Our Top Picks For Revamping Your Home Office On A Budget

Revamping Your Home Office On A Budget” />

Upgrading your home office doesn’t have to break the bank. With some savvy shopping and clever DIY projects, you can give your workspace a fresh new look without spending a fortune. Here are my top picks for revamping your home office on a budget:

Shop Discount Stores

Discount and dollar stores are great places to find office supplies, decor items, and organizational tools at low prices. Stores like Dollar Tree, Dollar General, Big Lots, and Ollie’s Bargain Outlet have everything from file folders and pens to desk organizers, bulletin boards, frames, and more. I always check out these budget-friendly stores first when shopping for home office supplies.

Some of my favorite finds include:

• Cute desk accessories like notepads, letter trays, and pen holders for $1-3.

• Sturdy storage boxes and drawer organizers for just a few dollars.

• Fun office decor like frames, desk trays, bulletin boards for less than $10.

• Basic tech accessories like mouse pads, USB hubs, and surge protectors for under $5.

You can find great deals if you’re willing to hunt around these discount retailers. Just avoid paying full price and only buy what you really need.

Upcycle Used Furniture

Check thrift stores, garage sales, and online classifieds for used office furniture to upcycle. Old desks, filing cabinets, and bookshelves can be given new life with a simple makeover. Here are some budget-friendly ideas:

Freshen Up With Paint

Giving old furniture a coat of paint is an easy DIY upgrade. I like to use chalk paint for a smooth finish. Light neutrals help small spaces feel airy and bright. Bold colors add personality. Just scuff-sand the surfaces, apply two coats of paint, then finish with wax. Painting small pieces like trays, pencil cups, and lamp bases is also an easy way to add color without buying new stuff.

Get Creative With Contact Paper

Application of contact paper is an affordable way to give laminate and wood surfaces a quick makeover. Try marble or wood-grain patterns to make basic furniture look more luxe. Use colorful prints and patterns to brighten things up. Contact paper is also great for revamping worn desk surfaces. Just clean well, measure carefully, and use a squeegee to apply.

Add Interest With Hardware

Replacing old hardware with new knobs, pulls, and handles is a simple upgrade for old pieces. Oil-rubbed bronze and brushed nickel have an updated, modern look. Clear acrylic and glass knobs also give furniture a more elegant style. For desks and dressers, go for metal pulls in fun shapes and finishes. Hardware is relatively inexpensive but makes a big impact.

Organize With Dollar Store Finds

You can organize your home office on a shoestring budget using dollar store finds. Here are some of my go-to products for getting organized without spending a lot:

• Clear plastic bins and storage containers for stashing office supplies and files. They help keep everything visible and tidy.

• Shallow bins and drawer organizers for organizing desktop supplies like pens, clips, and sticky notes.

• Hanging file folders, binder clips, banker box storage, and magazine files for organizing paperwork. Matching everything creates a cohesive look.

• Acrylic desktop trays and risers to corral papers, notebooks, and office accessories. They help maximize surface space.

• Over-the-door storage pouches provide extra storage for small office supplies. Use one to store pens, highlighters, and other desk essentials.

• Bulletin boards (cork or whiteboard) for keeping important papers in view. Style with colorful thumbtacks.

With a little creativity, these inexpensive finds offer plenty of inexpensive storage and organization potential. Shop multiple dollar stores to find the best selection.

Make Your Own Desk Accessories

DIY desk accessories allow you to create customized pieces tailored to your space. And many are simple enough to complete in an afternoon. Some budget-friendly DIY ideas include:

• Pen and pencil holder. Glue river rocks or marble tiles into a vase, tin can, or empty jar for an earthy desktop holder.

• Desk pad. Use a large canvas drop cloth as a cushioned writing surface to protect your desk.

• Organizer trays. Paint and stencil simple wooden trays or boxes to coordinate. Use them to hold office supplies or papers.

• Memo board. Cover a budget picture frame with fabric then add cork tiles inside. Use thumbtacks to pin up notes and papers.

• Magazine holder. Wrap colorful duct tape around a simple metal basket. Add shelf liner inside to keep magazines upright.

• Mouse pad. Print out favorite photos or art to fit under a clear acrylic mouse pad.

DIY projects allow you to add personal flair for very little cost. Shop craft and dollar stores for project supplies.

Use Extra Furnishings

Look around your home for extra furnishings that could serve a dual purpose in your office. Adding pieces you already own is a budget-friendly way to accessorize. Some possibilities include:

• An old suitcase for storing office supplies. Prop it on its side and add baskets for organizing.
• A crate or trunk as a side table for stacking books and magazines. Place a tray on top to hold office accessories.
• A dresser to use as a printer stand or for extra drawer storage.
• Vintage boxes for wall-mounted magazine and file storage.
• A coat rack positioned near the desk to hang bags, headphones, and hats.
• An extra chair for guest seating. Fold a blanket over it when not in use.
• A side table to use as a laptop riser or standing desk.

Look at ordinary household furnishings in a different light. With a little repurposing, they can become functional office additions.

Incorporate Office-Friendly House Plants

Incorporating greenery is an affordable way to brighten your home office and boost creativity. And you don’t need a green thumb to pull it off. There are many office-friendly house plants that are low maintenance and hard to kill. Here are some of my favorites:

• Succulents like jade, aloe vera, and snake plant are easy to care for and only need occasional watering. They thrive in office environments.

• The peace lily purifies air and doesn’t need much natural light or water. Caring for it is super simple.

• With its waxy leaves, the pothos plant withstands missed waterings. It removes air toxins too.

• Philodendron is another air-purifying plant that tolerates a range of light levels. Its trailing vines add movement.

• ** ZZ plant** has shiny, plastic-looking leaves that don’t need much water or light. It does great in offices.

• Chinese evergreen handles low light and sporadic watering while adding vibrant color. It cleans the air too.

Choose plants with different leaf shapes, sizes, and colors to create an attractive display. Group together on bookshelves, file cabinets, and desktops so they can clean and freshen the office air.

Final Thoughts

With resourcefulness and a little elbow grease, you can give your home office a stylish makeover without going over budget. Focus your dollars on key basics like a quality desk and ergonomic chair. Then utilize dollar store organizing tools, budget-friendly paint projects, and DIY accents to finish the space. Don’t forget to repurpose furnishings and bring in greenery for an office deserving of an A+.