How to Creatively Decorate a Metal Desk

Give your metal desk a fresh coat of paint in any color you choose. Clean the desk and remove any rust, then apply a primer or sealant to help the metal absorb the new color and prevent rust. Remove any hardware or put masking tape over the parts you don't want to paint. Use a spray paint designed for metal for the best results. Make a large stencil to paint a design, such as circles, squares, polka dots, stripes, waves, damask or a floral pattern, on the desk.

Add wood laminate to the top of the desk if you prefer the look of wood. Alternatively, combine a few different materials by adding a thin border of wood cut to fit and a glass top. Design your own desk top with peel-and-stick tiles or create a mosaic using glue and shards of sea glass or mosaic tiles. Add a plexiglass top for a smooth working surface.

Replace the hardware with elegant glass pulls for a sophisticated look or novelty knobs that complement your decor, such as heart and star shapes for a young girl's bedroom.

Create a collage of pictures under a plexiglass surface if surrounding yourself with pictures helps you concentrate or keeps you motivated to work. Decoupage the pictures onto the desk if you want a permanent result or stick photo magnets on the desk if you enjoy rearranging the pictures and want easier access. Alternatively, use goal sheets, to-do lists, a calendar, inspirational pictures or poems under the plexiglass or novelty magnets.

Accessorize your metal desk with other metal items, such as mesh baskets, trays, pen holders and digital picture frames. Alternatively, add color or texture by using wicker baskets, vases as pen holders, plants, water fountains or decorate shoe boxes with paint or contact paper. Colorful desk accessories, such as staplers or pen holders, can add personality and visual interest to an otherwise boring work station.