Giving your office a refresh might be the last thing on your mind when costs need to be controlled. But a well-designed office can have a huge impact on the mood, productivity, and health of employees.
So if you’re looking to keep your costs down, here are some tips for decorating a small office on a budget.
Use the skills you have
In an ideal world, you’d have the entire process professionally designed and project managed. But that’s the most expensive way to do things and out of most people’s budgets.
Some things will need to be done by a professional for health and safety reasons, but there are other jobs that you could do yourself, such as clearing areas, minor repairs, and painting.
Get creative
If you know where to look, there are treasures to be found. Check out local FB groups or Craigslist for cheap or free items. For example, you could turn unwanted scaffolding planks into tables for a meeting room or mount them to a wall with a black key clamp and wall fittings to make a high-level counter in the breakroom. Not only will you have unique-looking furniture, but you will also have spent next to nothing.
Get an interior designer, for free
Some people have a great eye for interior design. Others don’t. If you’re not confident that you can create the office of your dreams, then head online to interior design sites and Pinterest. You’ll be able to find inspiring examples that you can use as a basis for your, or even just copy outright if you want to. It’s certainly cheaper than hiring an interior designer.
Look for pre-loved items
You don’t have to buy office furniture brand new. It can be very expensive, or you end up buying cheap furniture that doesn’t last very long. Why not buy your furniture from a pre-loved site. These specialize in furniture that has come from companies that have closed down or undergone a renovation. You’ll be able to find desks, chairs, shelves and other office items for a cheap price.
Get multiple quotes
Don’t buy something the minute you see it, or hire the first company you call. Always shop around and get other prices and quotes in. You may find that you can get a better deal by doing this.
Don’t do everything at once
If the entire office renovation is out of your budget, then don’t try and do everything at once. Instead, do one area of the office at a time until you’re done. Choose the area of the office that needs decorating the most. Or, if you’re doing a lot of the work yourself, start on a more inconspicuous area until you build up your confidence.
Takeaways
Working in a great office can really put a spring in your work step. But creating the office you want doesn’t have to break the bank. If you plan carefully and know where to look, there are bargains to be had and you could be making your money go a long way.