How To Create The Perfect Cozy Desk Set up

This post is all about creating a cozy desk set up

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you purchase after clicking on a link, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.*

It is important to me to have a cozy home. But I used to never care about how my desk looked. To be honest, it was often a place where I threw all my stuff meaning I would never use it. But once I started working from home that had to change. My job needed me to be sitting at a desk most of the time, even though it was the last thing I wanted to do.

The last few months I have focused on making my desk a cozy place. I spend so many hours there a day that I wanted it to be a place I love. I have looked all over Pinterest and TikTok to come up with the perfect way to make my desk cozy. And I learned that it is easier than you think.

Here are all the things you need to know about creating a cozy desk set up

Lighting

Lighting is key to making a space cozy. Think of walking into an office and how unwelcoming it feels. There are bright white lights and the lights are right above your head. By the end of the day, you probably have a headache.

Don’t let your home office feel the same way. The best way to overcome this is with lamps! Place lamps around the room and on your desk.

This doesn’t need to be expensive! Thrift stores are full of lamps. I always see fun desk lamps for a few dollars. Amazon also has a few great options.

This dimmable lamp is great if you want the option to change light settings. It also has a place to plug in your phone to charge. A great option for smaller desks.

This color changing lamp is a great option if you want the dimmable option and to have fun colors.

Another thing I love is fairy lights. They add such a cozy atmosphere to my office. You can place them around the edges of your desk or you can hang them on the wall near your desk.. I recently moved my desk in front of a window so I had a view and placed my fairy lights on the window.

Curtain fairy lights are great because it adds more light to the room compared to a single strand. What I love about these is that they have hooks to hand them on the blinds, no messy set up. They are also inexpensive and come in multiple colors. I love the warm white for the cozy feel.

Small decor

One thing that made my desk space feel unhappy was the lack of decor. I would spend hours on Pinterest looking at cozy desk aesthetics to determine what my desk was missing. It eventually clicked that I didn’t have any decor.

There is something about shopping for decor that I hate. I never want to spend the money to place a cutesy item on my desk because they often cost $20+. There are so many other things I can spend my money on.

But it doesn’t have to be expensive to decorate your desk. There are so many places to shop for desk decor that won’t break the bank. Target Dollar Spot always has great deals on small decor items. It was where I got my fake flowers and desk matt for $5 each! I always recommend checking there.

Thrift stores are another great place to check. People are always decorating their desks and giving their things to the local thrift store. Especially thrift stores near colleges. Walk down the aisles and chances are you will find cute decor items for only a few dollars.

Like always Amazon also has great decor that doesn’t require you to spend a lot.

Desk mats are a great and inexpensive way to add color to your desk. It also helps in protecting your desk from spills or pen marks.

I love fake plants to add a little bit of color and life to my desk. You of course can add real plants, but even with my desk in front of a window, there isn’t direct light so fake plants are easier.

Candles

The key to creating a cozy atmosphere is by activating all the senses and candles are my favorite way to do that. Not only do they smell good, but they help me focus better as well. It also adds a cozy look to your desk.

There are so many places to get candles, but they can be pricey. Over the years I have found some of the best places to get candles without spending a fortune… which has led to a huge candle collection.

Marshalls is my favorite place to get candles. They usually have an aisle of candles in various scents. I usually can find a large candle for $10. I recently started learning that thrift stores are also a place to find candles. In the last year, I have found several unused candles for around $3.

If you are worried about fire safety or toxins, there are several alternatives to activate your senses. Warming lamps are a great way to melt your candles without the risk of fires. Wax warmers are another great alternative and there are usually many wax options at local shops.

Desk chair

Desk chairs are the most important aspect of your desk. You spend hours sitting there, so you should want something cozy that won’t hurt your back or hips.

When I started spending more time at my desk, I noticed how badly I needed a real desk chair. At the time I was using an old dining room chair. So I took into consideration several things. Such as comfort level and how I sit. Because I sit cross-legged most of the time, so I chose a desk chair that would accommodate that.

After researching chairs for MONTHS, I finally gave in and bought the viral TikTok chair.

Having a chair that fits perfectly to my body has made such a difference. It is easier to sit at my desk for longer periods of time. I look forward to sitting at my desk because it feels welcoming.

Choose a chair that fits your needs. Even if your desk looks aesthetically pleasing, you won’t want to spend time at it if you are uncomfortable.

Blankets

Blankets are the ultimate cozy item. They add to your space and keep you warm. They are the perfect way to complete your cozy desk set up.

I am someone with a large blanket collection. And I have them EVERYWHERE. Even at my office desk.

If you are someone who gets cold, consider getting blankets to add to your desk. Remember, you want to be comfortable in your space. You can buy a simple blanket from the Target Dollar Spot if you want it for the aesthetic only. Target also has lots of throw blankets for less than $20.

This textured blanket is great if you want something big and cozy. Or you can be like me and get the ultimate cozy blanket, a heated blanket.

Creating a cozy desk set up is easier than you think

Working from home is so much better when I have a desk I want to spend time at. Make your space enjoyable. Especially if you spend so much time there.