An office can be a ideal setting for major plot points to occur in your novel. If you’re wondering how to describe an office in writing and need some inspiration, this post will help you.
1. Claustrophobic
Definition
Cramped, restricted; creating a feeling of being closed in or having no space to move.
Examples
“Her claustrophobic office left no room for anything more than a desk and a single chair.”
“The office was so claustrophobic that he had to step outside every hour to catch his breath.”
How it Adds Description
The word “claustrophobic” paints a picture of an extremely small, enclosed space. It suggests a lack of comfort or freedom, which could reflect a character’s feeling of being trapped or stifled in their work. Their desire to escape this claustrophobic office could drive their actions, leading to conflict or change in the story.
2. Dilapidated
Definition
Run-down, in disrepair; a state of deterioration or decay.
Examples
“The wallpaper was peeling, and the ceiling tiles were stained with water damage in the dilapidated office.”
“The company was not achieving any success if the state of the dilapidated office where we met with their owner was any indication of its solvency.”
How it Adds Description
Describing an office as “dilapidated” sets a tone of neglect or decay, perhaps reflecting a struggling business or careless management. This could provide insight into a character’s work conditions, stirring empathy in the reader, and fueling a character’s motivation to improve their situation, which might influence the plot progression.
3. Pristine
Definition
Immaculate, spotless; free from dirt or grime or in an original or unspoiled condition.
Examples
“Her pristine office was always impeccably clean, without a single paper out of place.”
“The boss’s office was pristine, reflecting the exacting standards he held his employees to.”
How it Adds Description
A “pristine” office suggests a level of perfectionism, discipline, and prestige. It gives an impression of a meticulous or high-status character, which could provide a contrast to other characters or settings. The character’s struggle to maintain this pristine environment or the consequences of disrupting it could add tension to the story.
4. Chaotic
Definition
Disorderly, messy; in a state of complete confusion and lack of order.
Examples
“With paperwork piled high on the desk, the chaotic office was a testament to his disorganized approach to work.”
“The incredibly chaotic office was a visual representation of her overwhelmed mind.”
How it Adds Description
A “chaotic” office conveys a feeling of disorder or stress. It could reflect a character’s mental state or their approach to work, suggesting they may be overwhelmed or lack structure. This chaos might be a source of conflict in the story, either internally for the character or externally with other characters who interact with this environment.
5. Modern
Definition
Contemporary, state-of-the-art; characteristic of the present time.
Examples
“With its glass walls and high-tech equipment, the modern office was a showcase of the latest design trends.”
“Every desk in the modern office was equipped with a touchscreen computer and wireless charging pads.”
How it Adds Description
The word “modern” suggests that the environment is sleek, technologically advanced, and perhaps imbued with a sense of efficiency and innovation. Such an office could imply a forward-thinking company or an organization that embraces innovative practices. This can drive the narrative forward with themes such as progress, change, and adaptation.
6. Spartan
Definition
Austere, plain; marked by simplicity, avoidance of luxury, and often strict self-discipline or self-denial.
Examples
“The spartan office contained only the essentials – a desk, a chair, and a lone lamp.”
“Despite his high salary, he chose a spartan office setup, devoid of any decorations or comforts.”
How it Adds Description
A “spartan” office suggests a character who values functionality over comfort, indicating self-discipline, austerity, or a focus on work without distractions. This could add to a character’s personality and hint at their values or lifestyle, influencing their actions and interactions throughout the story.
7. Opaque
Definition
Nontransparent, obscure; not able to be seen through.
Examples
“The opaque office windows kept the inside hidden from the world, adding an air of mystery.”
“His office was opaque in more ways than one, shrouded in secrecy and complex business dealings.”
How it Adds Description
The word “opaque” illustrates that the windows or partitions within the space are either tinted, frosted, or obstructed in some way, preventing clear visibility from the outside. This detail conveys a sense of privacy, seclusion, and even mystery. It piques the reader’s curiosity, prompting them to wonder what might be happening behind those obscured windows or walls.
8. Harmonious
Definition
Balanced, in tune; forming a pleasing or consistent whole.
Examples
“The harmonious office boasted a calming balance of colors, textures, and sounds.”
“Every element, including the employees who inhabited it, seemed to complement each other perfectly in the harmonious office.”
How it Adds Description
Using “harmonious” to describe an office implies a peaceful and cooperative atmosphere where individuals work together in balance and unity. This positive portrayal of the office not only helps to establish a pleasant backdrop for the story but also sets the stage for potential conflicts or disruptions that may arise later.
9. Soporific
Definition
Sleep-inducing, dull; tending to cause drowsiness or boredom.
Examples
“The soporific office was a monotonous sea of grey cubicles, where the hum of fluorescent lights could lull anyone to sleep.”
“Despite the hustle of work, the soporific office environment made it hard for him to stay awake.”
How it Adds Description
“Soporific” conveys a sense of dreariness, monotony, and a lack of energy within the workspace. It hints that the atmosphere is devoid of inspiration or excitement, with its repetitive tasks and mundane surroundings, setting the stage for a character who is seeking change and stimulation, becoming increasingly dissatisfied and eager to break free from the stifling environment.
10. Quaint
Definition
Charming, unusual; attractively old-fashioned, or peculiar.
Examples
“The quaint office was filled with vintage furniture, hand-written letters, and an old typewriter.”
“Nestled in an old Victorian house, her quaint office had a charming appeal that clients loved.”
How it Adds Description
The word “quaint” imparts a sense of nostalgia or a departure from the conventional corporate setting. It portrays a distinct atmosphere and captures the reader’s attention, hinting at a unique or unconventional workplace. This may foreshadow potential surprises or deviations from the expected norms within the story.