composed. Furthermore, an unorganised desk makes it challenging to quickly locate essential documents, tools, or supplies, hampering efficiency."

Top 5 desk designs to try
Minimalist desk décor: This style is characterised by its focus on essential items, a clean and clutter-free desk and classic wooden accents, creating a functional and output-driven workspace. This style is particularly suitable for high-pressure roles and small spaces. Use a blue or brown coloured desk mat, black coloured file organiser and bicolour planter for a sleek and organised set-up.

Glam chic desk décor: To create this look start with a foundation of pastel tones for the desk accessories and decor. Choose items like marble coasters, which not only add a touch of elegance but also serve a functional purpose. Rose gold or gold-coloured file racks or trays can be used to organise documents and give a sophisticated feel to the workspace. Incorporate different textures, such as a velvet laptop sleeve, to add depth and richness to the overall design. These thoughtful touches will create an inviting and stylish workspace, perfect for entrepreneurs or professionals who frequently host client meetings.

Dopamine desk décor: This style sparks joy and creativity by incorporating vibrant colours, creative objects, artwork and soft boards to display inspiration. This invigorating and activated space is not for those who like to be minimalistic. It is a specific kind that suits creators or designers looking for an energising workspace. Adding cute and functional desk accessories can bring a delightful and whimsical touch to your workspace while also serving as a creative way to jot down daily reminders or motivational messages. Hang colourful artwork and inspiring quotes on the walls and utilise soft boards to pin up ideas, sketches and mood boards. To make your workspace livelier and more fun, consider themed desk spaces based on movie or cartoon characters.

Jungalow desk décor: Fill your workspace with lots of greens in potted desk planters and hanging planters, bringing the soothing presence of nature indoors. For low-maintenance options, decorate with artificial flowers such as rose blooms and orchid stems. You can also arrange natural star grass and corn stem glass for a touch of natural elegance.

Monochrome: An all-white desk, complemented by elements in various shades of white such as a sleek ceramic vase, a desk organiser and a lamp, creates a clean and minimalist space that fosters critical thinking and problem-solving. This monochromatic setup is suitable for all types of working professionals who desire a clutter-free and focused environment, leading to enhanced productivity and efficiency. The white palette promotes a sense of calmness and clarity, enabling ideas to flow freely and facilitating a conducive atmosphere for tackling tasks and projects with a clear mind.

Top 5 colours to elevate your desk
Neutrals and earthy tones: They act as the base for your desk. These colours create a calming and grounded atmosphere making it easier for you to stay focused while working.

White: White has the added benefit of making a small desk space feel more open and organised.

Pastel pink: Layering the desk with pastel pink functional items can add vibrancy and personality. It leaves room for more experimentation with other colours as well.

Green: Placing small ceramic planters with succulents add a touch of green to your desk. This creates a refreshing and revitalising atmosphere, promoting productivity and creativity.

Gold: Having shades of gold spread across the desk through golden finish file organisers or trinket trays add just the right amount of bling to the setup.

Essential items you must add to your desk
While you can undoubtedly add your favourite decor items to your desk, be it a card some loved one gave you or a photo frame, there are yet some workspace desk essentials you must not compromise on.

Use magazine holders, metallic racks or trays and file organisers to keep files and documents neatly arranged on your desk. This ensures easy access to important papers when needed.

Pen stands are essential for tidily arranging your pens, pencils and other stationery items, promoting a clutter-free and efficient work environment.

One pair of spiral-bound notebooks, planners or sticky notes is a smart way to stay organised and manage appointments, deadlines, and tasks effectively. Opting for planners with motivational quotes or floral designs can also enhance the overall aesthetics of the space.

A tissue box on your desk is a convenient and essential item, providing easy access to tissues for quick clean-ups or to handle unexpected spills. Choosing a vintage tissue box adds character and charm to your workspace, offering a delightful touch of nostalgia.

Coasters and a matte finish mug are also essentials to have on your desk, provided you have a designated spot for your beverages. This will prevent any stains or spills. Coasters with floral or geometric designs with unique shapes such as flowers or leaves can add a pop of colour or style to your desk decor and also keep it clean.

A vegan leather desk mat with its durable materials and protective function ensures the longevity of your desk while providing a comfortable writing surface. Using cyan, yellow or orange coloured desk mats adds style, making your desk not only functional but also visually appealing.

Having a glass water bottle within reach on your desk is a must-have for increased productivity, as staying hydrated throughout the day helps the mind to be fresh and maintain energy levels. Additionally, incorporating modern glass jars filled with healthy snacks ensures that you have a quick and nourishing munch option on hand, keeping you fueled and focused during your work hours.

For an extra boost of motivation and positivity, consider incorporating affirmation cards, as part of your desk decor. These cards serve as daily reminders of encouragement and inspiration throughout your workday.

Use compartmentalised jewellery organisers to sort out smaller stationery items such as paper clips, pins, tapes and sticky notes can add a touch of elegance to your desk while keeping everything neatly organised and easily accessible.

Tips for an organised desk
Organising your desk is not a one-time activity, as clutter can quickly accumulate over time. Implement a systematic approach to organising documents and materials. Categorise items according to their importance and purpose and allocate designated areas for each category.

Items of daily use can be on top of the desk whereas occasionally used things can be stowed away in bins and drawers. This structured system ensures efficiency and easy access to necessary items on your desk.

Set aside a few minutes to remove unnecessary items daily and declutter to stay consistently tidy. This approach saves time and prevents the need for prolonged, overwhelming cleanup sessions.

Beware of not going overboard
During the process of designing your workspace or desk, it is important to remember the whole purpose of it. Ensure you design your desk in a way that helps you focus and promotes productivity instead of distracting your mind.

Excessive decorations can lead to visual clutter and a chaotic workspace, potentially having a negative impact on your productivity and overall work experience. The abundance of decorations can create visual distractions, making it challenging to focus on tasks. Moreover, excessive decorations may take up valuable desk space, leaving little room for essential work items. To strike a balance between placing personal items and maintaining a professional workspace, consider keeping only those sentimental items that are of significance to you.

This can be avoided by embracing a slightly more minimalist approach. Choosing items that add beauty and utility to your workspace is essential over purely ornamental items.