Boost Creativity at Work: The Psychology of Art in the Workplace
Most offices are planned around desks, screens and storage. The walls tend to be an afterthought, which is a shame, because people spend a great deal of time looking at them. A good picture gives a tired mind somewhere to wander for a moment, and that small pause is often when a stuck problem comes loose.
We can't promise that a print will make anyone more productive. What we can say is that a room with something worth looking at feels more considered than one without, and people notice when they are in a space that has been cared for.
Think about how each space is used
Rather than choosing one style for the whole building, match the art to what happens in each area.
Individual desks and quiet zones. People here need to concentrate, so choose pieces that are easy on the eye. Landscapes & Nature and Minimalist work are good companions for a screen-heavy day. They offer a place to rest your eyes without demanding attention.
Meeting and collaboration rooms. These can take something more lively. Abstract pieces are useful here because there is no single right reading of them, and people often end up talking about what they see before the meeting has started.
Breakout areas and kitchens. This is the place for personality. Bold Graphic & Geometric work, or a surprising Surreal & Dreamlike image, suits a space where people are meant to relax and chat.
Corridors and stairwells. A run of matching frames can turn a dull route into a gallery. Keep the frames and spacing consistent and let the images vary.
Be thoughtful with colour
Colour affects how a room feels, though people respond to it differently, so treat any rules of thumb lightly. Cooler blues and greens tend to feel settled and are a safe choice for focused work. Warmer yellows and oranges feel friendlier and suit social spaces. Strong reds are best used in small amounts, as an accent rather than the whole picture. If you want to see a particular colour in the collection, browse the colour pages on the site.
Choose finishes for the setting
Offices are busy places, so practicalities matter. Framed prints suit meeting rooms and reception-style spaces. Stretched canvas is a lighter option for open-plan areas. If a wall sits close to a desk or a passing trolley, choose a size that keeps the artwork clear of knocks.
Show people the space is for them
When a team sees that effort has gone into the walls, it says the business cares about the room they work in. That matters more than any single image. Involve your colleagues if you can: shortlist a few pieces for a wall, put them in front of the team and let them pick. People tend to look after, and enjoy, what they helped choose.
Change things now and then
Art doesn't need to stay put forever. Swapping a piece in a breakout area every so often gives a room a lift and gives people something new to comment on. You can keep a reception or boardroom piece fixed, and refresh the more informal spaces.
A good place to start
Pick one wall that people look at every day, decide what that area is for, and choose a single piece to suit it. Our art for business and commercial spaces collection is a sensible place to begin, and the full gallery is there if you want to browse more widely. If you are dressing several rooms at once, our trade service can help you plan a consistent scheme.