You may already know that at Meanwhile Creative we like to encourage tenants to express themselves. The office/workspace should be a place you want to visit, and decoration is half of the fun. We are always happy to see an elaborately decorated studio, or even just a few personal touches. Here are some of our favourite ways to transform your workspace.

Transform Your Office/Workspace on a Budget

1) Chalkboard paint

For those in studio spaces, the world really is your oyster. You have far greater flexibility than us coworking or shared office folk, so why not make the most of it? A touch of colourful paint can instantly change the vibe of a room. If you’re creative or need lots of space to brainstorm, why not invest in some chalkboard paint and change your studio walls as often as you please?

2) Photo wall

Our very own Emma of Mute Collective has got on board with this idea. The walls of her studio are lined with photos, inspiration, and her favourite previous projects.

If a whole wall is too much for you, or you’re limited for space, think about investing in some photo frames instead, or scroll to number 6.

3) Plants

It’s no rumour that plants boost mood and help reduce stress. They also brighten up a dull space better than anything else. If you don’t use your office full time, you can invest in succulents and air plants, which are super low maintenance.

4) Mood board

Not only do mood boards make a wall look bright and eye-catching, they can provide artistic inspiration throughout your working day. Great for those in creative jobs.

5) Fabric corkboards

If digital reminders aren’t your thing, or you just like to make notes, you can upholster a corkboard for less than a fiver. We found a handy guide on this blog.

6) Canvases

Canvases are a cheap to decorate your walls with something personal. Whether it’s photos of your family or of your travels, they will keep you feeling inspired throughout your day.

7) Upholster your chair

Why not upholster a chair that’s fit for a queen using this guide?

Alternatively, you could ditch the chair completely and opt for our favourite choice – a swing. Though this one might be a little more difficult to implement…

8) Bunting

Bunting might seem a feminine way to decorate your workspace, but it doesn’t have to be. You can make bunting from old clothes, or football shirts. To keep it super cheap, you can pick up some fabric offcuts from your local fabric shop.

9) Accessories

The hammock never took off in the workplace. Probably because balancing a laptop on your stomach and craning your neck towards the screen is a rather uncomfortable pose. But here we have a comfy compromise: the foot hammock. Simply attach it to the bottom of your desk and have a slice of holiday in your workday.

A second accessory is fairy lights. You can either get the usual string of lights and adorn your desk or wall, or you can be a little more hipster and fill your old drinks bottles with them like so:

10) Rugs

There’s nothing like a fuzzy rug to nestle your feet in when it’s cold. You could also take the crazy route and invest in a humous or offensive doormat.

11) Jazz up your whiteboard

For many, the whiteboard is an essential staple to the office. You can give your whiteboard an artistic edge by making one from an old photo frame and some designs.

Do you have any other affordable office decorating tips? Let us know!