33+ Ideas for a Moody & Magical Apothecary Home Office

Love the idea of turning your home office into a moody, magical apothecary? You’re in the right place.

Whether you’re a plant-loving witchy soul or a vintage design buff, the apothecary aesthetic combines earthy tones, mysterious charm, and old-world science vibes. Think dark wooden drawers, bundles of herbs, antique glass bottles and a little touch of alchemy.

This blog post rounds up 33+ inspiring ideas to help you create your very own potion-worthy workspace. Let’s begin with the basics…

What is the apothecary aesthetic?

The apothecary aesthetic is rooted in the old-world charm of 18th and 19th century chemists, herbalists, and healers. It blends natural materials, aged finishes, vintage medical curiosities, and mysterious lighting. You’ll find it somewhere between dark academia and witchy cottagecore—with a practical twist.

Core elements include:

Apothecary drawers and vintage storage
Dark woods and forest tones
Dried herbs and medicinal plants
Glass jars, vials, and tincture bottles
Candles, brass, and curiosities
Leather-bound books and handwritten labels

It’s a style that invites a slower pace, encourages curiosity, and inspires a creative, reflective mindset—perfect for a home office, don’t you think?

SEE ALSO 2025's trending colour schemes for your home office →

33+ ideas to bring the apothecary aesthetic into your home office

1. Apothecary-style drawer unit

A sunlit home office with a vintage dark wood desk and green leather surface. A classic apothecary cabinet with 12 small drawers sits to the side, next to a laptop showing "Calendoo Studios" on screen. A brass desk lamp glows warmly beside potted herbs, books, an open notebook, and a takeaway cup labelled "Cally." Above the desk, bundles of lavender, sage, and eucalyptus hang from a wooden herb rack. Portrait aspect. No text overlay.

Start with the classic: a wooden drawer cabinet with 12, 24 or even 30 little compartments. Use it for stationery, samples, or tiny trinkets.

2. Desk with vintage brass details

A vintage-inspired apothecary home office featuring a dark walnut desk with a worn green leather top and ornate brass drawer handles. A brass desk lamp glows warmly beside a candle, a botanical journal, and a "Cally" mug. A potted rosemary plant sits on the windowsill, and three framed herb illustrations hang above. Portrait aspect, no text overlay.

Choose a desk with brass handles or add your own. Bonus points if it has a slightly worn leather top or dark walnut finish.

3. Glass potion bottles for storage

A warm, lived-in apothecary-inspired home office with a dark wooden desk and green leather top. Five vintage-style glass bottles with cork lids sit along the desk, labelled “Paper Clips,” “Parmigiano Reggiano,” “Petals,” and more. A cream mug with the name “Cally” is filled with coffee beside an open notebook and pen. A lit candle glows warmly near a laptop displaying “Calendoo Studios,” surrounded by potted herbs, stacked leather books, and an apothecary cabinet.

Fill glass apothecary bottles with paperclips, pins, or dried flowers. Add handwritten labels in faded ink.

4. Wall-mounted herb drying rack

A home office with sage green walls and a wooden desk. Above the desk, bundles of dried herbs including lavender and rosemary hang from a rustic wooden rack. The desk features a laptop displaying “Calendoo Studios,” an open journal, a ceramic mug labelled “Cally,” and terracotta herb pots. A brass lamp casts a warm amber glow beside amber bottles and botanical illustrations on the wall.

Install a wooden bar with hooks or string lines to hang bundles of lavender, sage, or eucalyptus above your workspace.

5. Green velvet desk chair

A cosy apothecary-style home office corner with a dark wood desk featuring a green leather top and curved brass handles. In front sits a moss green velvet chair with mid-century style legs. On the desk are labelled apothecary jars filled with paperclips, dried herbs, and petals, along with a "CALLY" mug, lit candle, stacked books, and a small open journal. A window to the right lets in soft daylight, with potted plants completing the earthy, vintage look.

Channel a touch of luxe apothecary with a moss green or olive velvet desk chair—comfortable and stylish.

6. Botanical illustrations on the wall

A softly lit apothecary-style home office with a dark wooden desk and a floating shelf above. The shelf displays a curated collection of vintage-style field guides in muted greens, browns, and tans, flanked by wrought iron brackets. The desk holds a laptop showing “Calendoo Studios,” a ceramic mug labelled “Cally,” an open notebook, and a potted rosemary plant. Two framed botanical prints hang beside the shelf. A moss green velvet chair and sheer curtain complete the look.

Frame old-fashioned herbology or mycology prints to bring science-inspired beauty to your walls.

7. Mortar and pestle on a shelf

A vintage-inspired home office with a dark wood desk and green leather top. Above the desk is a wooden shelf holding a stone mortar and pestle, glass apothecary jars, and a framed botanical print. On the desk are more brown medicine bottles, an open book with botanical notes, a "CALLY" mug, a terracotta rosemary plant, and a moss green velvet chair. Warm natural daylight and beige walls complete the earthy, old-world atmosphere.

Add a traditional stone mortar and pestle—even if it’s decorative. It’s an iconic apothecary symbol.

8. Dark wood bookshelf with vintage jars

A cosy apothecary-style home office featuring a large dark walnut bookshelf filled with amber glass jars, vintage oil bottles, and aged encyclopedias. A vintage wooden desk with a green leather top sits in front, holding a laptop showing “Calendoo Studios,” a lit candle, open notebook, ceramic mug reading “CALLY,” and a potted rosemary plant. A moss green velvet chair adds comfort. Botanical prints hang nearby, and natural daylight filters through soft curtains.

Fill your shelves with brown glass jars, essential oil bottles, and aged encyclopedias.

9. Candlelight ambience

A moody apothecary-style home office with a brass desk lamp featuring a glowing amber Edison bulb. The soft, golden light illuminates a dark wooden desk with a green leather writing surface. On the desk are two stacked leather-bound notebooks, a mug labelled "Cally," a rosemary plant in a terracotta pot, vintage books, and a laptop displaying "CALENDOO STUDIOS." Framed botanical and mushroom prints hang on the sage green wall.

Swap your desk lamp for a candleholder or flameless LED taper candle for moody, old-world glow.

10. Wrought iron shelf brackets

A cosy apothecary-style home office corner with a dark wood desk and a laptop displaying "Calendoo Studios." Above the desk, three wooden wall-mounted shelves are supported by ornate black wrought iron brackets. The shelves hold amber glass jars, old books, and a stone mortar and pestle. Framed botanical prints hang on the beige wall beside the shelves. A ceramic mug labelled "Cally," an open notebook, and a potted rosemary plant rest on the desk, softly lit by daylight from the left.

Use iron or black metal brackets on your wall shelves to reinforce the vintage laboratory vibe.

11. Personal library of field guides

Build a collection of field guides on plants, minerals, and fungi. Stack them or arrange by colour.

12. Specimen jars (faux or real)

A vintage-inspired home office desk styled with six glass specimen jars filled with preserved mushrooms, flowers, and leaves, each sealed with a cork and aged paper label. A laptop displays “Calendoo Studios” beside an open notebook, a sheet of parchment with handwritten notes, a ceramic mug labelled “Cally,” and a potted rosemary plant. The desk features a green leather writing surface, and framed botanical illustrations hang on the sage green wall behind, lit gently by natural light.

Create faux science specimens using preserved flowers, shells or feathers in glass jars with wax-sealed lids.

13. Apothecary desk organiser

A vintage apothecary-style home office setup with a wooden desk and aged green leather top. Atop the desk is a multi-drawer apothecary organiser with aged wood finish, storing pens, scrolls, and small bottles. A laptop displays “Calendoo Studios,” and a cream mug labelled “Cally” sits nearby. A terracotta rosemary plant and framed botanical prints on a sage green wall complete the earthy, lived-in look. Soft daylight filters through beige curtains.

Use a multi-drawer desktop organiser in aged wood or metal to store pens, inks, and notes.

14. Label everything in script

A vintage-inspired home office scene with a wooden apothecary drawer organiser on a desk. Each drawer has a brass label holder, and the glass jars above are filled with preserved flowers and sealed with aged paper script labels. A ceramic mug with “Cally” in elegant script sits beside a laptop showing “Calendoo Studios.” Framed botanical prints hang on the sage green wall above, and potted herbs complete the earthy, well-labelled aesthetic.

Handwrite or print elegant script labels for your drawers and containers. Tea-stain the paper for extra flair.

15. Add a bell jar or cloche

A moody yet cosy home office scene with a vintage wooden desk and green leather writing surface. At the centre of the desk is a glass bell jar (cloche) on a wooden base, displaying a bouquet of dried lavender and herbs. A taper candle glows beside it. Nearby sit a ceramic mug labelled “Cally,” an open notebook with pen, and a laptop showing “Calendoo Studios.” Terracotta potted herbs and framed botanical prints decorate the sage green walls, softly lit by natural daylight.

Display a dried flower, crystal, or candle inside a bell jar. It creates a mini scene within your office.

16. Create a tincture shelf

A moody apothecary-style home office corner featuring a vintage wooden desk with a built-in organiser. On the raised shelf are three glass tincture bottles filled with coloured liquids—amber, green, and violet—each with an aged label reading “Tinct.” A ceramic mug marked “Cally,” an open notebook with a fountain pen, and a potted rosemary plant sit nearby. A sketch of a bespectacled man hangs above on the green wall. The whole scene glows softly with diffused daylight.

Even if you’re not mixing potions, dedicate a shelf to little labelled tincture bottles with coloured water.

17. Faux-leather notebook collection

A cosy apothecary-inspired workspace with a warm wooden desk holding a stacked set of four brown faux-leather notebooks, each tied with long wrap-style leather cords. A rosemary sprig lies atop the journals. In the background is a potted rosemary plant, a brass candleholder, tinted tincture bottles on a wall shelf, and a sepia portrait of an older man in glasses. The room is softly lit with warm daylight, highlighting the earthy textures.

Display a stack of brown or black notebooks with wrap ties or embossed covers. Looks ancient—and elegant.

18. Brass magnifying glass

A warm, vintage-inspired home office with a wooden desk and green leather writing surface. On the desk sits an open botanical journal with hand-drawn illustrations of herbs. A brass-handled magnifying glass and a sprig of rosemary rest on the pages. To the side are a ceramic mug labelled "Cally," a laptop showing "Calendoo Studios," and small apothecary drawers with brown glass bottles. Above, three framed botanical prints decorate the green wall, softly lit by natural daylight.

Add a magnifying glass to your desk for form and function. Choose a vintage-style handle to stay on theme.

19. Desk-side plant with medicinal vibes

A sunlit, vintage-inspired home office featuring a dark wooden desk with a green leather writing surface. On the desk are terracotta pots with rosemary, mint, and thyme, creating a calming herbal atmosphere. An open botanical journal, a brass magnifying glass, a ceramic mug labelled “Cally,” and a laptop screen reading “CALENDOO STUDIOS” complete the apothecary look. A small drawer organiser and framed botanical prints enhance the earthy aesthetic.

Think rosemary, thyme or mint in a terracotta or black pot. Herbs fit beautifully with the apothecary mood.

20. Hanging glass terrariums

A bright apothecary-style home office featuring a wooden desk with a green leather writing surface. Three glass terrariums hang above the desk, each filled with moss, stones, and mini ferns. The desk holds an open botanical journal, a ceramic mug labelled 'Cally,' and a laptop screen reading 'CALENDOO STUDIOS.' Several terracotta and black pots with herbs line the desk and shelves, while framed botanical prints decorate the sage green wall. Sunlight filters through sheer curtains.

Hang glass globes with moss, stones, or mini ferns near your desk for earthy, botanical energy.

21. Oil diffuser disguised as a potion bottle

A warm, apothecary-style home office with a dark wood desk and green leather writing pad. On the desk sits a vintage-style glass bottle oil diffuser with a cork lid, labelled “Chateau,” next to a terracotta rosemary pot and amber glass jar. The space includes a laptop with “CALENDOO STUDIOS” on the screen, an open botanical journal, and a cream mug labelled “Cally.” Hanging terrariums and framed botanical prints decorate the softly lit sage green wall.

Pick an oil diffuser in a vintage-style bottle to keep the room smelling herbal and fresh.

22. Gothic-style clock or hourglass

A moody apothecary-style home office featuring a dark wooden desk with a green leather top. On the desk is a tall, black gothic-style hourglass filled with sand, placed beside a ceramic mug reading "Cally," an open botanical journal, and a laptop displaying "CALENDOO STUDIOS." A terracotta rosemary plant and brown glass apothecary bottles complete the vignette. The dark green wall behind is decorated with framed botanical prints, softly lit by natural daylight.

Choose a moody or steampunk-inspired timepiece that looks like it came straight from an alchemist’s den.

23. Ink pen and wax seal set

A vintage-inspired home office scene with a wooden desk featuring a green leather writing surface. A botanical book lies open beside a black and brass fountain pen, a wax-sealed envelope, and a wax stamp set. A cream mug labelled “Cally,” amber glass bottles, and a laptop reading “CALENDOO STUDIOS” sit nearby. The deep green wall is decorated with framed botanical illustrations, and the whole space is warmly lit by natural light.

Keep a fountain pen and wax stamp kit on display. You’ll feel more powerful just having them nearby.

24. Wooden tray with crystals and curios

A vintage-style home office with a dark wood desk and green leather writing surface. A wooden tray holds polished crystals, dried flower petals, and brass curios, adding a touch of serenity. Nearby are a ceramic mug labelled “Cally,” an open botanical sketchbook, a fountain pen, and a laptop displaying “CALENDOO STUDIOS.” Potted rosemary and herbs surround the workspace, with framed botanical prints on the sage green wall. Soft daylight fills the room.

Arrange a selection of stones, dried petals, and antique trinkets on a wooden tray for desk zen.

25. Wrought iron or aged wood wall hooks

A vintage-inspired home office with sage green walls and natural daylight. Wrought iron wall hooks shaped like scrolls and branches hold a leather satchel and headphones. Below sits a wooden desk with a green leather writing surface, a ceramic mug labelled “Cally,” an open notebook, and a laptop displaying “CALENDOO STUDIOS.” Terracotta pots with herbs and framed botanical prints enhance the apothecary aesthetic.

Use wall hooks shaped like branches, keys, or scrolls to hang headphones, hats, or bags.

26. Glass cabinet of curiosities

A cosy apothecary-style home office with a sage green wall and soft daylight streaming through sheer curtains. A vintage wooden desk with green leather top holds a laptop displaying “CALENDOO STUDIOS,” a ceramic mug labelled “Cally,” an open notebook, and potted herbs. Beside the desk stands a tall glass-fronted cabinet filled with curiosities: feathers in bottles, stacked books, candle stubs, brass trinkets, and mini busts. Botanical prints hang on the wall above.

Fill a glass-fronted cabinet with oddities—think feathers, books, candle stubs, and mini busts.

27. Alchemy chart or periodic table print

A moody apothecary-style home office with sage green walls and warm natural light. A large black and gold alchemical symbol chart hangs above a vintage wooden desk with a green leather writing surface. The desk features an open notebook, laptop displaying “CALENDOO STUDIOS,” a terracotta rosemary plant, a ceramic mug, a brass desk lamp, and a dark glass diffuser bottle. An olive velvet chair completes the look.

Hang a black and gold alchemical symbol chart or old-school chemistry table as wall art.

28. Apothecary label stamps

A vintage-style glass-fronted cabinet filled with apothecary curiosities. Inside are brown glass bottles with custom label stamps reading “Reye,” “Spices,” and botanical symbols. A feather quill, candle stubs, small busts, and old books add charm, while a labelled drawer organiser at the base features words like “Labels,” “Clips,” and “Sealing.” A small rosemary plant in a terracotta pot and a sage green wall complete the warm, earthy setting.

Get a custom rubber stamp or sticker set with vintage apothecary labels to personalise supplies.

29. Use vintage trays for storage

A vintage apothecary-style desk scene focused on a brass tray with curved edges. The tray holds antique-style gold scissors, an inkwell, paperclips, and a small spool of twine. It sits atop a green leather writing pad on a dark wooden desk. In the background are a rosemary plant in a terracotta pot, a cream mug labelled "Cally," vintage books, and the edge of a laptop. Soft natural light filters through a nearby window, creating a warm, moody atmosphere.

Use an aged silver or brass tray for holding office tools like scissors, ink, clips, or sticky notes.

30. Mood lighting with amber glow

Use a lamp with an amber bulb or warm LED Edison-style globe for golden-hour vibes all day.

31. Vintage medical or botanical books as risers

A warm, apothecary-inspired home office setup with a dark wooden desk and green leather writing surface. A stack of vintage brown leather-bound books is used as a riser for a laptop displaying "CALENDOO STUDIOS." A ceramic mug labelled "Cally," a rosemary plant in a terracotta pot, and an open journal with cursive writing sit nearby. A brass lamp with an amber Edison bulb casts a golden glow, while botanical and mushroom prints decorate the sage green wall.

Stack vintage books to raise your monitor or laptop instead of using plastic risers. Stylish and functional.

32. Small cauldron as a pen holder

A vintage-inspired apothecary-style home office with warm amber lighting from a brass lamp with an Edison bulb. A small black cast iron cauldron holds pens on the left side of a dark wooden desk. Beside it sit a “Cally” mug, an open botanical journal with herb illustrations, and a laptop displaying “CALENDOO STUDIOS.” A terracotta potted rosemary plant and framed botanical prints complete the witchy, cosy vibe.

Why not? A mini cast iron cauldron can hold pens or paper clips while adding a magical touch.

33. Add a skeleton or anatomical model

A vintage apothecary-inspired home office with a dark wood desk and green leather writing surface. A wooden anatomical hand model sits on a book beside a ceramic mug labelled “Cally,” a brass magnifying glass, and an open botanical illustration book. A laptop displays “CALENDOO STUDIOS,” while amber glass jars and a terracotta rosemary plant rest in the corner. Framed botanical and skeletal anatomy prints hang on the sage green wall, illuminated by a brass lamp with an amber Edison bulb.

If you’re feeling bold, display a small anatomical model—like a hand, skull or botanical dissection.

Tips for styling your apothecary home office

Stick to a dark, earthy palette: forest green, deep brown, burgundy, amber and black.
Use textures like aged wood, iron, stone, velvet, and leather.
Balance function with beauty—storage can be vintage and gorgeous.
Don’t overcrowd: curating is key. A few special pieces tell a better story than clutter.
Light your space with warm, low lights for a cosy and contemplative atmosphere.

Want more magical workspace inspiration?

Follow me on Pinterest where I post tons of home office ideas with different aesthetics—including apothecary, cottagecore, and whimsigoth.

Or explore my Calendoo Studios Etsy shop for printable calendar and planner designs that look right at home in your vintage-inspired workspace.

Let’s turn your desk into a place of curiosity and charm.