Ask Annie: How Do I Live Simply In A Cubicle?

October 4, 2012
Hello! I read your blog all the time and I just started a new office job where I have a boring, blank cubicle. I really want to organize it and make it look cute, but I have no idea where to start. If you could write a blog post about it I would appreciate it!” – Elise

Great question Miss Elise, {and thank you for reading all the time} and one to which I’m sure many, many people can relate. In your honor, I shall proceed to spell out my list of LS desk necessities, along with a few decorative suggestions. These proposed measures will, I hope, take your cubicle from “blah” to “Oh my gah- Annie was right! You can have your LS and your cubicle too!

Basic workspace necessities

– Computer and computer accessories. Assuming you’ve got that covered.

– A place to keep incoming papers, outgoing papers, and papers you’re currently working on. Depending on your preference, you could opt for a hanging wall filer, a letter tray, or even a magazine file.

For important reminder papers, invites, et al, you might try hanging a pin board. Along with keeping select papers in your eyesight, these can be a great way to simultaneously add a big smacking dollop of pep via some interesting/lovely fabric (the DIY-ers are all over this project. Google it).

– Holders for pens, pencils, and smaller things like paper clips, binder clips, etc. You can either utilize the vertical space a cubicle provides by purchasing a wall organizer, like this Uten.Silo Storage System by Vitra.

Or opt for some desk top holders. These obviously can be found in every imaginable color, style, and price point, so choose the ones that suit you best.

– I also suggest keeping a pair of scissors, a tape dispenser, a stapler and a stapler-remover around. Again, there are myriad options for things like these. {In general for desk accessories, you can’t go wrong with The Container Store).

– A notebook, calendar, agenda book. I maintain that keeping a paper version of one’s schedule and to do list is still vital.

When your organizational systems are in place, it’s time to call in some decorative reserves. I’m usually one for minimalism on the decor front when it comes to the desk area, but in this case you’re going to need it to combat all that weird grey felt-ish material. So:

Wall Decor

Speaking of grey, one of the easiest ways to breathe a little life into your cube is by incorporating varying shades of the rainbow and perhaps even a texture or two a la the tassel garland. Who needs a party when your desk is this festive every day?

If you’re not the tassel type, then do hang some framed art or photographs of real live people who make you un-miserable.

Or some scenic shots, if people aren’t your thing. I know, they’re a real drag.

If you’re bold, you could even go so far as to outfit your cube’s walls. Fabric or wallpaper will do the job. Take these pictures below as proof.

Lighting

I don’t know about you Lady E, but I for one am extremely sensitive to lighting. My cubicle would unquestionably have to include a lamp if I were to last even a day in those there parts. Anything to offer a shelter from the spasmodic spell of florescence. A lamp also goes a long way to make a space appear more homey, don’t you think?

Living Thing

Get yourself a plant. Nurture it. Love it. Remind it there is a world outside the office. Take it with you for some fresh air on coffee runs. Carry it around with you everywhere you go in the office like your security blanket. Consider giving it a name. Work it into office chatter whenever possible. Brag about the extreme greenness of your thumb. And don’t forget I never once promised to help you make friends with your new coworkers.

Hope that helps k bye!

P.S. Do you work in a cubicle? What have you done to stay organized/ stay sane? Please do chime in!

Image credits: Empirella, Format, Little Pretty Studio, unknown, Pop.Culture, Tokketok, The Everygirl x2, Quiet Like Horses x 2, The Office Stylist, EmpirellaThe Office StylistTwenty Something Test Dummies, Empirella

10 Comments

  1. Gloria on October 4, 2012 at 11:21 am

    Love the idea of adding a festive garland to your work space – so fun!

  2. ashley on October 4, 2012 at 12:37 pm

    love this! i’m totally stealing the idea of magazine files for my folders! i’m definitely happier in my workspace with some personal items, like a pic of the mr. and i, and i’m loving my new affirmation print that i had framed. it sits right next to my desk, so i can’t help but look at it and remember to breathe.

  3. Monica on October 5, 2012 at 8:21 pm

    I will have to show my daughter the round push pin boards…cute!!

  4. Elle on November 30, 2012 at 9:27 am

    Just looking at these office spaces gave me ideas to make my office look less like a Prison. Thanks

  5. Elise on January 2, 2013 at 5:54 am

    Love your ideas!Thanks for sharing 🙂 -Elise

  6. THE TRUTH ABOUT CLUTTER | selena sage on July 4, 2014 at 9:55 am

    […] Photo source//nice article about cubicle organization here […]

  7. […] of Inspiration | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, […]

  8. Vicki on November 4, 2015 at 12:12 pm

    I love the cubicle decorations! Especially the one with the purple flowers and R mug. Does anyone know where I can get those cute little trays that holds the paper clips and such?

  9. Inspiration | Cubicle Space Decoration - Life8oh2 on November 9, 2015 at 7:20 am

    […] of Inspiration | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, […]

  10. TracyG on April 3, 2016 at 6:31 pm

    Such great ideas. Does anyone have suggestions of where to place your inbox, your office phone, the lamp? I struggle with having everything set up in the right place.

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10 Comments

  1. Gloria on October 4, 2012 at 11:21 am

    Love the idea of adding a festive garland to your work space – so fun!

  2. ashley on October 4, 2012 at 12:37 pm

    love this! i’m totally stealing the idea of magazine files for my folders! i’m definitely happier in my workspace with some personal items, like a pic of the mr. and i, and i’m loving my new affirmation print that i had framed. it sits right next to my desk, so i can’t help but look at it and remember to breathe.

  3. Monica on October 5, 2012 at 8:21 pm

    I will have to show my daughter the round push pin boards…cute!!

  4. Elle on November 30, 2012 at 9:27 am

    Just looking at these office spaces gave me ideas to make my office look less like a Prison. Thanks

  5. Elise on January 2, 2013 at 5:54 am

    Love your ideas!Thanks for sharing 🙂 -Elise

  6. THE TRUTH ABOUT CLUTTER | selena sage on July 4, 2014 at 9:55 am

    […] Photo source//nice article about cubicle organization here […]

  7. […] of Inspiration | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, […]

  8. Vicki on November 4, 2015 at 12:12 pm

    I love the cubicle decorations! Especially the one with the purple flowers and R mug. Does anyone know where I can get those cute little trays that holds the paper clips and such?

  9. Inspiration | Cubicle Space Decoration - Life8oh2 on November 9, 2015 at 7:20 am

    […] of Inspiration | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, […]

  10. TracyG on April 3, 2016 at 6:31 pm

    Such great ideas. Does anyone have suggestions of where to place your inbox, your office phone, the lamp? I struggle with having everything set up in the right place.

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply





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