Appropriate Cubicle Decor

Spending 40 hours a week in a 190 square foot space can drive a person mad. The drab grey fabric walls, the neutral low pile carpet, two drawers and an overhead bin seem like a prison sentence in the corporate world. While some take a minimalist approach to cube décor, others dramatize their space with knickknacks, clever signage and other generally obnoxious materials. While wallpapering your cube with Hooters calendars and centerfolds might seem an obvious faux pas, other accessories might not being so glaringly wrong. Here's your how-to guide to appropriate cubicle décor.

Inappropriate

Religion

While you might be a passionate Christian, Muslim or Atheist, you're religious material could be offensive to others in the office. Just like we try to avoid hot button issues like politics at work, it's important to do the same with religion. Don't hang posters or calendars, or place toys or other overtly religious items on your desk or in your cube.

Toys

You might be a bubbly personality that enjoys surrounding herself with stress balls, Koosh balls, M&M figures, Legos, and stuffed animals, but it's not appropriate. Too much on your desk can give the impression that you're not working. Having a few is one thing, but we all know that person whose cube looks like a jumbled toy store.

Signage

It's so tempting to litter your walls with those clever, quasi-funny plaques and signs, but really they're annoying and it's been done. You know the signs I'm talking about:

"I can only please one person per day. Today is not your day & tomorrow doesn't look good either."

"Please let me drop everything and work on YOUR problem."

"Don't talk about yourself. We'll do that after you leave."

These signs might cause a chuckle for a select few, but that's about it. They are obnoxious and you'll likely offend someone if they're there long enough.

Candles

Many think of candles as facilitating some sort of serenity within the office, but it's just plain wrong. Not only is it a fire hazard, you're probably using the smelly candles that many people are allergic to. Leave the candles at home; they don't belong in the office.

Appropriate

Nature

Bring in a nice plant or small tree to make your cube cozy. There's nothing wrong with bringing a little foliage into the office, but don't overdo it. Too much and your office will look like a cramped jungle.

Wall hangings

Decorate with a mirror, an artist's print or something else you enjoy that adheres to company standards. The idea is to give yourself a visual break every once in a while. Don't hang something that's too busy or distracting though. You should also beware that if you hang a mirror, you may end up with other office mates visiting your cube to use it.

Photos

Family photos are a great way to make you feel comfortable in your space. However, consider yourself warned. If you enjoy keeping your personal life private, showcasing family photos is only going to invite questions. Steer clear of your super wild partying photos as they are most definitely not appropriate. A picture of you and your buddies upside down over a keg of beer with the tap in your mouth could send the wrong message. Try to refrain. Photos should also be used in moderation. Too much of anything is never a good idea.

Candy dish

A candy dish is usually a great conversation piece. If you want your cube to be alluring, the candy dish is the perfect ice breaker. You'll be able to enjoy a sweet treat and the conversation of others. Even the executives will find your cube the place to be for a little break, so be sure to keep it stocked.

We all know the necessity of making our workspace comfortable so we can enjoy being in it for so long, but there are limits. You should always keep anything that could be seen as offensive out of the office. You must also succumb to the "less is more" theory. Too much junk on your desk and walls can be seen as unproductive and as a distraction to other workers. Consideration is critical in cube décor, but following these tips, you'll be mindful of company policy as well as your own comfort.