How I Brighten My Workspace (Little Desk Things I Love)
- Mitzie Hall
- Feb 21
- 4 min read
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Your workspace is where you spend a significant amount of your day, so why not make it a space that brings a bit of joy and comfort? Whether it’s a home office, a desk at your co-working space, or even a corner of your living room, personalizing your desk can help brighten your day and improve your productivity.
Some people prefer a minimalist desk setup, while others fill their space with mementos or items that reflect their personalities and cultures. For me, my desk is an eclectic mix of items that make me smile, calm my mind, or boost my focus while I write code or brainstorm new ideas.
Here’s a look at some of the little things on my desk that brighten my day — and might inspire you to personalize your own workspace!
I’ve got this adorable little Happy/Angry Koala sitting under my monitor. It’s a plush desk addition that matches my Apple ID avatar, so it’s almost like my virtual persona has crossed into the real world!
What’s cool about this koala is that it serves two purposes. On some days, I use it to communicate my mood — happy or frustrated — without saying a word. Other times, it helps me shift my mindset. If I’m feeling down or stressed, the playful and expressive nature of the koala’s face is a tiny reminder to pause, take a breather, and reset my mood.
Best of all, it fits perfectly in the palm of my hand for a quick squeeze. Let me know in the comments below if you would like me to share a picture!
A Hand Fan
Does anyone else feel like work-from-home meetings (or just long coding sessions) result in random overheating? That’s where my trusty hand fan comes in.
Unlike noisy desk fans, this quiet and portable accessory keeps me cool during meetings without interfering with my microphone. No need to rush and discreetly turn it off when I unmute myself — it’s like my silent little superhero for hot moments.
Whether you’re presenting, debugging code, or just tackling that inbox on a sunny afternoon, a hand fan is ridiculously underrated.
This is probably one of my favorite desk accessories because it’s so versatile. Some people go for fidget toys, but I’ve got a collection of smooth rocks and gems. Why?
Stress Relief: When I’m deep in thought or feeling stressed, I grab a smooth stone and spend a minute just rubbing its surface. It’s oddly calming.
Design Fun: On truly slow days, I rearrange the gems into patterns or designs. It’s a creative outlet that breaks up monotonous moments.
Visual Appeal: It might sound trivial, but just seeing my little “rock garden” reminds me of nature’s beauty and creativity.
Stirring a handful of rocks around casually in a candy dish might not sound revolutionary, but trust me — it’s surprisingly soothing (and makes for a unique desk conversation starter!).
There’s something undeniably uplifting about having a touch of green on your desk. While I personally love live plants, you could absolutely go for artificial ones if you don’t want the responsibility.
Succulents are perfect for a workspace because they’re low-maintenance and add a fresh vibe to the environment. I enjoy watering mine and watching them grow. It gives me a little sense of accomplishment in between tasks — and after all, who doesn’t love a desk buddy that helps purify the air?
Candles aren’t just about aromatherapy or relaxation — they’re multifunctional overachievers for desk dwellers like me. Not only do I enjoy lighting a candle with a calming scent (lavender is my go-to), but I also use it to warm my hands.
When you spend hours writing code in an air-conditioned room, cold hands are a real problem. A simple, lit candle can double as my mini hand-warmer! Plus, switching out scents based on my mood or season keeps things interesting.
Note: Always practice safety when using candles at your desk — especially around electronics or papers.
Animal Figures
Call it nostalgic or quirky, but I’ve got a small collection of little animal figures on my desk. Right now, a beaver and a chipmunk keep me company as I work. I came across them inside a surprise toy egg years ago, and they’ve been permanent fixtures on my desk since.
Why keep them? Honestly, they just make me happy. Sometimes it’s the smallest, simplest, and most random things that spark joy during a long day of work.
Takeaways for Creating Your Perfect Workspace
Your desk should be a reflection of what makes you comfortable, happy, and focused. Whether it’s practical items like a hand fan or candles, soothing objects like rocks and succulents, or quirky additions like animal figures, there’s no wrong way to personalize your workspace.
Here are a few tips to get started:
Consider your personality and work habits. Do you prefer a minimal space or a more colorful and creative environment?
Include multi-functional items (like candles that double as hand-warmers or rocks that help with stress relief).
Don’t underestimate the power of small things! A favorite figurine or a cute desk accessory can truly brighten your day.
If you’re spending eight hours a day at your desk, why not fill it with things that make you smile?
What’s on Your Desk?
Now, I want to know — what do you keep on your desk that brightens your day? Do you have any unique items or gadgets that you swear by? Share your workspace happiness hacks in the comments below!
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