For those gearing up to leave the comforts of home for a long-anticipated return to the office , it all can feel daunting — to say the leas...

How To Make Your Office Desk Feel Like (You’re Still Working From) Home

For those gearing up to leave the comforts of home for a long-anticipated return to the office, it all can feel daunting — to say the least. Many haven't set foot in their shared workspaces for over a year, while others have new jobs with brand-new co-workers they've yet to see in person. But no matter the co-working situation you're in, you can still make your office desk feel like a safe and cozy space.

We've got the goods that will make whatever return-to-office setup you're working with feel more like home. From soft ambient mushroom-shaped lamps to a stuffed couch-potato that helps manage your computer cables, calming art prints, and the comfiest neck pillow, allow this bundle of thoughtful desk accessories and more featured ahead to help you get acclimated.

The pandemic is still ongoing, and our understanding of the best safety practices is continuing to evolve. For the latest recommendations and guidelines, we suggest visiting COVID-related resources provided by your local health department, the WHO, and the CDC, and staying up-to-date about your rights in the workplace. For more news about COVID and how it affects our lives, check out Refinery29's reporting on the pandemic here.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Ambient Desk Lamps


Is there anything cuter to look at while you work than a little mushroom lamp? Get yourself a warm and portable light to calm your first-day nerves...with the added cuteness of a smiling shroom shape as the cherry on top.

Shop Urban Outfitters

Smoko Smoko Food Light, $, available at Urban Outfitters

Weighted Neck Wraps


An ultra-soft, weighted neck wrap with built-in Bluetooth speakers and four aromatherapy pads in a hidden pouch? Yes, please. This is sure to melt your neck tension and anxiety off while you type away on your laptop.

Shop Anthropologie

Pure Enrichment Pure Enrichment Wave Sound Therapy Weighted Neck Wrap, $, available at Anthropologie

Portable Aroma Diffusers


Bring your favorite essential oils, from calming to energizing, almost anywhere — including your long-lost work desk. All you need is a USB port, and you'll be ready for your space to smell just right and your senses to be calmed.

Shop West Elm

Muji Muji Portable Aroma Diffuser, $, available at West Elm

Lumbar Pillows


Say goodbye to office-chair back pain with this lumbar pillow specially designed by physical therapists for all-day-long relief. Expect firm lower, mid, and upper back support to help you keep that ideal posture and reduce muscle pain. Nearly a thousand reviews rave about this game-changing pillow that's perfect for uncomfortable office chairs.

Shop Amazon

Cushion Lab Extra Dense Lumbar Pillow, $, available at Amazon

Mug & Warmer Sets


Although we don't like to think about a time when it's too cold for iced coffee, we all know that it's quickly approaching. Being prepped and ready for that means ensuring our hot beverages stay hot throughout our busy workdays. Plus, there are 13 beautiful colors to choose from.

Shop Nordstrom

Ohom Ui Mug & Warmer Set, $, available at Nordstrom

Stress Balls


These soft silicone stress balls are a perfect permanent fixture on your desk. From fidgeting to plain ol' stress relieving, these ergonomically shaped toys will fit just right in your hands for that satisfying squeeze we crave during a particularly intense typing session.

Shop Speks

speks Blots Silicone Stress Balls, $, available at Speks

Portable Air Purifiers


Now more than ever, it's important that our surroundings are as clean as possible — including our air. This little portable air purifier can be toted with you to your office for up to 12 hours of true HEPA filter power that cleans approximately 99.97% of dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke, and odor particles from the air.

Shop Amazon

Pure Enrichment PureZone Mini Portable Air Purifier, $, available at Amazon

Cute Cable Organizers


Look at this little guy! We're so obsessed with this not-completely-practical-or-useful-but-oh-so-cute desk decoration. Your little friend will be sure to help you by not just holding on to your cables, but listening to your problems, and being overall a very calming presence.

Shop Urban Outfitters

Smoko Smoko Plush Cable Buddy, $, available at Urban Outfitters

Reed Diffusers


Sometimes you want a candle without the flame. Make sure your desk is looking and smelling good with this Anthropologie classic soy reed diffuser. It comes in three fresh-smelling scents: avocado mint, olive leaf lemon, and apricot basil.

Shop Anthropologie

Illume Good Natured Soy Reed Diffuser, $, available at Anthropologie

Mindfulness Cards


Practicing mindfulness in a hectic workday can be extremely difficult when you're used to working from the comfort of your own home. These cards are a great tool to remind us of some coping mechanisms we can do right on our desks to bring down those anxiety levels.

Shop Free People

Chronicle Books Mindfulness Cards, $, available at Free People

Polaroid Frames


Whether you have an actual polaroid or one of those portable printers, physical photos are in. And nothing screams comfort quite like your favorite moments with your friends decorating your desk away from home. Whether it's a cute selfie or a chaotic party moment captured, you'll be sure to smile every time you look at it.

Shop Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters Tabletop Wood Flip Instax Mini Picture Frame, $, available at Urban Outfitters

Dried Flowers


If you're also the type who loves being around plants but can never keep one alive, dried flowers are the perfect alternative to boring-looking fake plants. Get yourself a cute vase and refresh your space.

Shop Anthropologie

Heartfelt by Anthropologie Dried Hydrangea Bouquet, $, available at Anthropologie

Art Prints


It's important to decorate any space you inhabit with art that inspires, calms, and excites you. Having your own little collection of pieces from your favorite artists or from Society6 will make you feel like you're right at home.

Shop Society6

Modern Tropical Tropical Evening Art Print, $, available at Society6

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