Having an office with no windows might be a drag but there’s plenty you can do to make it a more bright and inviting space to work in.
Once you’ve set up your space with a sturdy desk and comfortable office chair, then it’s time to tackle the rest of your space. With a few simple tips and tricks you can create a productive environment, even without natural light.
Let’s get started on making your windowless office somewhere you actually want to work.
Our top ideas to improve an office with no windows
Opt for a light colour scheme
As you’re relying on artificial light for your workspace, you’ll need to give your lighting all the help it can get. The lighter your surfaces, the more the light will bounce and reflect throughout the space.
That’s not to say that all small spaces need to be neutrally decorated. In a small office with windows, you could create an atmospheric dark office without it feeling gloomy, as the natural light gives relief and balance. However, without windows, your hands are tied.
This doesn’t mean your office has to be devoid of any personality. It just means keeping the walls as light in colour as possible if you don’t want it to feel like a cave.
What are the best colours for a windowless office?
- Nature colours – draw from the soothing colours reflected in nature like soft sage greens and light sky blues.
- Pastel colours – add some joy into your space with a light pastel pink, yellow or pistachio green.
- Neutral colours – Neutral shades don’t have to just mean white, instead opt for a pale greige, warm taupe or soft creams.
Add character with a pop of more bright colours on skirting boards, with artwork and decorative accessories like a colourful rug, or with a stylish office chair.
Install a faux window
No windows? Create the illusion of one! A faux window can bring the feeling of natural light and space to even the most enclosed office. Consider fitting LED light panels that look like real windows – they can give a similar effect to real windows and change how your space feels. Here’s a basic ‘how-to’ for the DIY:
- Use LED panels that mimic natural daylight.
- Frame them with decorative moulding for authenticity.
- Opt for smart controls to adjust brightness throughout the day.
- Position them exactly where you might expect a real window.
- Fit multiple panels if space allows to create an even more open feeling, like there are multiple windows in a row.
The key is choosing quality panels and fitting them thoughtfully – when done well, you might even forget they’re not real windows! The full details of how to execute this fake window hack is explained in the video below.
Use art to improve your space
If you like the idea of using your wall space to create the illusion of a window, here’s another way to achieve that in a more simple, less DIY-intensive way.
Nature scenes are a simple way to give the illusion of an outside view. A cottage garden, ocean view or safari scene are all lovely options. Opt for a simple print in a frame or amplify the effect with a large wall hanging or mural.
Consider your lighting choice
Good lighting is crucial in a windowless office – it can make or break your workspace. Rather than relying on a single overhead light, layer your lighting to create a more natural, welcoming atmosphere.
Go for LED panels or bulbs that mimic natural daylight as well as additional task lighting at your desk for extra visibility on focused work. Ambient lighting like floor lamps or table lamps positioned at different heights can add more depth to the lighting setup.
Wondering what colour light to choose? We’d always advise choosing warm white rather than stark cold white fluorescent lighting.
Install a mirror
This is a classic tip for when you’re trying to make a space look larger. However, in this case, the benefit is that the mirror bounces and reflects the light in the room back around, helping to make the most of your light sources.
It’s a super simple but effective way of brightening your space. Just don’t go too far and install mirrors all around the room, as this will have a disorienting effect.
Consider your furniture choices carefully
Where possible avoid bulk to avoid it dominating the space. For seating, an ergonomic mesh-back chair creates less visual bulk, and remember to leave breathing room between pieces.
Use storage to your advantage as well – floating shelves and units draw the eye upward while keeping floor space free.
Need more small office storage ideas? We’ve put together a handy guide on that too, just in case your windowless office is also on the snug side.
Add a dehumidifier
Now this one might seem a little rogue, but there’s logic to it. What can happen over time in any room where there’s reduced ventilation because there’s a window to open? Damp.
Reduce any chance of damp, mildew and mould taking hold of an office with no windows by purchasing a dehumidifier. Run it regularly and empty out any water extracted from the air in the room from the machine.
Enhance your space with aromatherapy
In an office with no windows, where fresh air circulation might be limited, aromatherapy can make your workspace into a more inviting environment. The right scents can help create the illusion of freshness that you’d typically get from opening a window.
Essential oil diffusers, room sprays and scented candles are all good options for introducing some reinvigorating scents into your space.
What are the best scents for productivity?
These are some of the most popular essential oil scents and their unique properties for refreshing your office:
- Rosemary and peppermint for focus and mental clarity.
- Lemon and orange citrus oils for energy and alertness.
- Lavender for stress relief during intense work periods.
- Eucalyptus to create a fresh, clean atmosphere.
Tip: Since air circulation can be limited in an office with no window, avoid overpowering fragrances. Start with a small amount and increase based on your office size and consider using a timer on a diffuser to prevent fragrance fatigue.
Where should you position your desk in an office without windows?
Without the anchor of a window to provide light, it can be tricky to know where to place your desk. Here’s what we’d suggest:
- Face the door if possible – this puts you in the ‘power position’, a key tenet of good feng shui desk placement.
- Consider a diagonal corner position to maximise your view of the room.
- If space allows, pull the desk away from the walls to create a more open feel.
- Position yourself near plug sockets to avoid messy wires trailing your office floor.
The best plants for an office with no windows
Adding in plants to the environment can be another great idea for assisting in cleansing the air quality.
Wondering whether plants will survive in an office with no windows? You might be surprised. If you’re keen to reap the benefits of office greenery – we’d suggest choosing plants that thrive in low-light conditions such as:
- Peace lily (Spathiphyllum).
- Spider plant (Chlorophytum).
- Devil’s ivy (Pothos).
- Snake plant (Mother-in-law’s tongue).
- Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema).
Tips to help plants survive an office with no natural light:
- Remember when we were discussing the benefits of adding in a mirror, earlier in this guide? You can add another benefit to the list. If you position them behind plants they’ll reflect the light in the room back onto them – giving your greenery a boost.
- Position plants near artificial light sources.
- Clean leaves monthly to maximise light absorption.
- Don’t overwater – plants use less water in low light.
- Consider adding a grow light for extra support.
Our final tip: choose office furniture with taste
Don’t underestimate the difference quality furniture can make to your working environment. You can make a series of aesthetic changes that lift the look of your office, but if you’re getting uncomfortable throughout the day you still have a big problem.
Browse Slouch’s range of office furniture today for ergonomic designs that keep you comfortable and supported throughout your working day.
Easy to assemble and delivered for free straight to your door. Upgrading your office has never been so simple.
