6 Ways to Transform Your Office Space into Home Space

It’s hard trading in your comfortable bed for the harsh reality of the office every morning. Who wouldn’t want to spend more time curled in the cozy arms of a blanket? Instead, we’re forced into fluorescent lighting, the daily grind of work, and artificial light from our screens.

To make that transition from home to work more palatable, here are 6 easy ways to upgrade your space to make it feel more welcoming and transform it into a place you actually want to spend time in.

1. Post up nature prints to escape mentally

If your work area doesn’t have any windows and you spend most of your day staring at a computer screen, post up some wall prints of your ideal vacation destination, be it a beach scene or a snowy forest. Every so often, take a break and look at those prints. Allow your mind to imagine being there, and allow your body to de-stress as you picture those relaxing moments. Or, if you have no wall space available, change your computer wallpaper and minimize all your open windows occasionally so you can see that English countryside or quaint New England fishing town.

2. Invest in desk organizers

You know all that clutter on your desk? Pens haphazardly thrown around, mountains of papers, tape dispensers and staplers forever lost under the Post-Its of to-dos. We can all picture our work space at one time or another looking like a mini-tornado tore through. Studies have shown that clutter in our real life spaces creates clutter and anxiety in our minds as well. So when you get to work in the morning, just looking at your disorganized work space creates a framework of anxiety for the rest of your day. To combat this and create some harmony, get some desk organizers in fun prints to match your personal style. Your pencil cup will corral those writing utensils while the matching file folders will keep all that paper off your useable space.

3. Make your office chair a comfy spot

Imagine your bed at home, with your head resting on that favorite pillow. Nothing says comfort more than the sanctuary of our beds. Now, hauling in your mattress every morning will most likely be frowned upon, so instead, get a pillow for your office chair or bring in a blanket to toss over your seat for added comfort. Everything in moderation, though. Don’t get too comfortable and fall asleep. The temptation is always there, I know.

4. Get a terrarium or some plants

Plants are always beneficial to have around. Not only do they help purify the air, but they also bring a little bit of the outside world into our work lives. Having some foliage either on our desk or in the corner of our office can remind us that there is so much more out there than our job, and taking care of said plants gives us an excuse to take breaks. Plus, plants have a calming effect on humans, and create a welcoming vibe.

5. Bring in a candle or a wax warmer

People tend to underestimate the power of smell. Your brain associates certain smells with certain moods, so if you have a relaxing candle you burn at home, consider bringing it into your office and allowing the scent to calm you down throughout the workday. Now, not every office allows open flames, understandably, but a wax warmer or a reed diffuser can have the same affect. The more your work area smells like home, the less stress you’ll feel.

6. Buy some stands

Although a lot of clutter can provoke anxiety, there are a couple things you need handy. Nowadays, you can find sleek and useful stands for those items you want at your fingertips, like your cell phone, your headphones, your glasses, any books or papers you need to reference, etc. Having such items on stands in dedicated areas will help you manage the clutter and make your space look organized and professional all day long while still having those important items accessible.

There are plenty of other ways to make your office more comfortable, but these 6 ideas are fast, easy, and can have a major effect almost instantly. So try them out!