Furnishing and decorating an office can be expensive, so budget-friendly décor options are becoming more sought-after as businesses look for where to cut costs.
Whether you have recently rented an office or are looking to update your current workspace, our article will provide 13 practical and affordable ways to transform your space.
1. Incorporate Homemade Décor
Adding homemade elements or repurposing old artwork is an excellent way to add a personal touch to your office space on a budget.
By crafting wall art or downloading prints, you can create unique pieces that can make your workspace stand out. Painting abstract designs on canvas or framing motivational quotes are great, cost-effective options.
You could also get creative by repurposing everyday items. Glass jars work well as stationary pots, or you could even try using an old ladder as a shelving unit.
2. Use Removable Wallpaper
If you’re renting a serviced office, repainting the walls may not be possible. This is where removable wallpaper can be helpful, as it can be applied and removed easily without needing to pay for professional installation.
Removable wallpaper can also be reused in other areas of the office without buying new materials, offering a cost-effective option. If you decide to change your office layout, you can simply remove the wallpaper and reapply it somewhere new.
3. Create a Feature Wall with Affordable Materials
Not only do feature walls enhance the aesthetics of a space, but they can also provide a functional space for pinning notes or displaying projects. Using corkboards or chalkboard paints is the perfect way to mix style and practicality on a budget.
Fabric panels can create a textured feature wall and can be made from refashioned curtains or textiles, providing a cosy feel to the space.
4. Add Greenery with Indoor Plants
Adding indoor plants is an affordable and effective way to bring colour and nature to your office space. In addition to providing decoration, plants improve air quality and have been proven to boost productivity.
The best plants for offices include succulents or snake plants, which are low-maintenance and budget-friendly. They can be placed on desks, shelves or empty corners to create a welcoming environment while keeping costs down.
5. Choose Upcycled or Second-Hand Furniture
Another great way of decorating your office on a budget is by opting for second-hand or ‘upcycled’ furniture.
Upcycling refers to taking an old, unused item and creatively improving it or making it into something new. An example of this is reupholstering office chairs or repainting desks/shelves to make them feel new and modern whilst being budget-friendly
This differs from recycling, which involves breaking down materials from used products such as carrier bags and cardboard boxes so they can be processed to create new items.
6. Use Multi-Purpose Furniture
Furniture serving multiple functions can help you save money whilst maximising your space. For example, desks with built-in storage allow employees to organise their workspace without purchasing additional filing cabinets.
Likewise, benches or sofas with hidden compartments offer a stylish way to minimise clutter.
7. Incorporate Modular Furniture
Modular furniture consists of individual pieces which can be reconfigured easily to support different layouts. This flexibility allows you to adapt your workspace without additional expenses, making it a great way of redecorating your space on a budget.
8. Maximise Natural Light
Making the most of natural light is a cost-effective way to brighten your workspace, saving money on additional lighting. Positioning workstations near windows will not only enhance the mood and productivity of employees but will reduce the need for artificial light during the day.
9. Affordable Lighting Solutions
If your office lacks windows, energy-efficient artificial lighting is a great alternative. LED lights offer cost savings and long-term benefits as they use significantly less energy and provide clear light, which is perfect for workspaces.
Floor and desk lamps are another cost-effective way to decorate your office and brighten the space without expensive lighting installations.
10. Add Personal Accessories
Adding personal accessories to your workspace is an affordable way to create an inviting space which reflects your company. Small items such as bright stationary, unique mugs or desk organisers can add colour to your office without significant costs.
11. Use Soft Furnishings to Divide the Space
Using curtains or rugs is a cheaper alternative than building a fixed wall to divide (and decorate) an open-plan office space. This is also perfect if you’re renting a serviced office and cannot make structural changes to the space.
Curtains and fabric partitions can be easily installed and removed to create private areas such as a breakout space. They are available in a range of colours and textures, which can complement your brand and workspace.
Rugs are another great way to define separate areas of an office. Placing rugs around seating areas or desks allows you to visually divide the space with minimal costs.
12. Budget-Friendly Branding
Branding your office space doesn’t have to be expensive. Affordable décor options include custom-printed posters or canvas prints. Branded office supplies such as pens and notepads are relatively cheap when purchased in bulk and offer a cost-effective way of reinforcing your company’s image.
13. Focus on Minimalism
A minimalist office design emphasises creating a clutter-free, functional environment by focusing on the essentials. The furniture is high-quality and multifunctional, reducing unnecessary accessories.
Not only does this create a calm workspace, but it also reduces decorating costs whilst offering a sleek and modern aesthetic.
Decorating an office on a budget can be done effectively and strategically with careful planning. From incorporating homemade items to maximising natural light, we have provided many ways to keep your decorating costs low.
Whether decorating a new space or refreshing your existing office, our budget-friendly ideas will help you create a stylish and productive environment.
