If your company allows it, there are some great ways to personalize your office.

You don’t want it to end up looking tacky, but having a few personal touches here and there let you feel more comfortable in your office. Since most people spend a large portion of their lives at work, it is essential that you feel at ease. Following are four ways you can keep comfortable in your office, without going too far.

1. Decorations

There are some types of decorations that are great to have, and others that go a little too far. It’s great to have a few birthday decorations, for example. These are a great way to let other’s know you are thinking about them as well. You may not feel appropriate decorating your own desk with Happy Birthday stuff, but you can have fun with a coworker’s desk on their birthday. You may also want to consider holiday decorations, but make sure that you talk to HR before you put any of these up.

Since there are so many holidays, and a majority of them are religious in nature, you will want to make sure that there are not any policies against holiday decorations.

2. Pictures

Having a few pictures of your family, pets or friends is a great way to personalize your office. When you are picking out pictures or putting together picture frames, make sure that you do consider the fact that you are in a professional environment. The picture of your bachelorette party may not be the best option; a family picture with the kids would be much better served for this purpose.

3. Plants

Many people today like to have a small plant at their desk. Depending on the size of your desk and the size of the plant, this could be a great idea. You want to make sure that it is something that can go a few days without water; you don’t want it to die when you take a vacation! Having a cactus, a bamboo shoot or something similar can help brighten up your work space.

4. Organize

Organize your office the way that works best for you. Find a place for everything, but keep the things that you use on a regular basis in a quick-to-grab spot. This will help you be more efficient, but it will also give a bit of a personal touch to everything. If you are always scrambling to find the pens that you need, you will never feel comfortable in your own office.

Having your personal touch in your work space can keep you working better. When you are comfortable with where you are, you are much less likely to get off task. Having these personal items and touches can keep you happier in the work place, as well. Make sure that you find out the rules for personalization in your company before you take on a huge project of personalization.

What ways do you keep your office personal?