How to Style a Desk: Tips for a Functional Workspace

How to Style a Desk: Tips for a Functional Workspace

Styling a desk isn’t just for aesthetics—it’s about making your workday easier, whether you're in a corporate office, a shared flat, or even your bedroom. A well-styled workspace can spark creative flow, cut down on distractions, and give you a physical cue to get things done. If your current setup feels like a mess of wires, empty mugs, and outdated furniture, you're not alone—and you're not stuck. Let's turn that corner into something functional, stylish, and truly yours.

1. How to Style a Desk: A Practical Guide That Actually Works

Let’s face it—knowing how to style a desk isn’t always second nature. Most of us start with whatever furniture we have lying around, a lamp that flickers, and maybe a computer screen pushed awkwardly to the corner. But your workspace is more than a place to sit. It affects your productivity, mood, and even your physical comfort. Especially if you’re working remotely, your desk setup matters more than ever.

Start simple. Whether you’re styling a home office or squeezing a setup into a small workspace, think about how you stay organized. Where do your pens go? Do you actually need those paper clips in front of you every day? What’s the light like? Are you close to natural light or relying fully on that old desk lamp?

A stylish desk should also be functional. You don’t want to sacrifice productivity for aesthetics or vice versa. Let’s walk through how to create a desk that works for your life and reflects your style—without the fluff.

2. Desk Accessories That Pull Double Duty: Style Meets Function

Here’s the truth: your desk shouldn’t look like a showroom, but it also shouldn’t be a junk drawer. The right accessories can add visual interest while keeping you efficient. You want tools that look good and do the job.

• A sleek desk lamp—essential if you're working without much natural light. Soft LED warms up the room and supports your focus.
• Pencil cups—they’re basic but necessary. Go with ceramic or matte metal for a chic touch.
• A bulletin board—pin up reminders, notes, or snapshots to give your workspace a bit of personality.
• A weighted scented candle—choose calming scents like sandalwood or eucalyptus. Avoid overpowering ones, especially in a smaller room.
• A riser for your computer screen—improves your sitting posture and gives you space underneath for smaller items like paper clips, notepads, or office supplies.

Every piece should earn its place. If it doesn’t help you stay organized, it doesn’t belong on your desktop.

3. Organising Your Workspace Like a Pro (Even in a Small Home Office)

Working from a home office, especially when space is limited, forces you to think vertically. Shelves, pegboards, and hooks on the wall are a huge help.

• Store supplies in drawers or bins, not piled on the desk.
• Use dividers to separate art supplies from cables and chargers.
• Keep only what you use daily on the surface—everything else should be stored or rotated out.
• Label things, even if you live alone. Clarity keeps you efficient.

And don’t underestimate the power of layout. The position of your chair, the height of your desk, and your proximity to natural light all contribute to your comfort and productivity. A clutter-free workspace isn’t just easier to clean—it’s easier to think in.

4. How Low Maintenance Plants Can Improve Air Quality at Your Desk

You don’t need a green thumb to improve air quality at your desk. Just a couple of low maintenance plants can freshen up your space and make the air feel noticeably cleaner. And no, it’s not just placebo—plants literally clean toxins and help regulate humidity.

• Snake Plant – survives almost anything.
• Pothos – fast-growing and perfect for shelves or hanging.
• ZZ Plant – glossy leaves, super forgiving.

Pair that with some fresh air. If you can, crack a window near your study space. Even 15 minutes of circulation daily will make the room feel more breathable. Live in a sealed apartment? A compact air purifier or even a rotating desk fan can help move things around.

These touches aren’t just about health—they’re about style and function. Greenery adds life, breaks up tech-heavy desks, and creates a workspace that’s actually pleasant to sit in.

5. Desk Lamps, Colour Schemes, and the Psychology of Productivity

Light shapes how we feel, how long we can work, and whether or not we get a migraine by 3pm.

• Use a focused desk lamp with warm tones if you don’t have much natural light. Cold blue lights may seem energizing but often backfire.
• Position your computer screen to avoid glare—either from windows or overhead lighting.
• Layer in colour. Decor matters, even subtle ideas like using calming tones (greys, greens, dusty pinks) versus hyperactive ones (red, neon yellow).

This isn’t just about looking good—it’s about staying focused. The way your desk feels visually has a direct impact on how long you can stay productive without mental fatigue.

And yes, your chair matters. Bad ergonomics will undo all your good lighting choices.

6. Add Personality: Using Scented Candles, Bulletin Boards & Pencil Cups

You spend more hours at your desk than you do on your couch. It should look and feel like it belongs to you. That doesn’t mean filling it with trinkets—but a few personalized choices go a long way.

• A scented candle to mark your work hours—it tells your brain it's time to focus.
• A bulletin board to track goals, pin inspiration, or keep your schedule front and centre.
• Stylish pencil cups for your writing tools, scissors, or even makeup brushes if your workspace doubles as a vanity.

Adding a personal touch makes your space inviting without crowding it. And when something inspires you—even a colour combo or print—it boosts your work life satisfaction.

7. How to Keep Your Desk Clutter-Free Without Going Minimalist

Going full minimalist isn’t for everyone. You don’t need to own two pens and a computer to feel in control. But clutter still kills focus.

• Stick to a one-in, one-out rule. If you bring in a new accessory, ditch something else.
• Tidy at the end of the day. Wipe the desk, reset your chair, and put away loose supplies.
• Use trays for smaller items—think paper clips, flash drives, rubber bands.

This keeps your space tidy without making it sterile. You still get the decor, the art, the life—just without the mess. Think of it as controlled chaos, not total order.

8. Ready to Transform Your Desk? Start With What You Have

Before you hit "add to cart" on a brand new desk, stop. Look around. Most study spaces don’t need a full overhaul—they need better flow.

You might not need a bigger desk—you might just need better storage. Think vertical shelves, under-desk drawers, or stackable organizers that don’t eat up precious floor space. Smart storage keeps things off your desktop without making your room feel like a filing cabinet.

Do you need to decorate more, or simply rearrange? Can you add a splash of warmth with art, or repurpose something from another room to boost style?

• Does your current setup support your work life?
• Are you spending time adjusting things constantly?
• Is your desk sit location ideal, or should you move closer to natural light?

Start with what’s already in your house. Recently found objects—like an old shelf, spare candles, or an unused drawer unit—can be repurposed with style.

Once you know what’s working (and what’s not), it’s easier to make the right upgrades. Deskup offers standing desks, ergonomic chairs, and accessories that give every space—from spare bedroom corners to full-scale home offices—a clean, functional, and stylish edge.

Final Thoughts: Your Desk, Your Rules

Don’t overthink it. A productive workspace doesn’t need to be expensive or flashy—it just needs to support your rhythm, your work, and your brain. From the creative sparks that come from visual decor to the quiet focus you get from better air quality, it's all in the details. Even a bedroom setup can transform with just a few smart adjustments.

Check out Deskup’s range for standing desks, ergonomic gear, and accessories that are ready to ship Australia-wide. Whether you're outfitting your study space or rethinking your full office, we’ve got your back. And if you're unsure where to start, our team is always here to help build the right setup for your space.