Imagine walking into your office or workspace and feeling instantly relaxed and ready to tackle the day. That’s the power of a minimalist workspace.
Seeing piles of random papers, unused gadgets, and pens that no longer work on your desk is unnecessary clutter and can be distracting.
Moving to minimalist office supplies is a way to streamline how you work. With only the essentials on your desk- your workspace supports getting stuff done. You don’t just keep things around because you might need them one day. Aim for fewer items that serve multiple functions, and choose them with purpose and intent.
Okay- so let’s take a look at how incorporating minimalist office supplies into your workspace can help you have more clarity and boost productivity.
Minimalist Desk
A minimalist desk setup is where form meets function. Many of us spend a lot of time at our desks, so don’t you want to enjoy that space as much as possible? A clean minimal desk will help you to reduce clutter on your desk and begin each day with a happy and cheerful disposition.
Look for a desk that has clean lines and enough surface area for what you actually need to do your work. Those large L shaped Oak Office desks are beautiful- but is it practical? Do you need that much space? There are many options of desks to choose from that are stylish and will match your decor and preferences.
Minimalist Office Accessories
Alright- so what about the essentials that you will have in addition to your desk?
Each item should have a purpose, directly enhancing your work efficiency. By paring down to only the necessities, you make room—not just on your desk, but in your mind as well.
Here is what I have on my desk: Laptop/mouse, notebook/planner, pencil holder, In Box tray and my Aloe Vera plant. I have great natural lighting where my desk is, so I don’t have a lamp. Now- depending on your type of work, you may have to have additional items on your desk like paper files.
Minimalist desk accessories are designed to keep your workspace clutter-free, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. Here are some popular choices for a minimalist setup:
Cable Solutions: Cable clips and cable boxes can keep cords out of sight, helping create a clean, organized look. Magnetic cable holders are great for easily detaching and reattaching cables.
Desk Organizers: Small drawer organizers or stackable trays help keep pens, paper clips and other essentials neat and tidy. There are minimalist pencil holders that are made with metals, glass or even ceramic.
Monitor Stand: Wooden or metal monitor stands add storage space underneath for keyboards and notebooks while keeping your screen at eye level. You can find some stands that come with built-in cable management and drawers.
Minimalist Lamps: Look for a slim, modern LED desk lamp with adjustable brightness and color temperature settings. The Clip-on lamps are perfect for small spaces and free up desk surface.
Mouse Pad/Desk Mat: Full-sized, leather or vegan leather desk mats double as a mouse pad and protect your desk surface, enhancing the minimalist aesthetic.
Notebook or Planner Stand: A stand can keep your planner or notebook easily accessible and free up desk space.
Wireless Charging Station: Choose a compact wireless charger for your phone and headphones to avoid excess cables. Multi-device chargers are especially useful and reduce the need for additional outlets.
Plants: Small potted plants or succulents in minimalist pots add a touch of greenery, improving the look and atmosphere of the workspace. I once worked in an office with no windows- for 3 years. I had Several plants just to keep from feeling like I was working in Solitary confinement!
Wall Mounted Organizers: A simple pegboard or a magnetic whiteboard can help you store small items vertically without cluttering your desk.
Choosing accessories in a consistent color palette (neutrals or soft tones) and materials like wood, metal, or matte plastic can enhance the cohesive, minimalist style.
Streamlining Filing and Storage with Minimalist Supplies
It is possible to maximize your organization while keeping things simple, accessible, and visually appealing. If you are unorganized and struggle with filing, having better office supplies can help. I once worked in an office setting where we had to scramble to find folders, etc. If we wanted anything extra, it was on us to buy it. I think Workplaces should support their employees in getting them the right tools to do their job.
Here are some filing and storage solutions for a minimalist workspace:
Stackable Filing Boxes: Choose stackable filing boxes with neutral colors to create a clean look. Consider transparent or label-friendly boxes to make file identification easier and go for boxes with lids to keep dust out.
Labeling and File Folders: Use color-coded or neutral-toned folders with the same type of labels for quick identification. It’s a good rule of thumb to avoid bright colors or multiple label styles; consistent labeling helps create a calm, streamlined look. And-Look for folders made of durable but thin materials to save space without compromising on quality.
Minimalist Filing Cabinet: A slim, modern filing cabinet with a flat finish or subtle texture is ideal for a clean look. Choose cabinets with smaller, more sleek handles and smooth-closing drawers to reduce noise. Wall-mounted file cabinets or under-desk cabinets are excellent for compact spaces.
Hanging File Organizer: Anytime you can get papers off your desk is a good thing. Opt for hanging file organizers whenever possible to keep essential files close without taking up desk space. Look for wall-mounted or pegboard-friendly options that keep files accessible but not cluttered. Slim profile options with multiple pockets can hold folders without looking bulky.
Magnetic Label Holders: Magnetic label holders make it easy to update labels without sticky residue. Place them on cabinets, drawers, and file boxes for a consistent, flexible labeling system.
Multi-Purpose Storage Bins: Storage bins with lids are great for stowing away bulkier items like tech accessories or spare supplies. Look for stackable, transparent options to make contents easily identifiable without rummaging. Just like the other office supplies, keep bins in uniform colors to avoid visual clutter.
Drawer dividers and Organizers: Drawer organizers help keep small supplies like paper clips, pens, and sticky notes tidy. Adjustable or expandable dividers are perfect for creating a custom fit, maximizing every inch of drawer space.
Digital Filing System: Go paperless when you can by scanning documents to keep digital copies instead of physical ones. A compact document scanner or a multi-purpose printer with scanning features can help reduce paper load and streamline files digitally.
Minimalist Shelves: Use simple, wall-mounted shelves to hold frequently accessed supplies or display storage boxes. Open shelves can be customized with matching storage containers to create a neat and uniform appearance.
Cordless Label Maker: A cordless label maker helps create clean, standardized labels for files and storage bins. Choose one that prints simple, clear text for a professional look.
Summary- Minimalist Office Supplies
If your office or workspace is in serious disarray, you may need to take time initially to go through and do a deep cleaning. Toss or shred paper files you no longer need and truly analyze what you need on your desk to work efficiently. The goal with minimalist office supplies is to have a workspace that supports productivity and a peaceful state of mine.