How to Make a Windowless Home Office Less Depressing

Having a windowless home office can feel a bit like working from a submarine. But with some clever tweaks, you can turn that dim den into a bright, energising workspace.

Here’s how to do it.

1. Optimise artificial lighting

a. Layer up your lighting

Ambient lighting: Start with overhead lighting to provide general illumination. Consider LED panel lights for a diffuse, even illumination.
Task lighting: Desk lamps or adjustable wall lights are crucial for focused tasks. They reduce eye strain and add style to your space.
Accent lighting: Use floor lamps or wall sconces to add depth and dimension to the room.

A white desk setup with artificial lighting — Photo: Meteor’s white desk setup in Japan

b. Choose the right bulbs

Brightness: Opt for bulbs with higher lumens for brighter light.
Colour temperature: Select bulbs with a colour temperature close to natural daylight (5000K-6500K). This mimics the feel of natural sunlight and helps maintain your circadian rhythm.

2. Add mirrors and reflective surfaces

Place mirrors strategically to reflect artificial light, giving the illusion of more space and brightness. A large mirror on one wall or smaller mirrored accents can effectively double the light in a room.
Use glossy or reflective surfaces for furniture and décor. Items like glass-top desks or metallic frames help bounce light around the space.

3. Colour it bright

Paint walls in light, neutral colours. Whites, light greys, and pastels reflect more light than darker colours, making the room feel airy and open.
Consider a satin or semi-gloss paint finish, as they reflect light better than matte finishes.

Photos: Kei Yoshikawa’s chic pink desk setup in the Philippines

4. Use décor that does more

Opt for light-coloured furniture and décor to enhance the brightness of the room.
Add vibrant art pieces or wall hangings that incorporate light colors to create focal points and add visual interest.

5. Go green

Some plants thrive in low-light conditions. Adding greenery can boost your mood and improve air quality. Here are 18 unkillable plants for a windowless home office.
Use artificial plants if maintenance is a concern. They add a refreshing touch without the need for sunlight. Check out these three real workspaces with fake greenery.

A neon pink home workspace with artificial plants — Photo: Gavin Strange’s neon pink den in the UK

6. Make tech work for you

Smart home devices help regulate light levels throughout the day. Automated LED lights can adjust brightness and colour temperature based on the time, mimicking natural light patterns.
Consider a light therapy lamp or a SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) lamp, especially during short winter days.

7. Declutter like a boss

Keep your space clutter-free. Excess items can absorb light and make the room feel smaller and darker. Find out how to declutter your home office.
Use open shelving and under-desk storage to maximise space and light flow. Learn 10 creative ways to hide mess in a workspace.

So, there you have it. Turning your windowless workspace into a bright and happy spot isn’t rocket science.

It’s all about being smart with lights, colours, and décor.

The key is to mimic the effects of natural light as closely as possible and use reflective surfaces to amplify the light you have.

Keep things light, bright, and clutter-free, and you’ll transform your office into a place where you actually want to work.

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