10 Home Office Essentials for 2021 You Never Thought You Needed Until Now

Now that many of us are part of the same work-from-home club, we can agree: it’s time for a desk do-over. Is the endless surface clutter bringing you down? Get tidying. Donate or toss unwanted items, then get your desk into tiptop form with some of our favourite replacements.

Rifle Paper

1 / 10

A Pretty View

This botanical pleasure-fest is so vivid, you can almost smell fresh blooms. Pieces from the paper-wrapped Garden Party collection, which includes a magazine holder and a letter tray, are sold separately – but why wouldn’t you want every bit of this gorgeous getup? Garden Party Desk Accessories, Rifle Paper, from US $10.

Etsy

2 / 10

A Silly Sign

Step aside preachy slogans, this caffeine-positive message means business. The handmade sign adds humour to the home office – and it makes a good gift, too, in a pinch. Desk Plaque by SpeakeDesigns, Etsy, $30.

Bed Bath & Beyond

3 / 10

An Awesome Lamp

Illuminate your desk life with something joyful – and useful. This summery fresh teal lamp has a built-in USB port on its base. The adjustable gold-and-teal lamp is available in a range of colours, including a sharp black. Marmalade LED Desk Lamp with USB Port, Bed Bath & Beyond, $60-$65.

Amazon

4 / 10

A Fabric Catchall

This stylish desk accessory is a keener: it holds essentials in the pouch – from pens to Pocky Chocolate Straws (we’re not judging) – and has a spot to keep your phone amped up. The bonus? It charges your devices faster than the standard wireless charger. Lecone Fast Wireless Charger, Amazon, $70.

Wooden Scandinavian-inspired headphone stand

Etsy

5 / 10

A Headphone Rest

When your headphones are the size of whoopie pies, they require a special perch – like this minimalist Scandinavian-style form that looks just as elegant bare. Check out the vendor’s matching computer stand, too. Wooden Headphones Stand by ValiaiDesign, Etsy, $49.

Hay

6 / 10

A Batch of Danish Must-Haves

Whether in grey, yellow or mint green (shown), this trio of desk accessories by the Danish brand Hay are quietly stylish. Michael Sodeau’s Anything collection of office essentials includes a stapler, scissors in a stand and a tape dispenser. Google away for where to purchase, or hit up Easy Tiger for the sleek scissors. Anything Scissors, Easy Tiger, $30

Concrete and terrazzo trays for desk storage

Pretti.Cool

7 / 10

A Dish for Doodads

Need a spiffy spot for sticky notes and paper clips? Choose one of these divided oval dishes to beautify the desk. Fashioned from concrete and recycled glass with a cork base, we’re crushing hard on the finishes – the marigold terrazzo is hot! It pairs nicely with Pretti.Cool’s pencil tray, too. Pretti.Cool Sticki Note Holder, 313 Design Market, $42.

Izebele

8 / 10

A Tonga Basket

Swap out that ugly plastic tray with an African bowl. Woven by the baTonga people of Zambia and Zimbabwe, this earthy piece is a lovely addition for the desk. It’s great for holding papers and sundry items, or you can hang it on the wall for an inspiring WFH view. Tonga Basket, Izebele, $45.

Marshalls

9 / 10

The Ultimate Vlogging Accessory

Tuck the phone into the holder, dust your face with powder and start talking into the microphone: you’re a star now – or at least a work-from-home vlogger. This getup will help on your journey to internet stardom. Vlogger Kit with Ring Light and Phone Holder, available at HomeSense (or Marshalls), $25.