Expensive-looking offices have proved to be more influential to both clients and employees. So, investing in luxury office decor is well worth the money, as it enhances the perception of your business.
An old-fashioned, cluttered office environment reflects poorly on your business. Such an atmosphere can be a dealbreaker for many meticulous clients.
High-end office design, on the other hand, creates a lasting impression.
Not only does a luxurious office communicate trustworthiness and professionalism to your clients, but it also fosters a welcoming, sophisticated office space for your employees (or for you, if you’re working from a home office), leading to 41% reduced absenteeism and 17% higher productivity when positive design is prioritized.
It creates an environment where people will love to work, rather than feel forced to. Constructive Space study found strategic design can boost productivity by 20%
If you’re aiming to make your office look expensive without breaking the bank, we’ve gathered some budget-friendly decorating ideas that will make your workspace feel elegant and modern.
In fact, we went through an extensive renovation of my office to achieve a luxurious look. Some notable changes included updating the color palette and installing statement lighting to elevate the ambiance.
For reference, we’ve included some examples of my office makeover, such as the colors from our brand guide and the lighting fixtures that really enhanced the space.
Before you begin, it’s important to consider your office type, business goals, values, brand colors, and overall aesthetic to ensure that the decor aligns with your company’s identity.
Your office should be a true reflection of your business goals and values, creating a professional office design that is both visually appealing and functionally supportive of your company’s success.
Now, let’s start with 12 office decoration ideas to make your office look luxurious. These are equally great for men’s and women’s offices.
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Hang artwork:
Artworks are a symbol of luxury and sophistication, as not everyone can easily afford them. Adding art pieces to your office not only elevates the decor but also creates a lavish yet stylish atmosphere that gives off pleasant vibes.
Incorporating paintings that align with your personal interests can add a thoughtful touch to your office.
For instance, if you’re a fan of realism, investing in realistic artwork can enhance your office’s appeal, and it also reflects your tastes and personality.
The artwork you choose will represent your personality, interests, and vision, and in turn, can align with and influence your business goals. As noted by Angela Cameron, one-of-a-kind original artwork is increasingly prized for adding authenticity and character to office interiors.
On the other hand, surrealism can boost creativity and act as an engaging conversation starter with clients; studies indicate that dynamic, abstract or thought-provoking art can stimulate divergent thinking and imaginative idea generation among employees.
Apart from that, you can go for monochromatic (black and white) pieces for a classy office aesthetic or prefer vibrant artwork for a more dynamic look; both styles can add to the luxurious office decor. Other options are large-scale abstract or mixed-media pieces, minimal monochromatic art, and nature-inspired prints all powerful ways to make a refined yet bold statement.
Collaborating with your local art community is another excellent way to make your office look expensive without overspending.
Incorporate plants:
Plants are a precious thing to purchase. They tend to create an inviting environment primarily because studies have shown that green color radiates a sense of reassurance. Infact, integrating plants into office spaces can boost productivity by up to 15%, thanks to deeper connections to nature that foster well-being and focus.
Here are some of the best plants to make your office look expensive.
According to experts, all of these are safe for humans and pets.
- Lucky Bamboo Spiral
- Cast Iron Plant
- Spider Plant
- cactus
Expert tip: An analysis of the top indoor plants by Architectural Digest recommends spider plants, snake plants (Sansevieria), ZZ plants, and peace lilies as elegant, low-maintenance choices that both elevate decor and purify air.
However, if you can’t afford fresh plants, try purchasing synthetic ones.
Stylistically, faux greenery such as silk or high-resolution artificial leaves can offer the same lush visual appeal without the upkeep. In well-lit spaces or design-forward offices, faux ficus or olive trees in gold or pastel pots can read just as luxe.
Add unique furniture to make your office look expensive:
Furniture is either a dealmaker or a dealbreaker if you want to glorify your office style. To make the office look exotic, you need to add unique furniture. These are the furniture upgrading measures you can take:
- Forget the uni-colored, dull chairs and replace them with animal-printed chairs (you can go in contrast with office color palettes).
- Replace the boring standard rectangular bookshelves with geometric or ladder-themed shelves.
- Buy upholsters with rare textures and prints to add color to the look.
- Desks are the centerpiece and attract attention the most. So you can purchase large high-quality desks that will make the whole office look ethereal. Scandinavian-style desks with pale wood and clean lines are trending in modern offices for their understated elegance. Additionally, hexagon-shaped desks are also at the top of the list of stylish alternatives to orthodox office furniture.
- Additionally, if you’re WFH (working from home), invest in a sizeable, high-quality desk. Not only will it look luxurious, but it will also accommodate a lot of clutter.
- Also, make sure your desk orientation is aligned with your preference. It will increase productivity.
- For home offices, place desks to face the door to get a better view of who enters or leaves your office. However, if you like to get the most out of natural lights and fresh air, you can place the desk along the window.
But most people find it distracting to put the desk against the wall. Basically, there is no thumb rule of desk orientation. Do what your heart says.
For Brick-and-mortar businesses, you should invest a lot in reception furniture since it’s the first thing people notice when they enter.
And a well-set reception area can radiate an inviting effect on your customers.
Buy expensive office couches:
Office couches and chairs make a significant difference not only to employees’ comfort and productivity but also to the overall appearance of your office. Just imagine the stark contrast between plastic chairs and luxurious office couches—which one would elevate the look of your office?
The answer is clear: couches.
So, it’s best to invest in high-quality, durable office furniture that not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your workspace but also contributes to creating a more comfortable and professional office environment.
Install luxurious lighting:
Some people resist changing the standard office lighting because, for some reason, they don’t feel that important. But luxurious lighting is the most budget-friendly option to make the office look expensive.
You can replace your old ceiling lights with chandeliers and install pendants. Add floor lamps and LED light strips.
Lighting transforms perception. Designers recommend layering ambient, task, and accent lighting fixtures for a rich, inviting environment that communicates luxury. Some recommended options include the Sputnik Chandelier, Globe Chandelier, Recessed Lighting, and Exposed Bulb Fixtures, all of which add elegance while enhancing functionality.
In fact, lighting doesn’t just affect aesthetics; it directly impacts employees’ mental health and performance. The type and amount of lighting in your office can dramatically alter how people feel and work. Daylight is especially powerful. Research shows that workers with access to natural light and outdoor views are 18% more productive.
According to workers, having access to natural light improves:
- General well-being (78%)
- Job satisfaction (73%)
- Productivity (70%)
- Organizational commitment (54%)
Lightning is often overlooked, but it can transform the whole outlook of the workplace in no time.
Don’t forget to add smart dimmer switches; they let you control the brightness of your lamps and bulbs.
Use a customized color scheme:
The beige and gray mundane office colors have gone outdated. Introduce a new color scheme according to your brand guide, and match accessories and furniture with it.
Warm neutrals like soft taupe, creamy white, and comforting beiges are being replaced by richer, earthier tones and greens as offices move toward more personalized and human-centered décor in 2025.
It can also be a monochromatic or a vibrant ocean of multiple colors. Just don’t go overboard, as it will kill the luxe look you desire to achieve.
For reference, our office needed a monochromatic (black and white) look, so we went with it.
Use executive chairs:
Invest in expensive executive office chairs to achieve a classy office look. Don’t sit on ordinary chairs, as they do not last long.
High-end chairs like the Herman Miller Embody and Branch Verve provide superior ergonomic support that increases comfort and productivity in addition to their elegant appearance.
Ergonomics researchers consistently emphasize that chairs providing adjustable lumbar support, seat depth, and armrests significantly reduce fatigue and musculoskeletal risk, helping employees maintain focus throughout long work sessions.
It is less likely you will find one at lower prices. So get your shoes on and hunt for executive chairs to make your office look even more expensive.
Change the floorings and wallpaper:
Office flooring can enhance the office’s appearance only if done right. Upgrade the floorings and wallpapers to achieve a more expensive office look.
You can enrich your office with exotic flooring without breaking the bank.
Go for cheap yet expensive-looking flooring options like linoleum, Vinyl sheets, and hardwood floors. These floorings will make your office look expensive without being heavy on the budget.
However, if you want to go bold and don’t have the budget, opt for marble floors or timber flooring; These luxurious floorings will get your clients hooked to your workspace ambiance.
For wallpaper: anything is acceptable as long as they serve the purpose. Yes, you heard that right.
Walls don’t need to be motivational mentors; in fact, such walls do more bad than good.
They occupy the space you could have allotted to a much better purpose, i.e., Amplification of aesthetics. Mind you, for luxurious offices; it’s best to be avoided.
For this purpose, devote a wall for accent walls; for instance, add geometric shapes, paint murals, add shelves, etc. Accent walls can make even your old office look modern.
Use glass chair mats:
No matter how expensive the floorings or carpets you buy. Consistent strolling of chairs will create scratches and ruin the look. Chair mats are a superb way to protect carpets and floors from the chair’s footprint and scratches.
Glass chair mats are the best among all the chair mats (i.e., Plastic and Vinyl Chair mats). They don’t break easily and give a luxe detail to your office.
Glass chair mats, especially those made from tempered glass are incredibly durable, resistant to warping or scratching, and retain their clarity even after years of use. Unlike plastic mats that crack, yellow, or curl over time, tempered glass mats deliver long-term, premium protection and elevate the desk area with sleek, transparent style.
Experts also highlight their ergonomic benefits: the smooth surface allows chairs to glide effortlessly, reducing strain on your legs and back, making them ideal for high-use workstations.
On carpeted floors, glass mats outperform plastics by evenly distributing weight and preserving carpet fibers, an essential detail in maintaining both elegance and integrity in your office.
Buy high-quality business machines:
Using high-quality machines—whether computers, laptops, or printers—can elevate the entire look of your office.
Beyond their functionality, these devices can enhance the aesthetics of your workspace, making it appear more luxurious and professional. Among them, Apple products, like the iMac, are considered the best for creating a high-end, sophisticated environment.
Why choose these premium machines?
- Aesthetic appeal: Sleek and modern, devices like the iMac add a polished, high-class look to any office. Their stylish design naturally impresses clients and adds to the overall atmosphere of success and professionalism.
- Long-term durability: These machines are not just beautiful; they’re also built to last. Investing in high-quality equipment upfront means you’ll save money in the long run, as their durability reduces the need for frequent replacements.
- Status symbol: Apple products, in particular, carry an air of prestige. Owning these machines sends a message that your business values quality and excellence.
Thus, investing in premium machines not only saves you money in the long run but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of your office, giving it an expensive, branded look.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, achieving an expensive-looking office is easier than you might think. Simple changes, such as updating your lighting, adding elegant accessories, or repainting the walls, can make a significant difference. You don’t need to own a high-end building to create a sophisticated environment; focus on making the best choices that suit your budget.