7 Home Office Decor Ideas for Your Apartment + 3 WFH Tips

Working from home requires a set home office space. But, when battling distractions like your comfy bed and potential Netflix binges, you’ll need a space to stay focused and productive (even if you’re in your PJs).

That’s where your home office comes in. Your apartment office space should be designed to foster productivity and provide a warm, welcoming environment.

If you have the opportunity to update or build your home office setup, this guide is for you.

Here’s a breakdown of how to improve your home office, including productivity tips and office decor ideas. Let’s get started!

3 Tips on How to Effectively Work Remotely

New to working remotely or looking for ways to increase your productivity from your home office?

Here are a few tips to help you adjust to remote work and get things done.

1. Create the Ideal Work Space

Ideal is a relative term, as everyone works differently. For some, barking dogs or crying babies are just background noise. For others, they are distractions.

So, when you’re thinking about building an ideal workspace, consider how and where you work best. Then, try to mimic the conditions in which you are most productive.

Here are some working conditions to consider when creating a workspace that’s best for you.

• Your comfort
• Distraction types and frequency
• Area lighting
• Room temperature
• Sounds

2. Start a Routine and Stick To It

Building a routine essentially creates a series of habits that you repeatedly perform.

You want the actions or behaviors to become automatic, so your brain isn’t overwhelmed by many decisions each day.

There’s a lot of psychology and cognitive science behind this concept, but when tasks are automated, your brain frees up mental energy to focus on other things — like work, for example.

There are many different ways to build a routine, so experiment with different ones to determine what works best for you.

To start, make a list of things you already do every day and adjust them for efficiency to add in additional good habits. Then, try the routine every day for a week to see if it’s a good match for you.

Just try to avoid gimmicky approaches to building a routine, like waking up at 4:30 am. You don’t need to do anything extreme to be productive.

3. Keep Your Work Remote

Cloud-based software is pretty much a necessity when you’re working remotely.

Not only does cloud-based software make collaboration in real-time possible, but it also enables you to save your work in a secure location.

Some of the most popular cloud-based software options include Google’s G-Suite array. G-Suite includes Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and more.

These solutions allow you to work from anywhere and with anyone without fear of losing your work. All you need is an internet connection.

That said, you may need to check in with your employer’s security protocols and see what they have to offer in the realm of cloud-based software.

If there is no cloud-based solution, you may need to invest in an external hard drive to keep your work securely saved and portable.

7 Remote Work Set-Up Ideas

Whether you’ve been working from home for years or are recently adjusting to telecommuting, your apartment office likely needs an upgrade.

Small space doesn’t have to dictate your office decor ideas. You just need to maximize the space you have and take a more minimal approach to decor. With the right approach, you can still create the apartment office of your dreams.

Here are seven ideas to start you on the right track!

1. Finding the Right Desk

Affordable apartments may not be huge. So, your apartment may not have the space you need to create the perfect home office with a traditional desk. However, these desk variations may make your work from home life easier.

• Rolling Desks: As they are on wheels, rolling desks are easily maneuvered throughout an apartment and allow you to change workspaces as you see fit. Rolling desks can also serve as a table when entertaining if you're low on space.
• Wall-Mounted Desks: Wall-mounted desks tend to have a lower profile than traditional desks. These desks are mounted to the wall and usually offer tons of storage space. Some are even designed with bookshelves around them.
• Folding Wall Desks: Folding wall desks fold down from a mounted position on the wall. They can be the ultimate space saver and can even serve as home decor, depending on their design.

It’s always a good idea to check your lease before installing a desk. Generally, hanging anything more than a picture frame should be run by your landlord before you get started.

2. Finding the Right Chair

A quality chair can make or break your office experience. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t be ultra-trendy.

Go for that translucent mod chair with a colorful cushion or a gorgeous accent chair. Or go for an ergonomic mesh chair that's both functional and breathable. Whatever you choose, make sure it keeps you sitting upright and comfortable for hours of work.

It may also be useful to consider the ergonomics of your desk chair before buying. Opt for a chair that offers breathability, lumbar support, and customizable parts (armrests, chair height, etc.).

Herman Miller and Steelcase office chairs are known as the top office chair vendors in the industry. However, their chairs are super pricey. However, a good office chair is definitely worth splurging on when furnishing an apartment if you work from home.

Check out your local office supply stores for more affordable chairs if you have a smaller budget.

Whenever possible, try before you buy!

3. Optimizing Your Desk Setup

Apartment life has its advantages. However, it usually means you’re limited in space for office decor. If most of your work is done digitally, do you really need the storage and bulk of a traditional desk setup?

Instead of eating up so much of your living space, keep your work area clean and simple with a wooden or metal table. You may also opt for a corner desk setup for a solution that takes up less space.

If your office space is located within your living room or any other entertainment spot, meld decor and functionality. For example, instead of metal file cabinets, try side tables or ottomans to store and hide work materials in plain sight.

4. Creating Shared Work Spaces

If you’re sharing an apartment with a partner and need a common workspace, you’ve got options. Try a long work table with comfortable office chairs or a two-compartment computer desk.

Then, give each side of your office space your own personal touch. Mixing and matching styles, patterns, and textures create personality and charm for your apartment office.

You might also try to split a bedroom with your partner, with each desk on adjoined walls so that you won’t be in one another’s background during zoom meetings.

5. Balancing Privacy and Functionality

Speaking of hiding work materials in plain sight, keeping your office set up private and functional should be your main priority if your office space isn’t in a private room.

With your devices, you’ll need to set screensavers to deploy if you have been idle for a set time. This will help avoid prying eyes seeing confidential information.

You should also consider investing in noise-canceling headphones to reduce distractions and keep conversations private.

6. Adding Personality

Your office should be a reflection of yourself, so long as it’s within professional boundaries. So, don’t be afraid to get creative.

Here are a few tips to help make your office a little more you.

• Pop of Color: If you have a favorite color, consider using it for your office’s accent wall. You can also consider choosing decor items that add a pop of color, such as computer stands, lamps, and pen holders.
• Patterns: Try an awesome patterned wallpaper option for your office. You can have a lot of fun with this option, but just make sure your landlord or property manager is okay with you putting up wallpaper.
• Textured Decor: Fuzzy rugs, throw blankets, ottomans, and chairs can add a lot of depth to your office. You can mix and match your patterns to get your office to your ideal liking.

7. Maximizing Natural Elements

Natural light can help enhance your mood and productivity. It’s also easier on your eyes. If possible, try to set up your workspace near natural light to improve your office decor.

Swap out your window treatments for something light and airy. You can also hang an oversized wall mirror across from your window to create the illusion of light.

Nature can also have a calming and centering effect. Add a little personality to your office with your favorite plants and flowers. If you have an apartment garden, you can grab a few plants from there.

If decorating with natural elements isn’t practical for your apartment, try adding some nature-inspired prints to your workspace to spice it up.

Final Thoughts

Big or small, your space can still accommodate an office apartment with the right approach. Focus on maximizing the space you have. You can create a larger-than-life illusion with office decor that makes a statement!