30 Easy Desk Organization Ideas for a Tidy Office
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An organized desk makes any task run a whole lot smoother—whether it's a full-time desk job or a weekly crafting sesh. Not only that, but an orderly worksurface instantly makes the rest of the room it's in look more put together. If you're in need of ideas for how to make your desk look organized and keep it that way, there's no shortage of designer-approved ideas out there. Ahead, we've gathered some clever ones to get you started. Implement even just one and your desk space is sure to remain clutter-free and neat.
Include a Credenza
If you love the look of a minimalistic desk with no built-in storage, place a credenza or storage cabinet behind it to ensure your desk space remains clear and everything you need is still nearby. For the office in Bobby Berk's Los Angeles home, creative director Brady Tolbert sourced a midcentury credenza off of Craigslist to keep messy papers out of sight.
Collect Desk Organizers on a Tray
Desk organizers, like pen cups and letter boxes, can do wonders. But when you have a lot of them, they can look a bit cluttered. Any easy fix? Neatly arrange all of them onto one tray for a sleek look, as designer Jennifer Hunter did in her New York office.
Try Baskets
Baskets remain a reliable way to store anything in any space—including your home office desk essentials. Here, designer Katie Hodges used gray baskets on the open shelving in a contemporary office nook to keep the area clean and aesthetically pleasing.
Don't Forget About Floor Space
Or if you don't have open shelves to work with, consider dedicating some floor space to storage. In this office designed by Lindsey Bond, a rattan beach bag stores essentials on the extra floor space under a floating desk.
Install a Shelving Unit
Save space and enjoy an organized desk by installing a shelving unit. By doing so in his apartment, Tariq Dixon, co-founder of the furniture brand TRNK, turned an unused corner into a writer’s oasis. The extra shelving offers space to organize and display decor, reading material, and supplies.
Go for a Storage-Heavy Desk
Having storage built right into your desk is perhaps the easiest way to keep your workspace clutter-free. Dedicate each drawer to a certain category, like notebooks or important files. On the surface, keep items to a minimum, as designer Mark D. Sikes did in this home.
Add a Matching Console
If you're not fond of bulky storage pieces, organize your desk essentials on a console table. In this home office that doubles as a gym, designer Laura Hodges placed a matching console behind a custom desk made by Grothouse. The desk easily comes apart to function as a set of aerobic steps, so keeping the surface clear for a quick transition is crucial.
Opt for a Rolling Cart
Not only can a rolling cart near your desk host baskets and single drawers for stowing files, but the additional element is mobile—meaning you can easily move it around your office if you rearrange the layout. Plus, rolling carts are often budget-friendly. In photographer Victoria Pearson's office, the desk is also a DIY rolling desk, which allows for an easy change of scenery at a moment's notice.
Employ Catchall Bowls and Trays
This Charleston home office styled by Jill Sharp Weeks proves that no desk is complete without at least one catchall bowl or tray. The decorative pieces are ideal for keeping everything from push pins to candy.
Use Built-In Storage
Nothing keeps clutter hidden and decor on display like built-ins. For the ultimate WFH suite, designer Ariene Bethea used lower drawers and cabinets to conceal unsightly essentials. Open bookcase shelving on top showcases treasured objects and books. The desk space features a few additional art pieces set against the wall for major inspiration.
Top It With Paperweights
Paperweights are tried-and-true for a reason: The pieces are both decorative and functional. Use them to hold down a neat pile of papers. Here, Heather Hilliard selected ones that maintain a calm, neutral color scheme.
Hang an Inspiration Board
The textured memory board in this cloffice (a small office within a converted closet) by Leanne Ford cements the area as a fun creativity zone. Plus, it makes for an easy place to temporarily hang important papers that you don't want to forget.
Try a Desk Hutch
Opt for a desk that comes with a hutch for an organization solution that's always within reach. This one in designer Sheila Bridges's home isn't too tall, meaning it doesn't overwhelm the space but still provides ample storage.
Try a Folding Tray Table
Instead of keeping office supplies on your desk, dedicated a folding tray table to holding tape, a stapler, eyeglasses, and anything else you may need. That way, you can leave room on your desk for fresh flowers and personal photos that inspire you, as designer Miles Redd did in this blue home office.
Add a Floating Shelf
Load a simple floating shelf with anything from jars filled with extra office supplies to wall art and decor. Dedicate your desk surface solely to your computer, simple organizers, and a small table lamp.
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