A clean desk can lead to a successful life, but that doesn't mean your desk can't be super stylish at the same time. These DIY tips can help you on your way to a successful year and life!
1. Hang your calendar
This may seem like something a ton of people do, but creating your own calendar and hanging it up is the perfect way to organize your desk! This My Fabuless Life idea makes for a chic wall decoration and organization technique in one!
2. Stick with a color scheme
Leah Remillet proves that it’s important to stick with a color scheme when dressing up your desk. Choose two or three colors that work well together, and make sure to find (or DIY!) a few odds and ends that match.
3. Watercolor calendar
You’ll never forget what day it is again! Thanks to Annabode + CO., you don’t have to buy a new calendar every year. All you need is an old frame, some rub-on letters and patterned paper. In about an hour, you’ll have a calendar to keep for years to come.
4. Hanging wall file
File holders can be not only functional but decorative if you're willing to give them some TLC. Find some stencils and spray paint the designs whatever color you'd like. Once these dry, hang them on your wall, just like Emily Henderson did! No need to have your papers scattered all over your desk; elevate them and gain some much-needed space!
5. Gold pencil holder
We’ve all been known to spend way too much money at Anthropologie, but if you’re trying to jazz up your desk on a budget, View From the Fridge has the perfect solution. Make your own version of this insanely popular Anthro pencil holder for under five dollars. See, you don't have to break the bank for a nice accessory.
6. Label your inner desk storage
The struggle to keep the inside of your desk organized is one we all feel. Good Housekeeping suggests labeling your drawer organizers. That way you’ll never have to wonder where your things are hiding.
7. Shoebox shelving
So your desk doesn’t have any shelving? No problem! It's time to finally find a use for all those shoeboxes that are littering your apartment. Lifehack recommends simply stacking and pinning multiple shoeboxes together to create your own shelving unit.
8. Mouse pad
If your best friend is your computer mouse, then Kitty Cotten is here to give your pal a home. Cut out a piece of cork and accent the exposed edges with gold flakes. In no time, you’ll have a stylish mouse pad.
9. Jazzy letter holders
Need a way to store your most important papers? Just Destiny Mag has the cutest DIY version of a Kate Spade letter holder that should do the trick. Find some colorful cardstock and attach it to the front of each drawer. Label the drawers as desired, and you're done!
10. Desk caddy
Go through cereal like it’s your job? Aunt Peaches has an upcycle you'll be dying to try. Save a few empty boxes and duct tape them together for an all-in-one storage container!
11. Picture desk
If you have zero wall space, this StageTecture DIY is the ideal solution. Pick out some of your favorite pictures and place them on your desk. Put down a clear acrylic sheet, and you have your own custom nook.
12. Tape frames
Frames can get expensive, and nails can severely damage your walls. Why not hang up your art with some washi (or electrical) tape, like Katherine Elizabeth did. These custom frames will not only make your walls really pop, but they’ll come off without a problem.
13. Fabric buckets
Get your sewing machine ready. Apartment Apothecary proves that you don’t have to spend tons of money at the craft store on fabric containers. You can make and personalize your own. Say hello to a warm, inviting and classy desk.
14. Printer tray
Does your printer take up way too much room on your small desk? Fear no more, because with a little help from Idle Hands Awake, it’s super easy to make this rollable printer tray. Yes, you might need some power tools to accomplish this, but it’ll be well worth it for the extra space!
15. Spray paint your accessories
Jill Cimorelli proves that spray painting your accessories can give your desk a more unified look. There's no need to go out and buy new things, trying to perfectly match your color scheme. Rather, spray paint your favorite odds and ends. It’ll look like you spent hundreds on your desk accessories, when you really upgraded your fave trinkets from the flea market.
16. Revamp a cheap desk with fake marble vinyl
You can definitely find a cheap desk at the local thrift store. Want to make it look like you spent more than $15? Apply fake marble vinyl, as Anneorshine has done in the video above. Your friends will think you spent way too much money on your desk. But don’t worry—we’ll keep your secret!
