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In this article, we are sharing our best style tips when it comes to decorating your office on a budget. We are sharing tips and tricks to make a space look ultra-luxe without having to break the bank
With so many people working from home these days, everyone’s looking for ways to spruce up their workspace. But let’s face it, not everyone has thousands of dollars to blow on a full-blown renovation.
Don’t worry though! We’ve got your back with easy tips to give your space that high-end vibe without emptying your bank account.
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Make an Office Look Expensive for Cheap
Tip 1: Find High-End Dupes on Amazon (and other sites)
First things first, let’s talk about the magic of Amazon. It’s not just for daily essentials; you can find really good dupes of designer items that look like a million bucks but come at a fraction of the price. Think elegant desk accessories, luxurious faux leather chairs, and chic wall art that exudes sophistication without the hefty price tag. The key here is to read reviews carefully and check customer photos to ensure you’re getting quality pieces that deliver on style.
Some products that we love:
- Smiletag Ceramic Vases from Amazon (Dupe of high end vases from Arhaus or West Elm)
- Crafted from high-quality ceramic, these vases offer a sleek, modern design perfect for any space. Their minimalist aesthetic complements a variety of decor styles, making them ideal for showcasing fresh flowers or as elegant standalone pieces.
- Mid-Century Accent Chair from Amazon (Dupe of the West Elm one)
- This chic, mid-century inspired chair is designed for style and comfort, featuring a classic silhouette with sleek lines and tapered wooden legs. The plush upholstery is both stylish and comfortable, making it a perfect addition to your living room, study, or office.
- Yula Light Dimmable Modern Linear Chandelier from Joss & Main (Dupe of the West Elm one)
- This sleek, contemporary fixture features a minimalist design with clean lines and a linear silhouette, and dimmable LED lights for customizable brightness. The chandelier combines durability with style, adding a sophisticated touch to your dining room, living area, or office.
Tip 2: Embrace Minimalism: Less is More
One of the secrets to a luxe-looking office is minimalism. Clear out the clutter and opt for sleek, streamlined furniture pieces that showcase simplicity and elegance. Invest in multifunctional storage solutions like floating shelves and minimalist file cabinets to keep everything organized and out of sight. A clutter-free space automatically feels more sophisticated and allows your carefully chosen decor pieces to shine.
Check out our other article on must-have items to create a clutter free space in your office here.
Tip 3: Add Greenery in Style
Plants are not only great for your health but also for enhancing the aesthetic of your office. Choose beautiful pots or planters that complement your decor theme – think ceramic, metallic, or woven baskets for a touch of texture. Low-maintenance plants like succulents, snake plants, or pothos thrive indoors and can instantly add life and a sense of luxury to any room.
Some products we love:
- Faux Olive Tree from Amazon
- Standing at a striking 7 feet, this realistic artificial tree adds an elegant touch of greenery to any room. Featuring lifelike olive leaves and a robust trunk, it offers a natural look without the upkeep of real plants. Ideal for brightening up living rooms, offices, or entryways.
- Artificial Palm Plant from Amazon
- This faux tropical plant stands out with its lifelike foliage and realistic details. The rich green leaves and elegant design create a refreshing and lively atmosphere without the hassle of maintenance.
- Artificial Bird of Paradise Plant from Amazon
- This faux plant features lush, vibrant leaves that bring a touch of paradise to your home or office. Standing tall at 60 inches, it’s perfect for creating a dramatic focal point in any room. Plus, it’s crafted from high-quality materials, so it offers durability and low maintenance.
Tip 4: Invest in Statement Furniture Pieces
While we’re focusing on budget-friendly options, it’s worth splurging a bit on a few key furniture pieces that anchor the room. A quality desk with clean lines, an ergonomic chair that supports both style and comfort, or a statement bookshelf can set the tone for your office makeover. Once you have these staples in place, you can build around them with more affordable accessories and accents to complete the look.
Some products we love:
- Glenwood Desk from West Elm
- This modern desk features a sleek, minimalist design with a warm, rich finish that complements any decor. Its spacious surface provides ample room for your computer, documents, and office essentials, while the clean lines and tapered legs offer a touch of mid-century charm.
- Corey Writing Desk from Arhaus
- Crafted from premium hardwood, this desk features a classic design with a rich, natural finish that adds warmth and sophistication to any space. Its spacious, smooth top provides ample room for writing, working, or organizing your essentials.
Tip 5: Add Layered Lighting to Set the Mood
Lighting plays a crucial role in creating a nice ambiance. Opt for layered lighting by combining ambient, task, and accent lighting. Invest in a striking overhead pendant or chandelier for a focal point, complemented by task lighting like a sleek desk lamp or adjustable wall sconces. And if you really want to go above and beyond, you can add ambient lighting through floor lamps or LED strips to create depth and warmth.
Some products we love:
- Deauville Distressed Table Lamp from Wayfair
- This lamp features a charming, weathered finish that exudes vintage appeal and adds character to any room. The distressed base is complemented by a classic, neutral lamp shade that diffuses light softly, creating a warm, inviting glow.
- Kensley Resin Buffet Lamp
- This lamp showcases an elegant, timeless design with a sophisticated finish. Its slender silhouette and subtle detailing make it a perfect accent for buffets, console tables, or sideboards.
Tip 6: Stick to a Consistent Color Palette
Creating a cohesive color scheme is essential for achieving a high-end look. Choose a palette of complementary colors that reflect your personal style and the mood you want to evoke. Neutral tones like soft grays, muted blues, or earthy tones provide a timeless backdrop. Use accents in metallic finishes, bold patterns, or rich textures to add interest and personality while maintaining consistency throughout the room.
Also Read 5 Simple Ways to Make Your Office Look Super Cozy
Tip 7: Find Characterful Decor at a Local Thrift Shop
Decorative pieces are where you can really showcase your style, but oftentimes these are the pieces that have the big tickets. Hunt for unique and vintage pieces at local thrift stores, and repurpose someone else’s big investment into a curated piece of your own. Don’t forget to mix and match textures and materials to create visual interest and further personalize your space.
Some items we usually look for at the thrift store:
- Oversized mirrors
- Abstract art or textiles
- Decorative trays and vases
Tip 8: Repaint for a Fresh Perspective
If you own your place (or your landlord allows for cosmetic changes), a fresh coat of paint can work wonders in transforming your office. Choose a color that complements your furniture and decor while enhancing natural light. Consider accent walls in deeper hues to add depth or lighter shades to maximize brightness. Opt for paint with low-VOCs for a healthier indoor environment and a smoother application.
Tip 9: Create a Big Window Illusion with Higher Hung Curtains
Windows totally make a space, but some of us aren’t as lucky as others and don’t have floor to ceiling glass walls to work with. Create the illusion of larger windows and higher ceilings by hanging curtains closer to the ceiling and extending beyond the window frame. Choose lightweight fabrics like linen or cotton in neutral tones to enhance the feeling of spaciousness and elegance. Curtains not only frame your windows but also add a touch of softness and sophistication to your office.
Tip 10: Create Space with Mirrors
Another design trick is to create the illusion of more space using mirrors. By strategically placing mirrors around your home, you can visually expand your office space and amplify natural light. Consider creating a mirror wall or positioning a large mirror opposite a window to reflect light and create depth. Choose frames that complement your decor style – whether it’s sleek and modern or ornate and vintage.
Some affordable products we love:
- Anglo Metal Flat Wall Mirror from Wayfair
- This mirror features a sleek metal frame with a modern flat design that seamlessly complements contemporary decor. The minimalist frame and clean lines add a sophisticated touch to any room, while the high-quality glass provides a crisp and clear reflection.
- Arched Farmhouse Mirror from Amazon
- This large mirror features a distinctive farmhouse design with a textured wood frame that adds warmth and character to any space. It’s easy to hang and maintain and combines functionality with a chic, country-inspired look.
- Arched Solid Wood Mirror from Amazon
- This large vertical mirror combines a classic farmhouse aesthetic with a modern touch. Its generous size and high-quality reflective surface make it an ideal choice for brightening up entryways, living rooms, or offices, while its sturdy design allows for both hanging and standing placement.
Tip 11: Opt for Natural Materials in Organization
When it comes to organization, opt for natural materials like bamboo, rattan, or wood. These materials not only look stylish but also add warmth and texture to your office. Use baskets, trays, and bins crafted from these materials to keep your workspace organized while maintaining a cohesive and sophisticated look.
Some products we love:
- Bamboo Storage Boxes from Amazon
- Crafted from durable bamboo, these bins offer a sleek and eco-friendly solution for decluttering your home. Their stackable design maximizes storage efficiency, while the reinforced handles ensure easy carrying.
- Rattan Storage Bins from Amazon
- Constructed from eco-friendly recycled materials, these bins provide a sustainable and chic way to organize your space. Their versatile design is perfect for use in closets, cupboards, or as a decorative storage option.
- Natural Cloth Storage Boxes from Amazon
- Made from high-quality, natural materials, these baskets offer a stylish and eco-friendly solution for tidying up any room. Their versatile design features sturdy handles for easy transport, and the rectangular shape fits perfectly on shelves and in closets.
To Conclude
Redecorating your office to achieve that ‘expensive look’ on a budget is all about creativity, strategic choices, and having a keen eye. By focusing on quality staples, thoughtful decor pieces, and smart organization solutions, you can transform your workspace into a luxurious sanctuary without the luxury price tag. Just remember to embrace minimalism, invest in statement pieces, and curate your space with intention. Start your office makeover journey today and enjoy the process of transforming your workspace into a place you love to be!
