How Not to Decorate Your Cubicle at Work

Candice W.
If you have an office job, chances are you have your own work space. It could be a desk, office or cubicle. It's your own space to decorate. What if your workspace is a semi-private cubicle? There are some decorating schemes you'll want to avoid.

Here are some things you should not have as part of your cubicle decor:

Wild photos. You shouldn't have over-the-top photos at the office at all, but with the semi-privacy of a cubicle you may feel somewhat safe posting a funny wild picture from your drunken bachelor or bachelorette party. It's one way to remind yourself that you have a life outside of work. Keep those photos at home and find other pictures to enjoy in your cubicle. You never know who will stop by your cubicle for a talk. You could be considered for a big project and displaying over-the-top photos won't help seal the deal. You'll also want to think twice before posting up bathing suit pictures. Even if you are hot.

Gnarly dying plants. We all could use a little green foliage to brighten up our space. Plants provide oxygen which is much needed in stuffy office environments. Water your plants regularly so they stay healthy and vibrant. If you have to go on vacation, ask a coworker to water your plants for you. Take them home if they are barely alive and look awful. You can nurse them back to health at home.

Inappropriate screensavers and wallpapers. Some companies allow you to customize the settings on your computer including changing screensavers and wallpapers. Be careful with the images you choose. Your buddy may have sent latest images of your favorite hottie, but you shouldn't display them on your work computer. Save those photos for your home computer.

Stuff animals and toys. You may want some things in the office to remind you of your children, but their stuff animals and other toys aren't the best decor. Vintage and trendy fun items are ok, especially if you work in a creative atmosphere.

Clutter. It's ok to display a few knick knacks around your cubicle, but don't let your desk get so overwhelmed with stuff it looks cluttered. If you can clear the clutter, you may be more productive which could lead to a promotion.

When decorating your cubicle, remember that you're liable to be asked about anything you display. Eliminating questionable items cuts down on the inquiries.

Published by Candice W.

Candice W. is a writer from Michigan. Her interests are writing, entrepreneurship, real estate, watching movies, trying new foods and bargain shopping. She also goes by the name MrsWrite.   View profile

15 Comments

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  • blue 4/24/2009

    I got a beautiful scrap book every month and I asked that the children gave me a picture of what it was that they wanted to give me, and they got to place it in the scrap book! these are part of the classroom library, cherished and loved! On tough days we all sat on the floor and they got to pick the month by consensus and we looked thru the books and learned all kinds of new things, new knowledge, wisdoms etc. and then it was returned to the shelf after a little nostalgia for all of us!
    Those books are an absolutely cherished item for me and it also gave me an idea of the subtle thoughts, and often did not cost a single penny!! Parents loved the idea and children loved to maintain the art of gifting and appreciation! flyers were the best for cutouts! sheet covers work well too!

  • Cpromiset 8/20/2008

    My office is having the big move....and unfortunately they will be the 3 wall partial cubicles. I thought I would get a beta fish, as long as you change the water 50% once a week (friday) and feed a pellot every day...they are happy. Put them in a small tank with something to hide in. Im going to try and rig up something on one of the walls so I wont have to use up desk space :) I think Ill call him Cubby :)

    Oh....and with plants? be careful with which ones you pick.....definitely NOT flowers. They will die within days. Try ferns, spider plants, bamboo, or ivy. Also....try a cool little lamp, a little area rug, fun bookends for the shelves.

    Be creative. It also lets your employer see that you are settled in and plan on staying for awhile :)

  • Lori Piper 9/26/2007

    great article-- a cubicle is so much different from a personal office. Years ago one of the places I worked had a bullpen for all the counselors to write at their desks. ALL MY stuff overtook my partner's desk-- and he never said a word. Not cool on my part at all. I have learned simplicity is key!

  • Herstory 9/24/2007

    Hard when you're a teacher and the 'stuff' is all gifts from the kids they EXPECT to see as desk treasures...

  • Mommy2Lots 9/21/2007

    Great article! Years ago when I actually worked outside of the home, I used to love decorating my cubicle. I had a betta fish and a plant. On my bulletin board, I had a couple of the kid's drawings and a few family photos. My computer had an island screensaver. Simple and tasteful does the trick every time. Oh wait, you'll love this one. At one of those jobs, the boss told us all to bring a picture of the goal we were working toward getting. This was a tele-marketing job. I had a big picture of a Toyota 4-Runner posted on my bulletin board - never did get that. I decided to stay home shortly afterwards. LOL

  • Josienita Borlongan 9/20/2007

    Great article, I will share this with my staff, LOL!!! There is one particular gal in our office who has almost all the beanie babies and an aquarium! She has a planter with trailing water plant and it seems like her cubicle is like a jungle! It is not a pretty sight.

  • Mary Lynn 321 9/19/2007

    GREAT TIPS. I REMEMBER HAVING FUN DOING ONE OF MINE YEARS AGO. HUGS MARY

  • eiffelvu 9/19/2007

    a decorated cubicle is a happy cubicle...;)

  • Lenora Murdock 9/19/2007

    Good pointers. I don't like cubicle clutter.

  • Kassidy Emmerson 9/19/2007

    Very good advice! Some people make their spaces too personal and very unprofessional.

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