Maximizing Style in Minimal Spaces: 7 Small Work Office Decor Ideas

Make the most of your space

When you’re getting a new business off the ground, physical office space is often in short supply. But just because you’re lacking in square footage doesn’t mean you can’t make the workplace a stylish, inviting place where employees feel welcome and inspired.

So how can you make the most of a compact workspace? With a thoughtful approach to furniture, a bit of decorative flair and the right retail partner. Here are some small work office decor ideas to get you started.

Small work office decor ideas: 7 strategic tips  

1. Consider compact modular furniture

The first step in decorating a small office should be choosing the larger furniture staples. Desks, chairs, conference tables, filing cabinets—once you have these in place, you’ll be able to get a better idea of how to maximize your office space. In order to balance employee comfort and space efficiency, consider modular furniture.

Modular furniture can be arranged to suit a number of different configurations, giving you the flexibility to add more desks to the floor plan or rearrange your existing setup to suit a bigger workforce. As a bonus, modular office furniture is often a budget-friendly option, and when you’re starting a business, every dollar counts.

2. Add warmth & color with area rugs

If your office has hard flooring, area rugs are a simple way to spruce up the space. They serve a number of functions, from protecting the floors to softening the acoustics. No matter what size your office is, there are almost certainly options for you.

Additionally, rugs are an easy decor win. They provide pops of color and contemporary designs that make the space more visually appealing. In turn, this helps you make a better first impression on new hires and clients.

Plants are another option for a burst of color. Plants not only enhance an office's visual appeal but also contribute to a healthier work environment by improving air quality. Learn more about choosing the right plants in The 11 Best Office Plants to Liven Up Your Workspace.

3. Bring it to light

It doesn’t matter what size your office is; if the lighting is bad, it’s going to adversely affect your employees. Many commercial office spaces rely on fluorescent lights, which can cause fatigue, headaches and even depression. By complementing or outright replacing the default lighting option, you can instantly create a more productive office environment.

Look for lighting options that mimic natural sunlight. You can go minimal or quirky, depending on your sense of style. What matters is making sure your employees aren’t struggling to get their tasks done under harsh lighting conditions. It seems simple, but this small work office decor idea can make a huge difference.

4. Banish blank walls

Once you’ve got your furniture, flooring and lighting in place, it’s time to brainstorm how else you can transform your space. Start with artwork that reflects your company’s values and brand identity. Tout your accomplishments where you can—framed articles about your startup success or awards you’ve won, for example, can inspire employees.

This isn’t just an aesthetic upgrade; studies have shown that artwork can actually make workers more productive. It’s even more effective when your employees have some control over what appears on the walls, so you can treat this step like a team-building activity and let your team weigh in on wall decor ideas.

5. Encourage personal touches

Taking the idea of employee collaboration even further, encourage your team to organize their own personal spaces however they see fit. You can set an example by decorating your own desk with treasured mementos, family photos and fun knick-knacks.

Depending on your budget and the size of your company, you may even be able to turn this small professional office decor idea into a friendly competition. Challenge your employees to a desk-decorating contest and let them vote on the winner; you can provide a gift certificate to a favorite local restaurant or coffee shop as a prize. It’s a great way to build morale and encourage team bonding—not to mention its aesthetic effect on your workspace.

6. Utilize floating shelves

If you’re out of floor space, it’s time to build up. Wall-mounted shelves are a useful hack for small offices, whether you’re using floating shelves to enhance the decor or more heavy-duty models to hold books and equipment. Multi-tiered corner shelves can be used to store supplies without taking up much room, which is especially helpful if you don’t have a dedicated supply closet. 

7. Invest in organization

When you’re working in a smaller space, even a little bit of disorganization can feel like chaos. Make sure everything has its proper place and use productivity tools like sealed, labeled storage boxes, desktop organizers and other smart solutions to help keep the office tidy. 

Effective office organization can also help reduce stress and prevent burnout. To explore strategies for maintaining balance and well-being in a demanding work environment, check out It’s Time to Recharge Your Batteries: How to Positively Prevent Small Business Burnout.

Decorate your office with Walmart Business

If you’re worried about carrying out these small work office decor ideas while staying under budget, Walmart Business can help. Walmart Business has a wide range of office essentials across a number of industries, from desks and computers to decor and storage—all available at budget-friendly prices. Sign up today and you’ll transform your small office into an inspiring environment in no time.