An Upgrade in Cubicle Decor Can Enhance Your Working Life

If you are employed and trudge into an office building every working day, unless you are a member of senior staff or a high level manager, you probably reside within a cubicle. My cubicle’s footprint measures eight feet long by six feet wide and my cubicle walls are five feet tall. That is not a whole lot of space to work in but I feel it is a sufficient amount of space to get the job done. In fact, I actually prefer this limited amount of space over a more spacious office because I know that it is a size within which I can work effectively. I also know that those spacious offices come with them a lot more responsibility and I’m perfectly fine with my individual contributor role.

I surround myself with cubicle accessories and office items that enhance my working style. I try not to overdo it since too many accessories leads to clutter and that’s what I’m trying my best to avoid. I have specialized cubicle shelving and unique attachments to my flat panel monitor like a monitor copy holder, a rear-view cubicle mirror, and a flat panel monitor cubicle hanger. I also love my desktop organizer that holds all of those smaller office items that oftentimes get lost in my office. All of those accessories help me work better, stay more organized, and enhance my working environment but they aren’t directly related to cubicle decor.

So what can you as an office worker do to upgrade the decor of your own cubicle?

Cubicle Decor

Cubicle Flooring Options

Believe it or not, there are options that you have that will enhance the floor of your office cubicle. If I look down at my cubicle floor it is very similar to my cubicle walls – dull and grey. It also looks like it hasn’t been cleaned in months. But, to be honest, it doesn’t have to be that way. One option which was told to me by a friend is that you can actually add hardwood flooring to your cubicle floor. That friend actually commuted to work one day on the subway carrying a box of tongue and groove Pergo flooring. It was a leftover box that he had from a flooring job he had done at home. When he got to the office, he installed the flooring to the surprise and delight of his coworkers. He eventually left the company and, from what he has heard, everyone fights over his office since it has that unique flooring.

Another option for your office floor is an area rug. When you think about it, it is a great option because you can go out and get a colorful rug that will work within your office dimensions. There is no installation involved and you can have an instant upgrade in your office within minutes. You probably have to spring for it on your own but you also can take it with you if you ever leave the company. It is a great option over the plastic chair mats you can purchase because it adds to the decor of your cubicle and, not that it matters to you, protects the ugly floor below.

Another option that I am actually looking into for my own office cubicle is called a roll-up bamboo chair mat. I saw one recently on an online shopping site and I am contemplating buying one. What I find attractive about these mats is that they will add some natural color to a rather dull and dreary environment and, being a big lover of all things wood, it will offset the processed surfaces like my desk and cubicle walls. Just the fact that I would be able to introduce a natural surface and material into my office environment is one of the most attractive features.

Living Office Accessories

Take a walk around your office building and peek into some of the other cubicles. I do this on a regular basis and I am oftentimes surprised at what some people will do to enhance their office environment and cubicle decor. One very popular option to add some nature to your office is to buy a plant. I have an office mate who has had a Christmas cactus in her office for many years. It blooms once or twice a year and provides her with a bit of nature amidst a sterile office surrounding.

You have to be careful, if you aren’t close to a window, to make sure you purchase a plant that doesn’t need full sun. Another option that I have seen in my office building is a bonsai plant. They are small so they can fit directly on a desktop and are exotic-looking which adds a lot to the look of your office. Before you decide to put a plant in your office, ask someone at a local nursery whether or not that type of plant will grow or even flower in the type of lighting conditions that your office provides.

Another excellent addition to an office when it comes to living accessories is a small aquarium. I had a coworker who had a small aquarium in his office and the soft gurgling sound of the filter really added a nice touch to the office. Also, being able to watch a few small fish swim around during the day, certainly added a nice flair to his formerly dull office. One thing that he always had to ensure was that his fish were fed when he was traveling or on vacation.

Cubicle Wall Options

Since the walls of your cubicle are so dominant, anything you can do in the way of enhancing those walls will make a big difference. There is actually a product called cubicle wallpaper that will attach to your fabric walls. They come in many different colors and textures but, to be honest, you can use any old wallpaper and attach the paper to your walls using cubicle clips on the top and the bottom of the paper. If you decide to go this route, you have unlimited options and can find what you need in any big box store.

I have yet to install cubicle wallpaper but I do like to surround myself with colorful pictures and quotes that not only enhance my office environment but inspire me as well. I have seen many offices adorned with motivational posters that not only add to the surroundings but allow the office worker to be reminded of what that poster represents such as determination, creativity, or leadership.

Cubicle decor is one aspect of an office environment that is oftentimes overlooked. Don’t underestimate the power of any slight adjustments to the style and look of your small office. It might not only make your office look better but you just might find that your office productivity will be greatly enhanced as well!

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