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I have always found it challenging to design the right feel for an inner office with no windows, thus no natural light. About 47% of office workers say that natural light has a noticeable impact on their wellbeing and general feeling/mood.
However, over the years I have learned how to overcome those obstacles and what works to decorate an office with no windows. This might mean a basement home office setup or an interior office tower, and how to make any windowless room feel bigger. I am going to share my proven strategies with you today.
Why Focus on Decorating an Office with No Windows?
The simple answer is that having proper decoration and design will help your productivity, mood, wellbeing, add energy, and make your space more inviting.
You might also want to check out our guide on making your office feel cozy: How to Make Your Office Cozy: Transform Your Workspace into a Productive Haven
What are the Essential Strategies to Brighten Windowless Office Spaces?
1. Artificial Lighting Office Solutions
Lighting is by far the most powerful tool for brightening your office space, so it’s a no brainer to start here. If your room does get some natural light, consider adding a well placed mirror for the optical illusion of more light.
You’ll want to avoid fluorescent lights because they create a sterile look and feel to your room.
I suggest you have a look at our full lighting guide Home Office Lighting Ideas: Expert Tips & Best Practices, but here is my approach:
Primary Lighting – overhead lights
- LED bulbs with adjustable color temperatures
- Smart lighting that mimics natural daylight
- Dimmable overhead fixtures
- Color-rendering index (CRI) rated lights
I always recommend positioning desk lamps behind monitors for soft, indirect lighting that reduces eye strain and shadows. You don’t want to have a strong light source directly in eyesight or even in your peripheral vision.
Task Lighting
- Adjustable arm desk lamps
- Under-cabinet lighting
- Clip-on lights
- Monitor backlighting
Ambient Lighting
- Wall sconces if you can get them even
- LED strip lighting
- Corner floor lamps
2. Color Selection for Windowless Spaces
Your room’s paint color can help bring light into the room. I recommend neutral colors, even powdery blues, because they tend to have a huge impact by reflecting light better and give a more open feel. By contrast, dark colors in a room that lacks the ability to reflect light and makes your room feel darker. Here are my suggestions for paint color by wall:
Wall Colors
- Pure white gives maximum reflection
- Soft ivory has a warm feel
- Pearl gray is sophisticated
- Light butter boosts energy
These colors are chosen for their ability to reflect light and enhance the perception of space in a windowless office.
Accent Colors
- Pale blues
- Soft greens to give you a connection to nature
- Light corals
- Gentle yellows gives more brightness
I’ve found that using lighter colors on the upper walls and slightly darker shades below creates a cool depth without making your space feel closed in.
Small Office Decor Solutions
1. Space-Maximizing Techniques
For compact windowless offices these options will give you more space :
- Glass or acrylic furniture will reduce the visual “weight” of your furniture, particularly a big desk relative to the space
- Wall-mounted desks with built-in storage are great space savings pieces
- Multi-functional furniture pieces to get the most out of each piece and minimize furniture footprints
- Vertical space storage solutions so you can hold the same amount of office supplies or whatever you need
Always consider your room’s square footage when looking for furniture and decor. I strongly recommend that you map out your furniture’s footprint with painters tape ahead of time.
Mirror Placement Strategies to Reflect Light
Mirrors can transform your space – here are my suggestions:
- Position opposite light sources
- Create faux windows with framed mirrors
- Use mirror panels for depth
- Add mirrored cabinet fronts
Basement Office Ideas
1. Moisture and Air Quality Solutions
For a basement offices space, from my experience I suggest:
- Dehumidifiers
- Air purifiers and/or essential oil diffusers for freshness
- Proper ventilation systems
- Moisture-resistant materials since basements tend to be damp
2. Creative Faux Windows
You can transform blank walls with:
- Backlit scenic panels
- Window-frame art installations
- LED “skylight” fixtures
- Mirror arrangements with curtains
Best Low-Light Plants for Windowless Spaces
For a windowless office, I find it even more important to have many plants (make sure they are live plants). They help tremendously with air quality and give you a more grounded feel (not like being in a dungeon!). My full guide is 10 Best Low Maintenance Plants for your Home & Office, but my curated list is:
- Snake Plant
- ZZ Plant
- Pothos
- Chinese Evergreens
It’s a good idea to keep a spray bottle in your office for regular misting because windowless offices that aren’t in a basement can be quite dry.
Interior Office Design Elements
1. Furniture Selection
Choose pieces that enhance brightness and has a minimalist look:
- Light-colored or glass desks
- Mesh-back chairs for airiness
- Low-profile storage units
- Multi-functional pieces
2. Wall Decor
Add some of your personality with:
- Bright wall art prints
- Floating shelves with LED strips
- Removable wallpaper in light patterns
- Textured wall panels
Here we are looking for intrigue and brightness.
Professional Organization for Windowless Spaces
1. Smart Storage:
- Clear containers
- Light-colored organizers
- Built-in cabinet lighting
- Glass-front cabinets
2. Desk Organization:
- Light-colored desk accessories
- Clear or metallic organizers
- Built-in LED task lighting
- Cable management solutions
Budget-Friendly Implementation
1. DIY Solutions
Save money with:
- DIY faux windows
- Painted furniture makeovers
- Custom lighting installations
- Handmade wall art
2. Strategic Investments
Prioritize spending on:
- Quality LED lighting
- Effective storage solutions
- Comfortable seating
- Air quality improvement
Pick some quality LED lighting and effective/efficient storage solutions will make a huge difference in the overall feel and functionality of your office.
Conclusion
We hope this gave you a lot of windowless office decorating ideas and have shown you that you can have a windowless office with a calming atmosphere. You can create the illusion of nature by adding live plants, strategically placed mirrors on your walls, and colors that naturally brighten the room.
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