I’ve asked myself this question over and over. Desk pads seemed like an antiquated office supply that my grandparents would have used.

Then I took a good, hard look at my Ikea desk and noticed scratches, pen marks, and wear and tear. Actually, I didn’t have to look hard. I just had to take my eyes off my computer screen for a minute and suddenly I felt self conscious about the war torn desk top. Obviously, I can’t over the entire surface with plastic – that seems impractical. But a bit of protection to the two foot area around my keyboard would have kept my desk in like new condition and prevented me from going out to buy a new one.

Another great point about desk pads is their dual functionality of a mouse pad. I’ve always hated mouse pads. Either they flip up on one side, the mouse doesn’t slide properly over the surface or it’s just ugly. I went years without a mouse pad and just used the surface of my desk. There’s now a very obvious worn spot about 6 inches to the right of my keyboard.

Lastly, desk pads aren’t black and boring any more. Now, desk pads aren’t desk blotters. Blotters hold sheets of paper for recording to do lists, making notes, and blotting up the extra ink from pens. Desk pads are usually made of plastic and are considered desk protection. Plus, they give the user a nice place to write. Have you ever noticed that your handwriting looks better when the paper is resting on different surfaces? A desk pad has just the right give to provide a smooth writing surface, perfect for distributing pen ink. It’s the little things in life!

The options for decorative desk pads are endless and we at Decorate Your Desk have desk pads ranging from Major League Baseball teams, college mascots and logos and artist creations. All desk pads also have a one-year warranty when used correctly. Just make sure not to put them on desks with a lacquer finish. The lacquer could rub off the image or the image could transfer to the desk.

The desk is where most of us spend a majority of our time awake. Therefore, it's the one thing you have every right to transform into your personal, clutter-free, beautiful space! Below you'll find some ideas to prevent that stolid "cubicle" feel. I read somewhere that if you love the way it looks when it's all reorganized, you'll keep it organized more often. So get to it!


1. Personalize Your Desk

There are SO many fun, silly, unique and colorful options for the useful tools we need on our desks - why settle for black, plastic and boring? Get a stapler in your favorite color! Need to organize those pens and pencils? We all do, and there are so many fun pencil holder options. What about a favorite mug that's cracked and needs to be "repurposed"? I've given my favorite Chicago Cubs coffee mug a second life and every time I see it, it makes me smile.

2. Improve Your View 


If you don't have a lovely window view in your home office, think about what is behind your computer. One great idea is to create fabric bulletin boards. Morgan of Pepper Design Blog created these gorgeous cork boards and uses them behind her computer screen. They pull double duty by being both beautiful and functional. 

3. Desk Lamps

Proper lighting is essential. Figure out what type of lamp you need for the work you do (task lighting, etc) and shop around for lamps that fit the aesthetic you want to nurture in your work space.

4. Nifty Peripherals


Since you are going to need cable management and and a USB charger anyhow, why not choose them in colors or styles that will make you smile?

5. Plants


Don't worry if you don't have a green thumb. There are plenty of plants that are easy to care for and will look great in your office, too! It's spring time and we've just added a small orchid to the plant mix. These low maintenance plants (yes, really!) only need to be watered about once a week. They also prefer to be kept out of direct sunlight and do well in a room with tons of natural light. Stay tuned for a full article on all the best ideas for office plants for the brown thumb gardener!