Cubicle Decorating Mistakes

Cubicle decorating mistakes can negatively impact your career. Workers who spend eight or more hours boxed into a cube may want to make their caged environment more cheerful and comfortable, but they should stay away from these cubicle decorating mistakes.

Photos of friends, family and pets can help brighten the mood in a cube and remind workers that they do have a life outside their job. However, it is important to not paper all the walls of a cubicle with pictures. Some offices even have a rule as to the number of photos that employees can display.

Having a personalized coffee mug on your desk probably won't raise any red flags with your boss. However, showcasing your entire collection of stuffed animals is unprofessional and a little creepy. Limit the number of personal items on your desk. Three or less is often a good number. While you may want your personality to shine through, excessive personal items can be distracting to colleagues.

Some kind colleagues still participate in the universal office candy dish. This can be a great way to take a break and gain a few extra pounds while chatting with whomever stops by to procure a sugary snack. However, open food containers can attract bugs and even rodents. If you still want to put a candy dish in your cubicle, fill it with wrapped goodies.

If you're looking for an acceptable way to brighten up your workspace, consider purchasing a colorful calendar featuring nature photos or exotic places you'd like to visit one day. Stay away from calendars featuring swimsuit models or bare-chested firemen though, you don't want to be at the center of a sexual harassment lawsuit.

Purchasing colorful pen cups or desk organizers can also add a bit of cheer to your workspace. After all, those pens have to go somewhere.