Decorating a cozy home office or small work office gives you the chance to truly make your space your own by adding your own style and personality. Whether it’s a small home office setup or a larger home office space, I’ve always believed in adding personal touches that reflect who you are and your working style.
From a unique office desk idea like arranging a desk in a functional yet fun way to trying out inexpensive home office ideas, creating a space where you feel comfortable and inspired is key to being productive and happy during your workday.
I remember proudly displaying my Pez dispenser collection in my small work office cubicle at one point, and the quirky decor always sparked conversations from my coworkers.
Alongside my playful work office decor, I had an office coffee corner that was both decorative and practical, which brought an extra bit of joy as well as functionality to my workspace. I also was proud of my creative office lunch ideas every noontime.
Even in my home office makeover projects, I’ve surrounded myself with family pictures, posters, and mementos of past vacations, all of which made the space feel uniquely mine.
In this article, I’ll share some playful home office decorating ideas that can transform your office whether it’s a small home office or a workspace in an office building. Using the power of artificial imaging, I’ll present various ways to spark your creativity and give your home office a fresh, imaginative makeover.
Let these ideas inspire you to create a home office space that brings out the best in your work and adds a playful, personal touch to your desk setup and office desk decor.
Home Office Decorating Ideas
1. Colorful Wall Decals or Stickers
- Bright, bold wall decals featuring fun shapes like stars, animals, or clouds.
- Vivid colors and playful designs create an energetic, whimsical atmosphere.
2. Chalkboard Paint Wall for Creative Doodling
- A full or partial wall coated with chalkboard paint for drawing and writing.
- Encourages creativity, with colorful chalk adding playful charm to the space.
3. Vibrant Patterned Area Rugs
- Large area rugs with dynamic patterns, like geometric or abstract designs.
- Bright colors like teal, yellow, and pink bring energy to the floor.
4. Fun-Shaped Corkboard or Pinboard
- A corkboard shaped like clouds, animals, or stars, adding character to the walls.
- Playful push pins hold colorful notes, photos, or keepsakes.
5. Statement Wallpaper with Playful Prints
- Wallpaper with bold, playful patterns like polka dots, animal prints, or abstract designs.
- The bright, colorful background energizes and enlivens the workspace.
6. Quirky Animal-Shaped Desk Organizers
- Animal-shaped desk organizers such as elephants for holding pens or paper clips.
- Adds both functionality and a playful, creative twist to the office.
7. Hanging Paper Lanterns or Pom-Poms
- Bright paper lanterns or pom-poms hung from the ceiling for a playful touch.
- Soft and colorful decor creates a light, fun atmosphere.
8. DIY Photo Collage Wall
- A wall featuring a mix of photos in different sizes, arranged creatively.
- The collage adds personality and playful memories to the room.
9. Playful Throw Pillows
- Brightly colored or patterned throw pillows on seating areas for comfort and style.
- Adds cozy seating with a fun, decorative touch.
10. Oversized Bean Bag Chair
- A large, soft bean bag chair in bright, playful colors like orange or lime green.
- Perfect for relaxation, bringing a casual and fun vibe to the space.
11. Decorative Globe with Colorful Pins
- A stylish globe with colorful pins marking favorite destinations.
- Adds a playful and adventurous element to the office decor.
12. Funky Desk Lamp with a Playful Shade
- A unique desk lamp with a whimsical design or patterned shade.
- Provides functional lighting while creating a fun, creative aesthetic.
13. Fun Figurines or Toys on Shelves
- Small figurines of animals, robots, or fantasy characters placed on shelves.
- Adds a touch of nostalgia and playfulness to the office.
14. Colorful Floating Bookshelves
- Floating shelves painted in vibrant hues like yellow, red, or teal.
- Holds books or decor items, adding a pop of color to the walls.
15. Magnetic Wall for Displaying Notes and Photos
- A magnetic wall where colorful magnets hold notes, pictures, and reminders.
- Creates an interactive, dynamic display with a personal touch.
16. Color-Blocked or Ombre Painted Walls
- Walls painted in blocks of bright colors or ombre gradients transitioning from one hue to another.
- Adds a bold, playful touch to the room with eye-catching color schemes.
17. Oversized Abstract or Geometric Wall Art
- Large wall art featuring bold, abstract designs or geometric shapes in vibrant colors.
- A striking piece that adds modern flair and a playful feel to the room.
18. Bold Pattered Curtains or Blinds
- Curtains or blinds with strong patterns like stripes, dots, or abstract shapes.
- Adds a playful, bold element to the window area, framing the space creatively.
19. Unique Animal-Shaped Plant Pots
- Plant pots shaped like animals or cute characters, adding a whimsical element.
- Colorful and quirky, these pots bring a playful touch to indoor plants.
20. Retro or Vintage-Style Posters
- Posters with a retro or vintage vibe, featuring playful themes like old travel ads or comics.
- Nostalgic yet fun, these posters inject character and charm into the space.
21. Playful Art Prints or Canvas Wall Art
- Bright, colorful art prints or canvases featuring abstract or whimsical designs.
- Adds a vibrant, creative element to the walls, energizing the space.
22. Scented Candles with Playful Packaging
- Scented candles in bright, quirky packaging, such as cartoon-like illustrations.
- Adds both decorative appeal and a pleasant scent to the office environment.
23. Multicolored Storage Baskets
- Storage baskets with playful designs like bold stripes or polka dots.
- Useful for organization while adding fun, colorful accents to the room.
24. Playful Wall Clock with Fun Designs
- A wall clock with a quirky, fun design, such as a bright abstract shape or an animal theme.
- Adds a functional yet whimsical focal point to the wall.
25. Statement Chandelier or Pendant Light
- A bold chandelier or pendant light with playful elements, such as colorful orbs or unique shapes.
- A striking lighting feature that combines elegance with a sense of fun.
26. DIY Garland or Bunting Hanging Over Desk
- A handmade garland or bunting in bright colors strung above the desk area.
- Adds a festive, playful atmosphere to the office decor.
27. Playful Oversized Wall Calendar
- An oversized wall calendar with colorful, fun designs for each month.
- Functions as both a useful organizational tool and a decorative art piece.
28. Mood Lighting with LED Strip Lights
- LED strip lights that can change colors, placed around the desk or ceiling.
- Adds customizable, playful lighting that enhances the room’s ambiance.
29. A Pinwheel or Spinning Desk Toy
- A small, brightly colored pinwheel or spinning toy for the desk.
- Adds a playful, nostalgic touch while serving as a fun desk accessory.
30. Custom Painted Desk or Chair
- A desk or chair painted in vibrant, bold colors or with playful patterns.
- Adds a unique and personalized touch to the furniture, turning it into a statement piece.
31. DIY Painted Mason Jars for Office Supplies
- Mason jars painted in fun, colorful patterns, used to store pens or office tools.
- Adds a creative, handmade vibe to the workspace while being functional.
32. Playful Hanging Planters
- Hanging planters in bright, fun colors, suspended from the ceiling.
- Adds greenery and a lively, playful touch to the office decor.
33. Colorful Pegboard for Organizing Supplies
- A pegboard painted in a bold color, used to organize office tools and supplies.
- Creates an interactive, playful space for organizing and displaying items.
34. A Vibrant Accent Wall with Geometric Patterns
- An accent wall with large, bold geometric patterns in contrasting colors.
- Adds a dynamic, playful design element to the office.
35. A Retro or Arcade-Style Game Corner
- A small gaming corner with a retro arcade machine or playful board games.
- Adds a fun, nostalgic element to the office, creating a space for relaxation.
36. Cheerful Patterned Desk Mat or Mousepad
- A desk mat or mousepad with a bright, playful pattern such as polka dots or abstract shapes.
- Adds personality and color to the desktop area while being functional.
37. Colorful Keyboard and Mouse Set
- A keyboard and mouse set in vibrant colors like neon pink, mint green, or bright yellow.
- Adds a fun, modern twist to the workspace’s technology setup.
38. Bright Office Chair Covers
- Office chair covers in bold patterns and bright colors, transforming the chair into a playful element.
- Adds a vibrant and fun touch to the seating area.
39. Creative Drawer Handles or Pulls
- Drawer handles or pulls in fun shapes like stars, animals, or unique designs.
- Adds whimsy and playfulness to even the smallest details of the furniture.
40. Decorative Fairly Lights
- String lights with playful shapes or delicate fairy lights, draped along the walls or ceiling.
- Creates a magical, whimsical ambiance in the office space.
I hope that some of the playful home office decorating ideas mentioned above can resonate with you. Incorporating just a few of of the above in a cozy home office or small work office just might do the trick and actually fuel your imagination!
Bob has been blogging for over 20 years and has been an office and cubicle dweller for more than 35 years. He has been featured in numerous online publications such as US News and World Report, Bustle, and Work Awesome (you can read his articles here). He created the popular office website CubicleBliss in January 2011 and rebranded it as WorkspaceBliss in April 2020.
In the office he’s been an IT Manager, Applications Engineer, Systems Analyst, Software Project leader, and Programmer Analyst in his long career. He’s a Certified Microsoft Professional and possesses a Masters of Science degree and two Bachelor of Science degrees, one of those in Informational Technology.
During his career he has worked in the office full-time, as a hybrid remote worker, and has worked from home permanently.