5 DIY Projects for Your Home Office Space

If your home office space is looking stale after hours spent sitting in a chair that might be feeling less comfy every time you sit in it, it may be time to make some changes–but it doesn’t have to break the bank, either. Whether you’re working full-time from home, or just want to enhance your side gig setup, looking at a few affordable DIY projects can make a huge difference.

Here are 5 DIY projects for your home office space that are not only functional and fun, but totally doable:

1. A Touch of Color and Inspiration

You don’t have to commit to repainting your whole office to alter the vibe of the space, instead select a single accent wall to make a bolder statement. If you want sophistication, consider deep green, navy, or charcoal gray paint. You can also use textured wallpaper (check out Chasing Paper) for a modern revamp.

On a psychological level, color can play a big part in productivity, and a touch of decorative painting in blue tints can amplify your focus, and subtle green hues can even calm you despite whatever deadline crunch you may have looming over you.

2. Maximize Your Space

One simple, tried-and-true trick in interior design is decorating with mirrors to make smaller spaces appear seemingly larger and brighter. A strategically placed mirror reflects light and creates a sense of depth, opening up dull spaces and breathing new life into your home office. You can either go modern with a dark, rectangular frame, or you can make it midcentury with an antique frame.

For renters or anyone reluctant to drill holes, you can use hanging kits or adhesive strips. Mirrors have been used for centuries as an illusion to enhance the overall feel of any room, and it doesn’t take a lot of effort (or money) as a DIY upgrade you can pull off easily to compliment the aesthetic you’re going for.

3. Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are a surprisingly simple way to both declutter and add storage plus personality to your home office. These space-saving shelves can be mounted with tools you probably already have lying around and draw your eye upward, making the space appear taller and more expansive. Styling options are plentiful; mix books with framed art or add a trailing plant like ivy or pothos. Whether you want minimalist chic or something cozy, floating shelves deliver on both form and function.

4. Acoustic/Soundproofing Panels

DIY acoustic/soundproofing panels can upgrade the audio quality of your Zoom calls so that it won’t sound as if you’re broadcasting live from a cave. Just take acoustic foam (or Rockwool insulation) and fabric that fits the look of your office, then stretch the material over the foam. No need for power tools or a contractor here, just staple the fabric and mount the panels around your office (particularly beside/behind a desk).

What’s a major plus is your soundproofing efforts can double as wall art, and you can choose from bold or more exquisite patterns to flow with your aesthetic. So, not only will the panels reduce background noise and echo, but they can add an air of sophistication to your home office (without the egg cartons).

5. Personalize It

Coming up with a personalized inspiration board can give your work area that missing spark of motivation; cork board, wire grid, or a repurposed window frame, this DIY project offers a suitable canvas to post photos, meaningful quotes, or whatever may bolster your creativity. The best part is that the board evolves with you as seasons come and go, and it’s ultra low-cost and easy to make. 

It’s Your Office, So Make It Yours

Your home office space should inspire you, not induce yawning. With just a few easy, affordable and practical DIY upgrades, you can transform what might be drab and uninspired now into a haven of productivity. Pick one (or all, if ambitious) of these projects to invest in–it’ll be time well spent!