Before my current desk setup, I had a small, 31.5″ foldable desk tucked into a little corner of my bedroom (see this Instagram highlight for more on that setup!), so even though I have a lot more space now, I’m still in a New York City 1-bedroom… which means this desk setup is also tucked into a corner in my bedroom! No matter how much or how little space you have, small space desk tips can help you stay organized and your desk area look neat. Here are my top tips for organizing in a small space!
Choose a color palette
Similar Box / Adjustable Phone Stand / Hand Lotion / Cat Phone Stand
Staying in the same color palette helps tie everything together and make it look cohesive. Even if you have a lot of stuff out on display (even though I’m personally more minimal, I absolutely love cozy maximalist desk setups!), a color palette will help it all look intentional rather than thrown together.
For me, I chose a black, white, and grey palette (surprise, surprise!). That meant trying to choose and display objects that were those colors in addition to being functional. That’s why the linen grey box, grey ceramic dish, marble dish, and even the silver phone stand and computer go together pretty well: they’re all really part of that same color family.
iPhone 13 Pro Case / iPad Case / Apple Pencil Grip / iPad / Apple Pencil
Even my tech accessories stay within that color scheme! But…that might just be because I’m crazy, haha!
I like to have some pops of color, like in my desk calendar or having pastel markers on hand in a frosted pencil cup.
If you feel like you have too much color, try grouping things by color instead, either in rainbow formation or just by the same colors. That can also help make everything look intentional!
Give everything its own space
Magazine Storage Rack / Similar Acrylic Organizer / Similar Ceramic Jar / Frosted Pencil Cups
This also helps everything look tidy, too. If you have a space for everything then it won’t look too cluttered visually, which makes your desk look minimal and tidy.
One of my favorite ways to do this was with the magazine organizer I found on Amazon. I use it for my iPad, bullet journals, Hobonichi, and work binder, as well as for any mail or other ephemera I need to go through (kind of like an inbox). Rather than keep these books in a stack, or even within bookends, I like the magazine holder because nothing falls down and it all stays straight up and well supported. Plus I like the geometric triangle lines, too!
Use hidden storage
Similar Box / Adjustable Phone Stand / Coaster / Popsocket / Himekuri Desk Calendar
My best tip: hidden storage!! I got this box at a Homegoods, where you can find plenty of decorative storage boxes, or you might even save gift boxes too. I used to have things like extra wires, hair ties, coasters, or lip balms out on my desk or in a clear drawer but sometimes that’s unsightly or doesn’t match a color scheme. Popping it all into this box means it’s handy, doesn’t take up a lot of visual space, and all the things I need are still right there… like my charging cord for my Kindle that always runs out at the worst moments.
Have you tried any of these ideas? What are your favorite small space organization tips? Let me know in the comments below! I’m always looking for new ideas!
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