26 DIY Desk Decor Ideas & Tips
You Need In Your Life

Your desk is a great place to sit and come up with your best ideas, dream up your new DIY project or plan your next adventure. However, your desk should be functional and inspirational. The best way to get that balance: DIY desk decor.

If you need a new desk, we've got you covered. If you need tips on how to get started and cute desk accessories, we've got those, too. Now, pull up a chair and prepare to be inspired!

Cute DIY Desk Decor Accessories

Whether you've loved arts and crafts since pre-school or prefer to scroll through Instagram for artistic inspiration, here are 20 gorgeous creations and ideas that we know you'll use for inspiration for all your DIY desk decor ideas and needs. This super fun DIY Felt Letter Board from Lara and Meghan at Jolly & Happy is a great place to start!

DIY Wall Decor

1. Hang an Inspirational Pendant

The writing is literally on the wall with this easy DIY wall pendant created by Casey at The DIY Playbook. This is a great way to show off a motto or mantra that means something to you that you can look at every time you sit down at your desk.

2. Display Your Team Spirit

If you want a cute and easy way to show your support for your favorite team, then here's a great idea: why not make a DIY felt pennant? Karen at Decor Hint has you covered. Just grab scissors, a hot glue gun, felt and stencils.  

Extra idea: Add this NFL Desk Mat to the mix to receive cheers of appreciation from your team.

3. Decorate a Cork Board

It's time to grab your stencils and imagination because Anika at Anika's DIY Life has everything that you need to create this adorable DIY cork board. The great thing about this DIY desk decor is that you can add a frame and as much color and personality as you want.

4. Organize Your To-Do List

If you live by your to-do list, then this DIY Dry Erase Board is the perfect addition to your life. The best part? It will cost you less than $30 to create this gorgeous board. This idea from Gladys at Steeltoes and Stilettos will help keep your office organized and inspired.  

5. Color Your Clock

It's about time that you make this DIY colorblock wall clock from Sarah at Sarah Hearts. If like Sarah you are Team DIY, then this super easy but super adorable clock is a must-have. Just select your color and count down the minutes until you can place your new creation on the wall.

6. Add Fun to a Pegboard

When it comes to a colorful approach to DIY desk decor, Rachel at The Crafted Life has got the right idea, especially with this DIY Color Wheel Pegboard. Grab your buckets and brushes and say hello to your fun new desk decoration.  

DIY Organization Decor

7. Create a Desk Caddy

Raise your hand if you love stationery as much as we do. This cute DIY wooden desk caddy has multiple compartments and will hold everything from your phone to your favorite pen. We love how Carrie from Dream Green DIY filled hers with lots of colorful stationery.  

8. Show Off Your Stationery

With this colorful and practical DIY desk organizer, you can proudly display your hundreds of pens, pencils and highlighters that normally get put in drawers. What's more, thanks to Chelsea at Lovely Indeed, you have helpful instructions whether you choose one, two or three colors.

9. Personalize Your Storage

Talk about thinking outside the box. These mini face storage boxes will complement any desk and DIY desk decor plans. If you love to inject as much personality as possible into your decorations - like Stephanie at Make and Tell - then you definitely need these boxes.

10. Share Your Memories

Photos of family and friends. Check. Colorful magnets. Check. A functional and beautiful magnet board. Check. A DIY painted magnet board allows you to highlight your favorite memories and keep track of important items. Lexy at The Proper Blog has shared some super helpful instructions so you can make this beautiful board in less than 10 minutes.

11. Brighten Up Your Mousepad

We believe this rainbow DIY mousepad will keep a smile on your face long after you've placed it on your desk. It's the perfect home for your mouse and KaRi at Lovilee has reminded us that even when it rains, there is always a rainbow on the horizon.  

Extra idea: keep the rainbow theme alive with these rainbow waterfall string lights.

DIY desk areas

12. Decorate with Multiple Colors

Your DIY desk decor doesn't have to be limited to just your desk. Kara at A Kailo Chic Life has done a great job creating these DIY ombre candle holders that will look great anywhere in your room or house.

13. Show Off Your Books

A new chapter for your desk should include these DIY mountain-shaped bookends. Mary at The Handcrafted Haven has done such a beautiful job creating these and now you can, too. Perfect for all our fellow bibliophiles.

14. Put Your Name on a Coffee Station

You deserve a coffee break and a DIY coffee shop sign to complement your desk area. Jen at Jen Woodhouse has shared a step-by-step guide to making your own sign and we know that you'll feel proud after you make yours.  

Extra idea: when you need a drink on the go or at your desk, the Watercolor Dream Water Bottle is the perfect size for all your beverage needs.

15. Style a Lamp

We are seeing the light and the potential with a DIY Rattan Style Lamp Shade from Emily at Dossier. This is such a unique way to show your lamp and light bulb some love and style. 

Extra idea: display a different type of tree on your desk with this Yamazaki Tosca Accessory Tree - perfect for all your jewelry.

DIY Inspirational Decor

16. Say Yes to Photo Holders

Your desk is about to be picture perfect with these creative DIY polymer clay photo holders from Nik at Dear Handmade Life. The possibilities are endless: multiple colors, shapes and ways to display your photos. This little corner is all about travel memories and goals.

Extra idea: Show off how your photo skills with this cool old school camera canvas art.

17. Construct a Beaded Card Holder

You don't have to wait for Christmas to create a DIY Tassel and Wood Bead Garland Card Holder to share your latest photos and memories. Megan at The Blush Home has inspired us to not only create this stylish card holder but to keep it up all year round.

18. Utilize an Inspiration Board

We know you'll love creating this DIY Inspiration Peg Board from Kelly at Studio DIY. Just think about all the different stickers, motivational words and items you can display and add even more personality to your DIY desk decor ideas.

19. Design a Tissue Holder

You'll never look at a box of tissues the same again after you've created an adorable mason jar tissue holder. This great idea from Angie at The Country Chic Cottage gives you a great option to shake up a traditional tissue holder and select a color and group of words that suit your style.

20. Enjoy a Photo Shadowbox

Grab your instant camera and get ready to have some fun as you make a DIY Photo Shadowbox. Kim and Scott at Yellow Brick Home have found a great way to proudly show off photos that you'll always want to remember and enjoy looking at above and near your desk.  

Instagram Desk Inspiration  

We love to see all the great ways that our customers use our desks in their homes. Just look at these great examples of how people have decorated their desks, rooms and homes of all sizes with color, fun and joy.

21. Create a Collage

Who doesn't love a wall covered with cards that feature amazing people, places and things? Create a vision board for the year with places you’d like to go and inspiring quotes.

22. Hang a Neon Sign

Make your study space cheerful and bright with a neon light. It can stand alone or you can add photos or wall art around it in complementary colors.

23. Play with Wallpaper

If we could wish upon a star, it would be to have this gorgeous bedroom that @shannonking_eclecticin dreamed up and decorated for her big sister. If sleeping under the stars sounds like a dream come true, our Elsie Single Pedestal Desk is a great choice.

24. Create Canvas Art

If only there were more hours in the day so we could hang out in this stunning space by @jillianseguin longer. There is no such thing as too much color which is why the Iridescent Table Lamp is the perfect addition to your desk.

25. Put up Your Favorite Quotes

If you need more space, the Customize-It Simple Storage Pedestal Desk is the desk for you. Even during the busy times, it helps to have enough room for all your important work and items. @abbymurphyphoto has done a great job balancing style and function.

26. Use Unique Frames

@sheamausserdesigns added so many adorable pieces and mementos to this space. Frames can add personality, especially if you pair unique shapes with art prints. If you want a similar look, we suggest the Andie Swivel Desk Chair to add that pretty in pink touch.  

The Best Desks for Your DIY Decor

Here are four other desks that are perfect for all your DIY projects. Regardless of the size of your room, you'll want a desk that's big enough for all your cute desk accessories. It should compliment the flow and layout of your room, not monopolize the space.  

1. A Wall Desk

This might be a desk for small spaces but get ready for big compliments. A wall desk has everything that you need: beautiful finishes, multiple shelves and a spacious drawer. With a sturdy wall desk in your room, you'll have plenty of space for all those desk decorations.  

2. A Corner Desk

With this desk, you can have your own corner office in the bedroom. Practical, stylish and built to last, corner desks are a great option for a classic look while also creating an area with just the right amount of wall space for extra shelving and DIY decor ideas.

3. A Mid-Century Desk

If you want to make a statement with your DIY desk decor then this mid-century desk is the perfect place to start. You'll have not one but three drawers to store all your stationery, and lots of room to display your favourite desk decorations.

4. A Classic Desk

If all that glitters is gold, then your room will never lose its glamour with this classic desk. By having a simple yet stylish desk design, your cute desk accessories will have plenty of opportunities to shine and make a statement.

You don't have to be a DIY expert to create the ultimate DIY desk decor. Utilize these ideas as a starting point to help you build an inspiring place to dream, ideate and create. Now you have the perfect excuse to inject as much color, personality and fun into your desk and home.