Does your desk look boring? How can you arrange it to make it more vibrant?

2025-11-13

We're all busy every day, but don't forget to enjoy your work hours. One effective way to do this is to make your desk look interesting and vibrant.

A major cause of work stress today is a lack of motivation. Working for hours on end in the same environment every day can indeed be very demotivating. "We sit at our desks all day long, experiencing a mix of fun and boredom," says CPA Simran Mehta. "A fun desk can really energize you."

Here are 7 ideas to help you create a fun and interesting desk:

1. Conduct a thorough cleaning.

The most important thing is to throw away everything you don't need right now, otherwise your desk will become too cluttered. Keep an electronic backup of important documents. You need to have enough space on your desk.

2. Ensure adequate lighting.

Even if your desk doesn't get direct sunlight, you should still make it appear bright and ensure sufficient lighting. A desk lamp is also a good choice.

3. Organize the messy wires.

These days, our desks are inseparable from electrical cords, but these cords can make our desks look cluttered. You can bundle the cords together to "free up" some space. Long cords can be bundled up and stored under the desk. If you don't know how to handle this, you can ask a professional for help.

4. Place a small bonsai tree.

Place a small potted plant on your desk. Plants will make your desk look more vibrant than anything else, and you can breathe in the oxygen they produce, keeping your mind clear. If your desk has sunlight, you have many kinds of plants to choose from; if it doesn't have sunlight, you can place a small pot of bamboo.

5. Create an efficient storage combination.

This step might take a little longer. Keep your most frequently used items within easy reach. Hema Vijayka, an office worker, says, "I use my notebook, calculator, and pen every 15 minutes because I'm a data analyst. For convenience, I keep all three close at hand so I don't have to rummage around for them when I need them." Alternatively, you can put some things in drawers and label each drawer with the items inside. This will make your desk look much tidier.

6. Clock, clock!

Even if you don't need a clock to tell time, it can still motivate you at work. If you can't fit a clock on your desk, get a wall clock. Make sure the clock matches the style of your desk.

7. Make your desk look nicer.

Prepare some brightly colored stationery; these small items can beautify your desk. Furthermore, vibrant colors will boost your motivation. Don't forget a nice desk calendar; although we can use many high-tech devices for note-taking, a desk calendar is often more convenient to use.