Decorating Your Cubicle

Chances are you spend as many of your waking hours at the office as you do at home. So it makes sense that you want to personalize your workspace. Adding individual touches to your cookie cutter cubicle makes your surroundings more comfortable for you more welcoming for others. Here are a few tips for making your cubicle feel like home:

  • Get a sense of what's appropriate: Look around and take stock of what you see. Some offices are very conservative, while others are not. Keep your personalization plans in line with what's appropriate for your office.
  • Express yourself: What will your décor say about you? If kids are an important part of your life, hang pictures they've drawn. Do you belong to a sports league? Let people know with knickknacks or photos. Are you a green thumb? Go for plants.
  • Consider all surfaces as opportunities for expression: A throw rug on your floor may make your cube more elegant. A framed print or fabric draped over a wall could add a dash of color. Your desktop has room for a unique accessory or two.
  • Make others feel welcome: Add something to your cube that's inviting or acts as a conversation piece. A candy jar can do the trick if you're willing to share. A Magic 8 Ball can solve some difficult business issues with a bit of humor—you'll need to resist the temptation to solve every work problem with this tool!
  • Don't overdo it: It's easier to work in an uncluttered workspace, so don't fill up every inch with tchotchkes or you'll never be able to find the things you need.
  • Pay attention to lighting: You can't control the fluorescent lighting that's prevalent in offices, but you can use a reading light or desk lamp to express your personality.

Whether your cubicle ends up sleek and modern or traditional and cozy, make it fit your style and express your personality so you're at home even when you're at the office.

Productivity Tip

Good light can boost productivity and performance and reduce fatigue and eyestrain. In fact, a study by the Light Right Consortium [1] found that:

  • People who are more satisfied with their lighting rate the space as more attractive, are happier, and are more comfortable and satisfied with their environment and their work.
  • Lighting and task conditions that improve visibility lead to better task performance.