Does desk decor actually affect productivity?

Modestly. Cornell research from 2014 and follow-up studies show that personalising your workspace correlates with higher reported engagement and slightly lower stress. The effects are small (~5-10% on self-report measures) but consistent.

How many objects should I have?

Fewer than feel natural. Most desks accumulate clutter; the best desks have 3-5 carefully chosen objects in their non-functional space and nothing else. Each should have a reason for being there.

Yes, but they're overrated. A single low-maintenance plant is good. Three or four plants becomes a maintenance liability. Real plants beat fake ones for the small but real air-quality and psychological benefits.

What about photos of family?

One framed photo of someone you love is meaningful. A row of family photos starts to look like a shrine and competes with the work. Pick one photo, frame it well, place it where you'll see it during phone calls (it shows on Zoom and reads as personal).

Is it OK to have inspirational quotes?

Discreetly, yes. A small inscribed object (a paperweight, a figurine with a quote on its base) works. A large quote-on-a-poster doesn't survive professional inspection.

Office decor that genuinely improves how you feel about work