7 Expert Desk Organization Ideas for a Beautiful and Inspiring Work Space
Original article posted at Veranda by Lauran Wicks.
Whether you had your own chic WFH setup before the pandemic or not, investing in the right desk, stylish and supportive chair, and Zoom-ready lighting may have been some of the best purchases you made this year. But unlike at the office, we aren't given organizational tools and ample storage space, meaning our work spaces are full of clutter. We're making the argument for thoughtful at-home desk organization that matches your individual needs, priorities, and style to ensure this space is as least somewhat exciting to walk across the house to each morning.
1. Minimize and Compartmentalize
"Work-from-home spaces are [usually] not as grand as traditional working spaces, so only keep what is essential to productivity in this part of the house. If a document or email can be scanned or digitized, consider that instead of printing and keeping stacks of paper.
"Have a way to keep office supplies stored and out of sight. This makes the WFH space less cluttered and frenetic. The drawers in this Biedermeier secretary were what appealed to me: There are so many built-in places to stash pens, pencils, paperclips, staplers, sticky notes, etc." —Jean Liu, Jean Liu Design
2. Ensure Your Work Space Is Accessible
“The key to having a beautiful, organized desk is big drawers to put things away in and a bulletin board for things you need to access easily. And if you can’t keep the desk tidy, the next best thing is to be able to shut the door on the whole situation.” —Elizabeth Pyne Singer, McMillen Inc.
3. Give Your Most Frequently Used Supplies a Colorful Home
"Gather your favorite (and thoughtfully chosen) pens, pencils, rulers, magnifiers, etc., in an array of nicely proportioned pencil cups or cachepots. The possibilities are nearly endless in this category, and with a bit of ingenuity, you can find all sorts of containers that combine function and charm. Besides my own various offerings and Bridie Hall's colorful brush pots, I love to use vintage mugs, small pitchers, antique silver beakers, and old tea tins. Whatever you choose, let it reflect your personality and style, and arrange them like you would a bouquet of flowers." —Erika Stefanutti
4. Find the Right Tools for Elevating Your Everyday
"I believe in finding beauty in the everyday. I suggest looking for desk organizers and accessories that you love. Beautiful items like magazine holders, file folders, pencil cups and notebooks often make me excited to get organized. Plus, desk accessories are a fun and easy way to refresh a space.” —Anna Rifle Bond, c0-founder and CCO of Rifle Paper Co.
5. Choose Organizational Elements That Showcase Your Personal Style
"I adore a beautiful desk tray or, even better, a pair of nested trays. These provide not only a home for your eyeglasses, letter openers, Post-it folios, etc., but also an opportunity for a bit of color and pattern. Vintage and antique trays in wood, silver, or papier-mâché can be repurposed for use on a desk, and I love the patterned French pottery catchall trays from La Tuile à Loup too. A letter sorter or desk tidy is another important element in a well-dressed desk. These are useful for corralling your stationery and personal correspondence in a pleasing way." —Erika Stefanutti
6. Take Time to Thoughtfully Personalize Your Space
"My workspace is often a place I collect inspiration. I like to find ways to display personal mementos and favorite designs while keeping my space organized. For example, my grandmother’s pin board is always home to items of sentimental value that continue to inspire me as I work toward deadlines and creating new Rifle Paper Co. designs. You can never go wrong with adding a small lamp, favorite art, or inspirational books to your space. Surrounding yourself with beautiful things is so important. Also, never underestimate buying yourself fresh flowers for your desk." —Anna Bond
"Keep one or two smaller objects as part of the setup, whether it’s a plant, a family photo, or a keepsake from a recent trip. It helps make even the most utilitarian of spaces feel elevated and considered." —Jean Liu
7. Be Disciplined with Your Creative Chaos
In a world where dining tables double as desks and creatives need plenty of space to get inspired, some days, organization is all in the piles—so long as you can manage them.
“The key to having a beautiful, organized desk is maintenance. As a decorator, I need to spread out and have a lot of different things– fabrics, tear sheets, paint fans, finish samples, etc.—at the ready, so my desk is our dining room table. I have a very hard time getting rid of anything, even if it’s not quite the right fit for what I am working on, so the table is a constant creative work in progress. To keep myself (and those around me) from going nuts, I have to be disciplined about tidying at the end of every day. Because the table is a big, flat surface without any storage, I make little organized piles.” —Elizabeth Pyne Singer