Cube Decorations

So you graduated, got a job, and now you have  your very own hand me down cube. Some may say that the stains in the filing cabinet from your previous owner are "character", but you're finding it to be to much like a crime scene to call this place "work home". Or maybe you have one of those cubes that just feels too sterile. Either way- here are some rules and ideas for cube decorations.

Things to keep in mind:

1. Find out what your office policy is on what you can have in your cube and where you can have it. Some places have policies on how cubes are to appear to give a professional look to the office overall. 
2. If you have stuff hanging on your cube walls, some of it should be work related. This isn't your college dorm room, and you want people who walk into your cube when you aren't there to know you actually work. I like to keep this behind my computer, because it also happens to be super helpful to have posted quick reference guides for basic work things. Hanging calendars can also be helpful for managing long term projects (even in the digital age).
3. Only display comics and photos which represent your professional persona. AKA stay away from photos of you and your besties drunk at a bar, or some raunchy comic strip or something. This should really go without saying. 
4. Generally- your cube is a reflection of you. That said, mine is a total disaster most of the time. BUT that's also sometimes an accurate reflection of me. At every step, be conscious to decorate your cube so that you are comfortable while still considering how this will impact how your bosses and coworkers will perceive you.

With that said, here are some ideas of ways to add a little life to your dreary cube:

• To literally add life to you cube, try getting a low maintenance plant to bring a little life to your cube. Beware of ants and other gross bugs that this may attract...  

Check these out here!

• Having a hook for your jacket/purse is a must, if you don't already have one. It's practical and it makes your cube feel a little more homey You can find them all sorts of places, but here's an example from staples. 

• Fun hanging files and folders are a nice way of adding a bit of life to your cube, that you can "hide away" in your filing cabinet.  

Check out more patterned folders here

• DRY ERASE BOARDS! I'm so addicted to these, and I find they are a really great way of talking through complex problems. If you have problems with your coworkers writing random stuff on it, just hide the markers.

• Positive affirmations, or funny sings are also a good way to spice up a cube. I put these here to help calm me down on days where I feel like everything is spinning out of control. So I'd recommend avoiding Dilbert cartoons- only because I feel like they only reinforce my negativity.

Somebody here intended this for yogis, but it turns out to be a great Electrical Engineering pun

What better inspiration to have at work than this? I don't know about you but sometimes in the heat of the moment I get really not-nice. And while I don't think women have to be sweet pushovers, I also think that everyone should be kind to each other. 

• Funny/cute magnets for filing cabinets or magnetic cube walls

Available here

Cute magnets here!

• And last of all sometimes you need something a little funny. Like sometimes it feels like this is my actual business title:

Get personalized business car holders here

Do you have any other tips about how to make a cube feel a little less stuffy?

Cheers, 

Vanessa Pocket