So how do you decorate your cubicle and still maintain that “manly” executive appearance? Create a masculine cubicle by using sleek, dark tones like black, gray, or navy. Incorporate leather or metal desk accessories for a bold look. Add framed artwork, minimalist decor, and functional lighting. Keep it organized with stylish storage solutions and personalize it with subtle elements like plants or a statement clock.
Here are some more tips:
To create a manly atmosphere in your private cubicle, use neutral or dark colors.
These colors give a sense of strength, solidity, and seriousness to the workspace.
Colors like gray, black, navy blue, and green can be good choices and easily coordinate with other furniture in the cubicle.
You can also use metallic colors in your cubicle design like silver, bronze, or gold to add charm.
Stay away from red or yellow as much as possible. If these colors are used excessively, they may reduce the color balance and masculine feel of the space.
The presence of leather should be part of every “manly” cubicle. Black leather planners, pen holders, and desktop calendars are always a nice touch.
A nice steel ballpoint pen makes it a class act. A nice leather office chair adds a nice touch as well as comfort.
It’s okay to put up pictures of you and your girlfriend but putting up a picture of yourself might seem a little narcissistic – even if it’s the best picture you’ve ever taken!
Photos of your family are always nice as they portray you as a good family man. Display the ones you are most proud of in your cubicle.
Avoid putting up too many pictures. You simply want to give the visitor a small glimpse into your personal life and provide something to help motivate you when you’re having a bad day at work.
Even a single picture can do both, depending on what you find motivating. Framing your photos in a leather frame adds a nice touch rather than pinning your photos to the cubicle wall.
If you are interested in or play a particular sport, you can use elements related to it to decorate your cubicle space.
For example, if you are a football fan, you can hang posters of your favorite players on your cubicle wall, or even place decorative balls related to your favorite team or league on your desk.
Also, if you play sports like basketball, golf, or swimming, adding decorative elements like golf clubs or colors inspired by sports environments can liven up the space.
Lighting can make a significant impact on the atmosphere of an office space.
For a manly office cubicle, you can choose a small table lamp with a minimalist design to be both functional and give the space a modern look.
Lamps with simple lines, metal bodies, or neutral color combinations such as black, gray, or silver, inspire a sense of strength and simplicity and coordinate well with other manly decor elements.
To make your cubicle look more masculine, you can use tech gadgets with manly designs.
Equipment like docking stations or wireless chargers are great choices for creating order and improving efficiency in the workplace.
To maintain a manly style in design, it is better to choose these gadgets in neutral or dark colors such as black, gray, or metallic.
Also, cable organizers with minimalist or industrial designs will help manage cables, prevent clutter on the desk, and make the workspace more beautiful.
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Hand sanitizer, brushes, mouthwash, combs, and other personal care items should always be tucked away from view.
If you are an unorganized person, purchasing a few leather office storage items can help you organize pins, sticky pads, staplers, and tape.
Walmart and Target offer a good variety at a reasonable price.
What should be on top of a man’s desk? Think minimal: A desk calendar, a computer, a few books or binders that pertain to your work, a notebook, a pen holder, a framed picture, and a few office supplies within your reach.
Depending on your job description, displaying a few books about your line of work, motivational books, or leadership books is always a plus.
Hardcover books always trump paperback books. These will help build your image as an intellectual person within the organization.
Make sure to choose your books wisely because “How to Control Stress” won’t go over as well within your workplace as a book entitled “The Power of Positive Thinking.”
Let’s talk screen savers and desktop backgrounds. The image on your computer should be reflective of your personality and should never be considered unprofessional.
You should always keep these items tucked away: personal care items, computer bags, earbuds, salt and pepper shakers, and confidential files.
Do not place too many funny quotes in your cubicle. There is a fine line between being funny and making your manager or other fellow workers angry.
Sports – a man and his connection with sports is well known as being a stress buster, but having too many sports items or memorabilia in your cubicle isn’t wise.
There is no harm in showing off your favorite sports team but keep the majority of your baseballs and big “we’re #1” hands at home.
Your colleagues and your boss will be impressed that you’ve taken the time to decorate your cubicle and will certainly give them the impression that you care about your job in every detail.
John Ofield is a recognized expert in the office furniture and office cubicle industry, with over 40 years of experience. As the founder of ROSI Office Systems, he specializes in space planning, custom cubicle designs, and high-quality commercial furniture. John’s expertise helps businesses enhance productivity and collaboration. He is also dedicated to mentoring entrepreneurs and redefining workspaces to inspire success.
