20 things under $25 to organize and customize your office space
You're spending 40+ hours a week at work, so your space might as well be enjoyable, right?
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Work. It’s probably the least enjoyable part of your day. But it’s something most of us just have to do. And most of us are stuck at desks for 40+ hours every week. While being proverbially chained to such a small working space can feel cramped and pretty cookie-cutter, there’s no reason you can’t create a space that’s perfect for your aesthetic and needs (unless your corporate handbook has strict policies about this sort of thing, in which case maybe it’s time to dust off your resume).
Small changes like the addition of a glowing lamp or a desktop space heater can make you more comfortable, and chic organizational items will have your space looking neat (and more functional) at all times. Plus, sleek and stylish accents are sure to have everyone doing a double-take when they walk by.
These upgrades to your space won’t damage work property or get you in trouble with HR. Check out the products below that will make the 40 hours a week you spend at your desk much more enjoyable.
1. A hanging organizer to declutter your paperwork
Stop letting paperwork pile up on your desk. Let it pile up on your wall instead.
Reviews: 264 Rating: 4.5 stars
The divider between you and your cubicle buddy is perfect for hanging an organizer like this, which can help you keep your desk tidy and your paperwork in order. While the photos above show the organizer holding big, bulky binders, some of the 200+ reviewers agree it’s best for folders and lightweight binders. And one of the pockets features smaller compartments for pens, pencils, or scissors.
Get the mDesign Hanging Storage Organizer on Amazon for $11.99
2. A water bottle that makes hydrating fun (at least a little)
Staying hydrated can be a challenge, but this cutesy bottle can make it easier to sip more often.
Reviews: 332 Rating: 4.6 stars
If you’re sitting at a desk all day, you probably have a water bottle, cup, or mug nearby. But this one from Uncommon Goods doesn’t just hold your water, its design actually helps remind you to drink that much-needed H20. With timestamps and motivational messages like “a little more” and “getting close,” there’s no chance you’ll forget to stay hydrated. And with a wide mouth that makes it easier to get the bottle clean, you might actually wash it once in a while.
Get the Drink More Water Bottle at Uncommon Goods for $19.99
3. An essential oil diffuser to combat unpleasant office smells
Always make sure your neighbors are cool with it before adding new smells to the office, good or bad.
Reviews: 14,992 Rating: 4.3 stars
The office can be a war zone for your nostrils, from the coworker who wears too much prefume to the one who doesn’t wear enough deodorant to the one who’s constant microwaving stinky food, the smells in your office can be enough to drive you mad. An aromatherapy diffuser, like the best we’ve ever tested, can be a great way to make your area smell better. Definitely check with your neighbors before using one if you don’t have your own office or a private space, but as long as they’re OK with it, you can all enjoy better scents while you work.
Get the InnoGear Updated 150mL Aromatherapy Diffuser on Amazon for $13.59
4. A tape dispenser that looks more like art
You might want to stock up on tape because everyone will want to borrow this gorgeous metal dispenser (available in rose gold or gold).
Reviews: 565 Rating: 3.9 stars
Tape dispensers are just ugly and clunky. There I said it. But this one minimalist gold one from U Brands is more modern and elegant. Reviewers rave about its curb appeal, but many also applaud its surprising sturdiness given the price. And you’ll be happy to know the brand has a whole lineup of desk accessories in this style. Just be sure none of your coworkers try to swipe it.
Get the U Brands Gold Wire Tape Dispenser on Amazon for $6.86
5. A one-stop shop for desktop organization
The wire design makes it easy to find exactly what you're looking for while keeping everything tidy.
Reviews: 163 Rating: 4.6 stars
You could buy your desk must-haves separately, but if you prefer to be efficient (or don’t have a lot of room to spare), stick with a set that includes everything you’ll need. This one has a pen cup, a letter sorter, a letter tray, a hanging basket, and a sticky note holder. Not bad for just under $25 bucks. It can make any space look put together with minimal effort.
Get the Sorbus 5-Piece Desk Accessories Set for $24.99
6. A gorgeous hourglass that helps you manage your time
Make it easier to be more productive and give your desk an extra touch of class.
Reviews: 27 Rating: 4.3 stars (approximately)
Chic and sturdy are just a few of the words reviewers use to describe this hourglass, but it’s functional too. The glass, gold, and marble base pack a style punch for less than $20, and the 15-minute timer is a fun and often effective way to focus on individual tasks throughout the day. If you need a little help staying focused, or just need a quick break, this timer gives you 15 minutes to work on a project or browse the internet.
Get the Threshold Decorative Hour Glass at Target for $19.99
7. A magazine rack for under-desk organization
Stop stacking ugly piles of folders and binders on your desk. Store them neatly in this wire magazine rack instead.
Reviews: 93 Rating: 4.6 stars
With 4.6 out of 5 stars, there’s a reason everyone loves this magazine rack. The small but mighty metal holder is constantly praised for how sturdy it is and how much it can hold. On average, reviewers claim it easily holds 10-15 magazines. While originally intended for magazines, it can obviously hold any files, brochures, or papers you want to keep under your desk instead of on it.
Get the Spectrum Magazine Rack at Walmart for $19.19
8. A simple but effective desk organizer
Want to get more organized without drawing too much attention? This simple organizer is just the ticket.
Reviews: 394 Rating: 4.7 stars
“This is one of those things I didn't know I needed. Now I’m wondering why I waited so long to have it,” one Amazon reviewer wrote about this No. 1 best-selling organizer.
It may not turn any heads, but shoppers like the compact design which has space for everything you’ll need, like multiple slots for pens or markers, smaller compartments for paper clips or staples, and a drawer for notes. It’s great if you don’t want your desk to look too flashy, but the sub-$10 price tag is the best part. If you quit tomorrow, you won’t feel bad leaving it behind.
Get the AmazonBasics Mesh Desk Organizer on Amazon for $8.99
9. A wireless mouse to cut out cord clutter
A new wireless mouse will make your desk look and feel better.
Reviews: 861 Rating: 4.2 stars
I don’t know what your office desk looks like but I’m sure there are wires. So many wires! Make it one fewer with a mouse that connects to your laptop or desktop via a nano USB. We put the best wireless mice to the test in our labs and at ours desks and found one affordable option that can give your day-to-day a serious upgrade. If the mouse your job provides just doesn’t work as well as you’d like, we recommend the HP Wireless Mouse X4000. It’s a cost-effective way to improve your productivity (and save your sanity), and we really loved that it boasts a 2.5-year battery life.
Get the HP Wireless Mouse X4000 on Amazonfor $22.23
10. A custom mouse pad to cherish all those good memories
Remind yourself all day long why you work so hard with a mousepad full of happy memories.
Reviews: not available Rating: not available
Of course, every mouse needs a mouse pad. But is yours identical to everyone's in the office—plain, boring, or from a conference? Erin Condren’s personalized mouse pad is the perfect way to bring a unique flair to your space. You can upload up to nine photos of your favorite people, places, or cute cat pics or inspirational messages for a one-of-a-kind mouse pad.
Get the Erin Condren Life in Little Squares Mouse Pad from Erin Condren for $10
11. A monitor stand that lets you store your stuff
Add some storage and improve your screen viewing angle.
Reviews: 81 Rating: 3.9 stars (approximately)
If you’re hurting for storage and your neck is hurting from staring down at your screen all day, this rise could be the perfect solution to both problems. Reviews rave about how large the stand is (11.25 inches long and 5.5 inches high) and that it’s ideal for a larger computer monitor. The sturdy base doesn’t just hold your screen but the drawer adds extra storage for any small items you want out of sight.
Get the Threshold Monitor Stand with Drawer at Target for $24.99
12. A minimalist way to perfectly align your screen
For a minimalist look, this glass monitor stand is perfect.
Reviews: 308 Rating: 4.6 stars
Another monitor riser, this one is all about a minimalist, sleek style. The durable, tempered glass can hold up to 55 pounds, but it’s also the adjustability that’s the real winner. The height of the legs can be lowered or raised and angled up so the monitor is in your perfect line of sight. Also, the black version of the riser includes a slot for any pens or your phone or tablet.
Get the Fitueyes Clear Monitor Riser on Amazon for $17.99*
*At the time of publication, there was an on-page coupon you could click to save 10%, so keep an eye out for that!
13. Cute to-do notes that make every day better
This set of note paper, push pins and other helpful accessories makes your desk feel more your own.
Reviews: not available Rating: not available
When regular sticky notes just aren’t cutting it anymore, a fun and functional set is the way to go. The cherry red paper clips and push pins are fun and whimsical, but this stationery set from Anthropologie also keeps you organized with a large notepad that breaks your tasks down for your day and gives you room to jot notes and plans for tomorrow. Even though it has no reviews on Nordstrom’s site, that notepad alone is worth it.
Get the Anthropologie Bisou Stationery Set from Nordstrom for $14.95
14. To-do lists and planners you can hang on your walls
Stop wasting paper and keep track of your day-to-day with these adorable dry-erase to-do boards.
Reviews: 42 Rating: 3.7 stars
Sometimes you just need a calendar you can glance at without having to open an app. This Wall Pops! kit features a calendar, a weekly planner, a cork board, and a notes center that are all designed to stick directly to your wall. Depending on your wall’s surface, you can just adhere these dry-erase decals (which commenters remark are easy to reposition when necessary) or even skip the adhesive and just thumbtack them up if you’ve only got soft cubicle walls. This is a great, eco-friendly alternative to paper sticky notes, and while it doesn’t have the most impressive rating, we’ve used these ourselves and can confirm that they stay stuck to the wall and work wonderfully.
Get the Wall Pops! White Dry Erase Organization Kit on Amazon starting at $12.69
15. A chic to-do list that’s greener than a notepad
This dry-erase desktop writing board is perfect if you love hand-writing to-do lists but hate wasting paper.
Reviews: 5 Rating: 3.6 stars
“I bought 5 of these boards!” is the first review on this unusual but stunning task tracker. This is a dry erase board gone glam (thanks to the bronze finish!), but it’s the angled design that makes it as functional as it is elegant. If you like jotting down notes throughout your day and hate wasting paper, your wrist will thank you.
Get the Anthropologie Bronzed To-Do Board at Anthropologie for $15
16. A compact heater that will keep you toasty all day
If you're always freezing in the office, stop complaining to HR and invest in a desk-sized space heater so you're always comfortable.
Reviews: 180 Rating: 4 stars
For the person in the office who’s always cold, this is a must. The heater works for any small space, but most of the reviewers praise it as the perfect office companion, either on your desktop to keep your hands warm or under the desk. The size works for even the tiniest of desks and the low-wattage means you don’t have to worry about blowing any fuses.
Get the Soleil Personal Electric Heater at Walmart for $9.96
If you want something a little more robust, we recommend the Lasko Personal Space Heater, which we named the Best Value winner after testing all the best space heaters. And 607 Walmart reviewers gave it an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars too. It’s got a stronger output than the desktop option, but small enough to fit under your desk and keep you toasty.
Get the Lasko 75400 Personal Space Heater at Walmart for $19.51
17. Stunning minimalist planters to bring life to your space
These minimalist wall planters can be home to succulents, air plants, or even just pens and knick-knacks.
Reviews: 673 Rating: 4.4 stars
This No. 1 best-seller on Amazon is a multi-functional wall decor winner. The planter is lightweight enough to adhere to your cubicle with a pushpin or hook and whatever you choose to fill it with is your prerogative. You can plant something real, get a fake plant, or even store your pens, spare flash drives, and more in them. The “small” size is actually a set of two, so you get a matching pair that will look great on your cubicle wall.
Get the Umbra Hanging Planter Set of 2 in Copper on Amazon for $17.73
18. A relaxed ambiance in the office? Why not!
Salt lamps may not actually impact your health, but they do add a lovely soft glow to your workspace.
Reviews: 11,961 Rating: 4 stars
Overhead lighting is pretty harsh, but you can add a zen feel to your work space with a Himalayan salt lamp. Shoppers love the calming vibe of this best-selling lamp that has over 12,000 glowing reviews and also comes with a dimmer. While we recently debunked the health claims around salt lamps, you can still add one to the corner of your desk for a soothing glow that’s sure to make your day feel a little warmer.
Get the Himalayan Glow Salt Lamp on Amazon for $16.99
19. An easily accessible organizational zone
Get your stuff off your desk and into one of these adorable and affordable wall-mounted organizers.
Reviews: not available Rating: not available
We’ve looked at two different desktop organizers, and a hanging basket for your files and paperwork, but what about one you can mount on your cube wall (or regular wall) so your stuff won’t take up space on your desk? This organizer stands apart from the rest because the mounted and mesh design means you can more easily see your items and know exactly where everything is at a glance, from pens and highlighters to notepads and important documents. And while there are no reviews yet, for $15 you really can’t go wrong. Plus, it’s so sleek and charming that it’s a suitable look no matter your personal style.
Get the Made by Design Mesh Wall Organizer at Target for $15
20. A wastebasket that looks nice and is just for you
Communal trash can too far away? Skip Starbucks just once and spend the money on your own trash can instead.
Reviews: 18 Rating: 4.4 stars
Finally, one desk item you probably don’t think much about is the wastebasket. Your office probably provides trash cans already, but if the nearest one is a little too far for comfort, there’s no reason you can’t use your own. This one from InterDesign is sleek and slim, so it fits under your desk and looks nicer than the probably stained, cracked, and otherwise ugly bins around the office. And it has handles that make for easy disposal at the end of the week.
Get the InterDesign Trash Can at Jet.com for $6.99
Prices are accurate at the time this article was published, but may change over time.
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