A well-styled desk is more than just a pretty sight - it can be the secret ingredient to a more focused, motivated, and inspired workday.
Whether you work from home or in a shared office space, your desk is where ideas happen, deadlines are met, and creativity comes to life. The right styling choices can transform your workspace from purely functional to a place you genuinely enjoy spending time in.
From thoughtfully chosen stationery to beautifully designed furniture, here’s how to create a desk setup that blends productivity with personal style.
1. Start With a Strong Foundation: The Desk Itself
Your desk is the anchor of your workspace, so it should be both practical and visually appealing. Look for a design that suits your space and working style.
At Mash + Mint, you’ll find home office desks and office accessories that combine form and function - from minimalist wooden designs perfect for smaller spaces to larger statement desks ideal for creative projects. A spacious surface allows you to work comfortably while leaving room for decorative touches that bring personality to your workspace.
2. Layer in Functional Lighting
Good lighting is essential for productivity. Table and desk lamps not only brighten your workspace but also create a warm, inviting atmosphere that can make even the longest workday feel more enjoyable.
Our table and desk lamp collection includes sleek, contemporary designs and soft, ambient options to suit every style. Consider placing your lamp on the opposite side of your dominant hand to avoid casting shadows as you work.
3. Keep Clutter at Bay With Smart Storage
A cluttered desk can lead to a cluttered mind. Investing in smart storage solutions, such as desktop organisers, pen holders, or stacking trays, can help you keep essentials close without sacrificing style. The goal is to create a space where everything has its place - making it easier to focus on the task at hand.
Papersmiths’ desk organisation tips are a fantastic starting point for creating order without losing character.
4. Add Personality Through Colour and Stationery
Now for the fun part - adding those finishing touches that make your desk truly yours. Add some finishing touches to your space. A great way to add personality is a splash of colour, whether that’s in the style of a bright coloured Papersmiths notebook or some other stylish stationery. You can create a unique and functional space by styling it with desk accessories.
Papersmiths’ range of notebooks is perfect for injecting colour and texture into your workspace. From bold brights to subtle neutrals, they’re ideal for note-taking, journalling, or simply adding a pop of design to your desk. Try stacking two or three in complementary colours for a curated look.
5. Balance Style and Function
The best desk setups strike a balance between looking good and working well. When choosing accessories, ask yourself: does it make my space more beautiful, more functional, or ideally both?
A sculptural desk lamp can double as an art piece. A beautifully bound notebook can inspire you to write more. Every item should earn its place.
6. Make It Seasonal
Refreshing your desk seasonally can keep your space feeling fresh and inspiring. Swap out a neutral notebook for a bright spring hue, or change your lamp shade for a warmer tone in winter. Small, intentional updates can help maintain that sense of motivation all year round.
Styling your desk is about creating a space where you feel inspired, focused, and comfortable. By combining design-led furniture from Mash + Mint with vibrant, high-quality stationery from Papersmiths, you can transform your workspace into a place you love to be - and that’s a productivity boost you can’t buy in an app.