We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

For the freelancer or worker-from-home, the importance of a designated desk area cannot be understated. It doesn’t necessarily have to be huge or be its own separate room, but having some kind of office space will make you feel more productive and less distracted. The issue, especially with smaller offices, is that it can be hard to keep the desk organized when you’re short on space or need your tabletop to work double duty and be more than just a regular desk.

While you’re busy organizing and decluttering your home, invest in one organizational piece that will really make a difference in your desktop. Actually, you don’t even really need to invest—we’ve tracked down some of our favorite office items that are as practical as they are chic… and they’re all under $50.

2018 Chad Kouri Wall Calendar, Poketo, $28

The first step to being organized: Be sure all your appointments and deadlines are written down somewhere. A notebook or tabletop agenda are great, but they take up more space than this funky wall calendar. Full of abstract prints and punchy hues, it’s ideal for the art-loving organizer.

Tower Deskbar, Yamazaki Home, $30

Sleek, simple, and contemporary, this piece is another great multifunctional organization tool. Use the holes to contain longer items—like rulers or scissors—, prop bulkier items like a stapler on the very top, and use the lower tray to hold writing tools.

Circle Wall Grid, Urban Outfitters, $29

Low on desk space? Utilize your walls. This minimalist, gold-painted wall grid will keep everything from mementos to important reminders easy to see and contained.

Avett Storage Bin, Anthropologie, $36-$42

We love these bins in particular because they don’t look like traditional desk storage—and they’re not. Of course, you can use them to hold desk essentials, but they’re also versatile enough for just about any other area of the home.

Letter Tray, Ferm Living, $48.99

If you deal with a lot of paperwork, you need a letter tray; this wooden option with a blush pink interior is more stylish than a wire filing option. Pick up a few manila folders for cheap, label them into categories, and keep your papers easily stored for quick access.

Cody Desktop Organizer, Most Modest, $39

A combined pencil cup and wooden tray keeps the smallest of office essentials tidy. There are five color options available (we also love the Terra Cotta shade) but this pretty subdued blue-gray is minimalist perfection.

Codify Pencil Holder, Anthropologie, $48

With designated space for everything from pens to paper clips, this catch-all is 10 times more efficient than having several smaller trays lying around. The brass finish instantly elevates the look of your desktop, too.

Stacking Boxes (set of 3), CB2, $29.95

If you’re one of those people who can never remember exactly where they stored something (guilty), opt for clear, acrylic storage options. These CB2 boxes take up minimal space and will keep everything neatly hidden in plain sight.

Wooden Desk Organizer, Target, $24.99

If you only have space for one bigger desktop piece, make it this one from Target. With six different compartments for literally every office supply you own, it’s hard to believe this piece is under $25. The simple natural wood finish is classic, but you can easily paint it to customize it.

Hansa Hanging Letter Holder, Anthropologie, $42

Another efficient storage solution making excellent use of wall space, this hanging letter holder is great for so much more than just letters. However, one reviewer assures that it also won’t take up too much space on your desk, should you want to keep it firmly planted on a surface.

See more organization stories:

Organizing 101: How to Finally Declutter Your Home How to Organize a Pantry, If You Don’t Have One 9 Cool Container Store Finds Made for Organizing Tiny Laundry Rooms

Learn to love your inbox again—sign up for Domino’s daily email.