Many writers will agree that having a designated writing desk is a great way to stay productive, organized and inspired. A writing environment affects how a writer feels – a cluttered area leads to a cluttered mind and can hinder creativity while an aesthetically pleasing place for writing can lead to peaceful and productive writing sessions. Here are seven things to consider when creating a writing space conducive to your individual needs and writing goals.

Desk Size and Shape

When picking a writing desk, size and shape need to be considered. Where will the desk go? How much room is available in your home? Do you prefer a large desk or a small one? A large desk will give more room to work if you tend to lay everything out or have multiple projects going on at once. A small desk will keep you organized and on track with one project at a time.

With small spaces, it is also good to think about portable desks and hideaway desks. Hideaway desks are convenient because they can be put away when not being used to write. They also tend to be great place to put whiteboards or corkboards on to put up reminders or calendars.

Storage

If you need more storage in your home large desks will be a better option. There are L shaped desks which leave more workroom on top and storage above and below. They also sit in the corner which leaves plenty of space in the rest of the room for other things – maybe that personal library you’ve always wanted.

Bookshelf desks also hold a lot of storage space. They tend to have a large bookshelf on one side and a half bookshelf on the other which makes it easy to place anywhere in a room. If placed in the middle of a wall sticking out, it also makes a great two-sided desk if you work with other people.

The Right Chair

If you do a lot of writing, comfy chairs are a must. You probably wouldn’t want a wooden chair if you sit in it for eight hours of the day. Look into chairs with great back support benefits the long hours of writing. Some people might prefer big round chairs they can curl into with their legs tucked while working. Thinking about how long you’ll be working each day at your desk, the height of the desk and your personal sitting pose will help make it easier to choose the right chair. Remember, if you’re not comfortable you won’t be focusing on writing.

Décor

Writing desk inspiration can also come from what you have surrounding or sitting on your desk and will help with your writing productivity. Trinkets from your favorite books, bookish candles inspired by your favorite fictional places, and even plants are all things that can be added to or around your writing desk. Quotes can be hung on the wall for inspiration or corkboards to keep you organized. Maybe add your muse board to the wall so you are surrounded by what is inspiring your current project. As long as you are not crowding your writing desk with lots of stuff, having décor will keep you inspired no matter how long you’re writing for.

Greenery

Not only do plants add a beautiful and inspiring aesthetic to any room in your home, but they can also be conducive to productivity. Research has concluded that an office ornamented with plantlife can actually increase productivity by 15 percent. Spider plants, peace lily, and pathos are great plants to start with due to their love of light and low maintenance care routine. If you’re looking for something that has a strong smell for your space, lemon balm plants both smell good and help keep your brain awake and active. For inspiration on plant placement, check out Write or Die Tribe’s Pinterest Board where plant-filled desks are frequently updated!

Lighting

The quality of lighting near your writing desk can affect your mood, productivity, and well-being. Poor lighting, such as dim lighting or harsh lighting from overhead fluorescent lights, can cause eye strain, stress, and fatigue. Ideally, the best kind of light you can have is natural light. If you tend to write more during the day perhaps your lighting can come from outside if you place your desk near a window. If you don’t have access to a window, there are a number of different types of desk lamps that simulate daylight that you can purchase.

Color Palatte

If you have the option to choose what colors you surround yourself with, there are certain colors that affect our moods or are conducive to productivity. Blue is well known as a calming color that can slow breathing and lower blood pressure. Color psychologist Angela Wright has found that “despite the tranquil feelings, blue stimulates the mind. The combination of calming yet mentally stimulating may be why blue has been shown to increase productivity.” Yellow, while known as the least favorite color for adults, is one of the most inviting, uplifting colors in the rainbow. No matter what shade it is, yellow is vibrant. If you want to create a more open, invigorating atmosphere adding accents of yellow could help without overwhelming the senses. If you are looking to evoke more calm to your space, green is known to settle people down. Since green is part of nature, we feel a natural connection to it. It’s so calming one study found people with Parkinson’s Disease felt better in a green room. Purple is known to heighten mental awareness while Orange imparts the idea of activity, enthusiasm and endurance – three things that definitely improve productivity. Find the color you are most attracted to and brighten up your workspace.

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About Chelsea Wolfe

Chelsea Wolfe is a writer and mother from Fort Wayne, Indiana. She has a bachelor’s in Creative Writing & English and is currently working towards her master’s. Chelsea is an avid reader of mainly YA and Adult fiction, she writes book reviews on her site and keeps track of her reading through Goodreads. She’s written articles and stories for several sites and posts most of her work on Instagram, Wattpad and her lifestyle blog, Coffee, Children & Chaos.

7 Ways to Create a Productive and Inspiring Writing Space