WFC (working from cave)
February 2, 2022 2:07 PM Subscribe
I used to work in an office with floor-to-ceiling windows. Now I work from home and my home workspace has very little natural light, which makes me sad. It doesn't seem to matter how many lights and lamps I add, I still feel like I'm working in a cave (just a more well-lit cave, now). How can I fix this, or at least reframe my mindset to be something more positive, maybe even find it cozy?
Here is the space in question, if you're curious. It's actually a gloriously sunny day here (as it often is) but the small amount of light that gets through almost accentuates the shadows/artificiality of the indoor light. I am renting and probably will be moving out by the end of this year, so would appreciate suggestions that don't require a huge investment in time/money. Thanks in advance!
Here is the space in question, if you're curious. It's actually a gloriously sunny day here (as it often is) but the small amount of light that gets through almost accentuates the shadows/artificiality of the indoor light. I am renting and probably will be moving out by the end of this year, so would appreciate suggestions that don't require a huge investment in time/money. Thanks in advance!
Plants! Low-light plants (honestly, a snake plant could probably go the rest of the year without light if it had to), plants with grow lights, or faux plants would all work.
Also, I really like bulbs that change color temperature throughout the day. I find light feels more natural (and relaxing/energizing) when it's cooler in the morning and warm in the evening, so wherever I can I have smart bulbs that change a few times a day. Most color-changing smart bulbs/light strips/whatever should probably work, but Phillips Hue White Ambiance is the best one on the market in my opinion.
posted by mosst at 2:20 PM on February 2, 2022 [10 favorites]
Also, I really like bulbs that change color temperature throughout the day. I find light feels more natural (and relaxing/energizing) when it's cooler in the morning and warm in the evening, so wherever I can I have smart bulbs that change a few times a day. Most color-changing smart bulbs/light strips/whatever should probably work, but Phillips Hue White Ambiance is the best one on the market in my opinion.
posted by mosst at 2:20 PM on February 2, 2022 [10 favorites]
What about some colorful art prints? Stick it up with 3m hooks.
Can you try to keep some fresh cut flowers by your desk, if you can be around flowers?
What if you retract the blinds all the way up & tack up some lace curtains under the blind holder? Or some of those stained glass vinyl cling privacy things for windows.
It's not a bad looking room, I think it just needs cheering up.
posted by bleep at 2:20 PM on February 2, 2022 [2 favorites]
Can you try to keep some fresh cut flowers by your desk, if you can be around flowers?
What if you retract the blinds all the way up & tack up some lace curtains under the blind holder? Or some of those stained glass vinyl cling privacy things for windows.
It's not a bad looking room, I think it just needs cheering up.
posted by bleep at 2:20 PM on February 2, 2022 [2 favorites]
It's brutal to go from sun to artificial light and darkness. To accentuate the cozy, here are a few thoughts:
- Can you move your desk so that your line of sight past the monitor would see the sky, rather than having the window be high above your computer?
- Some kind of rug with warm colors (or colors you like) to brighten up the space
- Either one of those little artificial fireplaces or a video running on a screen that shows a fireplace
- Instead of just overhead or task lights, lights that have some kind of pleasant ambiance such as string lights or a light that casts a nice light or pleasant shadows
- If possible, more plants, just to have that feeling of outsideness even in the dark
posted by past unusual at 2:22 PM on February 2, 2022 [5 favorites]
- Can you move your desk so that your line of sight past the monitor would see the sky, rather than having the window be high above your computer?
- Some kind of rug with warm colors (or colors you like) to brighten up the space
- Either one of those little artificial fireplaces or a video running on a screen that shows a fireplace
- Instead of just overhead or task lights, lights that have some kind of pleasant ambiance such as string lights or a light that casts a nice light or pleasant shadows
- If possible, more plants, just to have that feeling of outsideness even in the dark
posted by past unusual at 2:22 PM on February 2, 2022 [5 favorites]
Also, I can't clearly articulate why, but I feel like rearranging the room to somehow pulling your desk away from the wall may help. I feel like office rooms tend to feel more "cave-like" when the desk is facing the wall; I find most professionally-designed offices tend to have the desk floating in space - whether they're in large offices or small single offices - and I'm sure there are good reasons as to why. The principle of the command position from feng shui may be helpful - that's where you want to be sitting.
posted by mosst at 2:25 PM on February 2, 2022 [18 favorites]
posted by mosst at 2:25 PM on February 2, 2022 [18 favorites]
Could you replace the map on the wall behind you with a large mirror? Mirrors can help to reflect some of the natural light and trick the eye into seeing more space. This would work even better if you moved your desk to that wall so you would see the reflection of the window and outdoors when you look up. Also, the dark bookshelves make the space look even darker. Could you replace or paint them?
posted by kbar1 at 2:28 PM on February 2, 2022 [19 favorites]
posted by kbar1 at 2:28 PM on February 2, 2022 [19 favorites]
I gave the layout thing a bit more thought, and to more clearly articulate what I was saying - of course things are going to feel cave-like if there's a big opaque wall two feet in front of your face. If I were you, I might try rearranging things so that the two left bookshelves swap with the map on the wall, the desk turns 90 degrees toward the camera (so the windows would be to your left, and you get a cozy little office nook to sit in. That'll give you a much more wide-open view and will actually let you see a lot more of the natural light since it won't be above your sightline as much.
posted by mosst at 2:29 PM on February 2, 2022 [11 favorites]
posted by mosst at 2:29 PM on February 2, 2022 [11 favorites]
I've cozied up my WFH cave by adding a lot of plants along with clip-on lights to give them and me more light. I never use the overhead lights, but have a desk lamp, clip on lamps, and standing lamps all over the room. I also added string lights along the tops of my bookshelves for glow. I also have a lot of art on the walls. The room is bright and also cozy at any hour.
I also think that rearranging your furniture so that you don't stare at a wall would help. Place your desk so that you're facing the window, but from across the room.
posted by quince at 2:32 PM on February 2, 2022 [1 favorite]
I also think that rearranging your furniture so that you don't stare at a wall would help. Place your desk so that you're facing the window, but from across the room.
posted by quince at 2:32 PM on February 2, 2022 [1 favorite]
Oh, another idea - you might enjoy putting in some LCD lightstrips. They could be above/behind the bookshelves, running along the top of the windows, or some other clever way of having light beaming out. Many of those allow for you to set the color, so you could easily switch between "warm cave" and "the sun is peeking out from every crack of this room".
posted by past unusual at 2:35 PM on February 2, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by past unusual at 2:35 PM on February 2, 2022 [1 favorite]
Lights: Do you have warmtone (2700K/3000K) or cooltone/daylight (5000k) lights? "Work Spaces" often have daylight spectrum lighting. It will feel very cool/blue in comparison but also feel brighter and more like daylight and more like a workspace. +1 for daylight (SAD) lamp as an option too.
Mirrors: A big one on the wall opposite the window to reflect the light from the window.
Window: Is the box valance bit removable at all? I'm not sure what its purpose is and it could be blocking the light from bouncing to the ceiling. You can see the large shadow it's casting on the ceiling / wall. If you can't remove it, then an LED strip above it may help. Again, one that you could change the colortone of would be helpful.
posted by Crystalinne at 2:42 PM on February 2, 2022 [3 favorites]
Mirrors: A big one on the wall opposite the window to reflect the light from the window.
Window: Is the box valance bit removable at all? I'm not sure what its purpose is and it could be blocking the light from bouncing to the ceiling. You can see the large shadow it's casting on the ceiling / wall. If you can't remove it, then an LED strip above it may help. Again, one that you could change the colortone of would be helpful.
posted by Crystalinne at 2:42 PM on February 2, 2022 [3 favorites]
There are artificial windows and artificial skylights with LED lights on the market that might help?
posted by mcgsa at 2:47 PM on February 2, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by mcgsa at 2:47 PM on February 2, 2022 [1 favorite]
Very immediate and free, but maybe low impact - you could take your lunches outside and step out another couple times through the day.
posted by meemzi at 2:50 PM on February 2, 2022 [4 favorites]
posted by meemzi at 2:50 PM on February 2, 2022 [4 favorites]
https://meaningness.com/sad-light-lumens
The Amazon links are broken but any corn bulb with 150+ watts will do it: here
I bought one of the recommended corn lights on Amazon for $60 or so. You also need a plug and an adapter thingy. All of which are described in the article.
It's insanely bright. It makes me feel happy and it's actually bright, not bright like "oh there's a lamp in the corner". Like everything you look at is pleasantly bright.
It really, really helps.
posted by bbqturtle at 2:53 PM on February 2, 2022 [4 favorites]
The Amazon links are broken but any corn bulb with 150+ watts will do it: here
I bought one of the recommended corn lights on Amazon for $60 or so. You also need a plug and an adapter thingy. All of which are described in the article.
It's insanely bright. It makes me feel happy and it's actually bright, not bright like "oh there's a lamp in the corner". Like everything you look at is pleasantly bright.
It really, really helps.
posted by bbqturtle at 2:53 PM on February 2, 2022 [4 favorites]
I love having my desk in the "middle" of the room. With my back to the corner and the whole room in front of me, I feel much less closed in. I would say a corner where you can see out the window, not your back to the window.
A friend of mine loves this lamp, I've had it in my amazon cart for a while for my kinda dark front room. She says it feels like daylight.
posted by magnetsphere at 3:22 PM on February 2, 2022 [4 favorites]
A friend of mine loves this lamp, I've had it in my amazon cart for a while for my kinda dark front room. She says it feels like daylight.
posted by magnetsphere at 3:22 PM on February 2, 2022 [4 favorites]
If you weren't moving out, the first thing I would suggest is to get rid of/paint/relocate those black bookshelves, as they're sucking all the light out of the room. Paint the room in a reflective but neutral colour like a very light true grey (not blue) and white ceiling. Replace the light fitting with something less depressing and brighter. Maybe add a mural or large poster with a nature scene or cityscape or whatever would make you feel more part of the world.
That's a lot of work and possibly cost even if you aren't moving out, though :-(
Given you're moving out, free/easy things you can do are to:
- as others have suggested, move the desk out into the room so that your back is to the wall where the map is
- open the blinds and remove the pelmet if you can to maximise sunlight
- separate the bank of bookshelves to opposite sides of the room, or put them where the map is and behind your desk so they're out of your sightline when working (plus, if you're doing meetings via video, a full bookshelf behind you makes you look smart, apparently)
- declutter the room as much as you possibly can and, in particular, make the area visible from your desk as clear as possible. There's a lot going on in that room.
I work from home about 99% and understand your issue - I'm fortunate to have a bright room with a large window looking onto a large garden and would feel the same way as you are in that room. However, don't ever forget that working from home in a dark room is a long way from how bad things could be. The depressing environment aside, there are likely positives you can focus on such as not having to spend half your life commuting (I used to commute 3 hrs/day and every afternoon as I make my 4-second commute to the kitchen I'm grateful for losing that privilege).
posted by dg at 3:34 PM on February 2, 2022 [7 favorites]
That's a lot of work and possibly cost even if you aren't moving out, though :-(
Given you're moving out, free/easy things you can do are to:
- as others have suggested, move the desk out into the room so that your back is to the wall where the map is
- open the blinds and remove the pelmet if you can to maximise sunlight
- separate the bank of bookshelves to opposite sides of the room, or put them where the map is and behind your desk so they're out of your sightline when working (plus, if you're doing meetings via video, a full bookshelf behind you makes you look smart, apparently)
- declutter the room as much as you possibly can and, in particular, make the area visible from your desk as clear as possible. There's a lot going on in that room.
I work from home about 99% and understand your issue - I'm fortunate to have a bright room with a large window looking onto a large garden and would feel the same way as you are in that room. However, don't ever forget that working from home in a dark room is a long way from how bad things could be. The depressing environment aside, there are likely positives you can focus on such as not having to spend half your life commuting (I used to commute 3 hrs/day and every afternoon as I make my 4-second commute to the kitchen I'm grateful for losing that privilege).
posted by dg at 3:34 PM on February 2, 2022 [7 favorites]
My favorite trick for a grim room are window mirrors. They absolutely trick your brain that the light in the room is coming in through them.
posted by Lyn Never at 3:41 PM on February 2, 2022 [8 favorites]
posted by Lyn Never at 3:41 PM on February 2, 2022 [8 favorites]
I want to re-arrange your whole space! I don't think being shoved under the window is helping. If you want spend a few hours rearranging the room, here are some things I suggest:
First, move those big bookcases to the wall opposite the window, on the left side of the photo. They are dark and heavy and that's not helping. Then, consider placing your computer desk so that your back is to that back wall, perpendicular to the window, facing into the room. Having your desk shoved against a wall isn't going to help anything. You could have one or two bookcases behind you if necessary. You have a ton of space in the middle of the room, and you're not using it well. Not all the furniture needs to be shoved against the wall.
I see you have a tall lamp with light directed up. At the very least, take a look at the bulbs you're using. Make sure you have LED "daylight" (not warm light) lights. But I'd say, if you are okay spending a few dollars, to get one or two floor lamps and get some daylight/bright bulbs. I'd get regular floor lamps, not with the light facing out, but with light colored shades. But, at the very least, swap out the bulbs in the lights you have in there. This makes a HUGE difference for me in my workspace.
In my current work from home space, I have a door with a full window, but it opens onto a covered deck, so I don't get as much natural light as I'd like. I also have three lights: a tall floor lamp in one corner; a tall table top lamp high up in another corner; and a small table top lamp up higher on my desk, in the third corner. So there's basically a bright, daylight LED bulb lighting up each corner. I keep the overhead light off.
Then, if you wanted to do a bit extra, I'd get a tall narrow side table, preferably that almost reaches to the window, and then put some low light houseplants on it.
Also, can you pull up the shades completely? Let in all the light, don't just open the slats.
posted by bluedaisy at 3:53 PM on February 2, 2022 [4 favorites]
First, move those big bookcases to the wall opposite the window, on the left side of the photo. They are dark and heavy and that's not helping. Then, consider placing your computer desk so that your back is to that back wall, perpendicular to the window, facing into the room. Having your desk shoved against a wall isn't going to help anything. You could have one or two bookcases behind you if necessary. You have a ton of space in the middle of the room, and you're not using it well. Not all the furniture needs to be shoved against the wall.
I see you have a tall lamp with light directed up. At the very least, take a look at the bulbs you're using. Make sure you have LED "daylight" (not warm light) lights. But I'd say, if you are okay spending a few dollars, to get one or two floor lamps and get some daylight/bright bulbs. I'd get regular floor lamps, not with the light facing out, but with light colored shades. But, at the very least, swap out the bulbs in the lights you have in there. This makes a HUGE difference for me in my workspace.
In my current work from home space, I have a door with a full window, but it opens onto a covered deck, so I don't get as much natural light as I'd like. I also have three lights: a tall floor lamp in one corner; a tall table top lamp high up in another corner; and a small table top lamp up higher on my desk, in the third corner. So there's basically a bright, daylight LED bulb lighting up each corner. I keep the overhead light off.
Then, if you wanted to do a bit extra, I'd get a tall narrow side table, preferably that almost reaches to the window, and then put some low light houseplants on it.
Also, can you pull up the shades completely? Let in all the light, don't just open the slats.
posted by bluedaisy at 3:53 PM on February 2, 2022 [4 favorites]
Response by poster: Argh, I have work to do and now I want to spend all day rearranging my furniture!!
posted by btfreek at 4:03 PM on February 2, 2022 [10 favorites]
posted by btfreek at 4:03 PM on February 2, 2022 [10 favorites]
Yes, swing your desk around so it’s perpendicular to the window wall with your back to the bookcases.
Switch out your desk for a hollow-core door or a tabletop from IKEA because it looks like you need more surface area. There are various inexpensive options for legs including short bookcases/2 drawer file cabinets/sawhorses. Then get a table lamp and anglepoise lamp that clamps on if you need task lighting. I’d clear out a couple spaces in the bookshelves and put a couple small lamps there too, for mood lighting. Also potted plants.
Instead of one large mirror, get 3 or 4 or 5 of those behind-the-door full length white-framed mirrors ($7 at Target). Hang them vertically so the sides butt together on the wall where the map is now.
Looks like you have an upholstered chair? sofa? Make a seating section in the far corner with a scatter rug and small table. Set it at an angle if you have the space. When furniture is lined up along the walls, it makes the room look smaller.
All this stuff can be found at garage sales, Goodwill, or IKEA
(Not a fan of floor lamps, to me it’s just as bad as overhead lighting.)
posted by TWinbrook8 at 4:11 PM on February 2, 2022 [4 favorites]
Switch out your desk for a hollow-core door or a tabletop from IKEA because it looks like you need more surface area. There are various inexpensive options for legs including short bookcases/2 drawer file cabinets/sawhorses. Then get a table lamp and anglepoise lamp that clamps on if you need task lighting. I’d clear out a couple spaces in the bookshelves and put a couple small lamps there too, for mood lighting. Also potted plants.
Instead of one large mirror, get 3 or 4 or 5 of those behind-the-door full length white-framed mirrors ($7 at Target). Hang them vertically so the sides butt together on the wall where the map is now.
Looks like you have an upholstered chair? sofa? Make a seating section in the far corner with a scatter rug and small table. Set it at an angle if you have the space. When furniture is lined up along the walls, it makes the room look smaller.
All this stuff can be found at garage sales, Goodwill, or IKEA
(Not a fan of floor lamps, to me it’s just as bad as overhead lighting.)
posted by TWinbrook8 at 4:11 PM on February 2, 2022 [4 favorites]
Take a walk before work, at lunch, and after work.
posted by nickggully at 4:15 PM on February 2, 2022 [3 favorites]
posted by nickggully at 4:15 PM on February 2, 2022 [3 favorites]
I get the sense that a lot of the cave-like, depressing feeling that you're reacting to is actually the mental burden of all the clutter, rather than a real lack of light. A lot of the dark vibe in this room comes from the sheer amount of stuff, which absorbs light. You need to maximize unobstructed wall and floor space in order to reflect -- not absorb -- the precious light coming into the room. Because you have less natural light, you need to make up for it with extra exposed wall space and making a special effort to create an airy, uncluttered feel to the room. To achieve this, you will need to prune ruthlessly, but the mental payoff will be huge in a number of ways.
In preparation for your upcoming move, you can start now by weeding out books either to put in storage or to donate/sell. I would suggest setting a goal of 50% or more of your existing collection. This will help you reduce the number of black/light-sucking shelving units blocking the bright white wall. The bookshelves need to go -- in your future home, get white shelves, and limit yourself to say, two.
I also strongly recommend getting rid of all the little tables and surfaces that aren't your desk, and boxing or tossing the stuff currently on/around them. They are also blocking the wall and visually absorb light instead of reflecting it. Instead, reward yourself with a nice, large desk. We are going for an airy feel here, allowing energy to circulate, metaphorically speaking. Right now, the room just feels like a sad eddy where energy goes to die. It sounds melodramatic, but that's the impression I get from looking at the picture. Anyway, I hope it goes well and that you follow up here with some "after" pictures.
posted by Atrahasis at 4:18 PM on February 2, 2022 [4 favorites]
In preparation for your upcoming move, you can start now by weeding out books either to put in storage or to donate/sell. I would suggest setting a goal of 50% or more of your existing collection. This will help you reduce the number of black/light-sucking shelving units blocking the bright white wall. The bookshelves need to go -- in your future home, get white shelves, and limit yourself to say, two.
I also strongly recommend getting rid of all the little tables and surfaces that aren't your desk, and boxing or tossing the stuff currently on/around them. They are also blocking the wall and visually absorb light instead of reflecting it. Instead, reward yourself with a nice, large desk. We are going for an airy feel here, allowing energy to circulate, metaphorically speaking. Right now, the room just feels like a sad eddy where energy goes to die. It sounds melodramatic, but that's the impression I get from looking at the picture. Anyway, I hope it goes well and that you follow up here with some "after" pictures.
posted by Atrahasis at 4:18 PM on February 2, 2022 [4 favorites]
While there's nothing quite as authentic as lack of climate control in a traditional office environment, is your new office at a comfortable temperature?
You might also want to try adding sound (scapes) to the new place.
posted by oceano at 4:19 PM on February 2, 2022
You might also want to try adding sound (scapes) to the new place.
posted by oceano at 4:19 PM on February 2, 2022
If you're allowed to put stuff in the yard outside that window, you might be able to set some mirrors at an angle out there so that they reflect light into the room and onto the ceiling, which will make it feel a bit like you've got a skylight for some part of the day. I was able to do this in a room that had a big window but very little light actually coming in due to the roof overhang and tree placement. A selection of cheap or free mirrors from thrift stores/garage sales/salvage shops can be arranged to keep the effect going throughout the day as the sun moves. Bonus: your neighbors may think you've gotten into installation art.
posted by luzdeluna at 4:20 PM on February 2, 2022
posted by luzdeluna at 4:20 PM on February 2, 2022
The early sunsets since daylight savings had really tanked my afternoon mood so I've been using my seasonal affective disorder lamp in the afternoons even though I think I'm only supposed to use it in the mornings. That might help you too?
posted by spamandkimchi at 4:32 PM on February 2, 2022
posted by spamandkimchi at 4:32 PM on February 2, 2022
The valance over your window is blocking enough light that there's a deep shadow on your ceiling which, to my eye, makes the space feel cramped. I'd try removing it, moving it up a bit, or replacing it with a lower-profile option. Or stick some LED strips and a diffuser in there to bounce light off the ceiling.
posted by VelveteenBabbitt at 4:55 PM on February 2, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by VelveteenBabbitt at 4:55 PM on February 2, 2022 [2 favorites]
Get rid of the blinds on the window. Just take them completely down. Put them away and re-install when you get ready to move out. It looks like plants or trees outside? Not the wall of another building, right? You'll be amazed at how much more light you get. Even with them set for maximum light (perpendicular to window) they're still blocking light.
posted by mareli at 4:56 PM on February 2, 2022 [4 favorites]
posted by mareli at 4:56 PM on February 2, 2022 [4 favorites]
Seconding the idea of moving the shelves. It's amazing how tall dark shelves add to a cave feeling compared to a blank wall that would reflect a lot of light.
Also, I started using one of these lights for zoom meetings and it actually brightens up my office a lot and gives a very pleasant feeling to have it shining warm soft light on you.
posted by roaring beast at 5:08 PM on February 2, 2022 [2 favorites]
Also, I started using one of these lights for zoom meetings and it actually brightens up my office a lot and gives a very pleasant feeling to have it shining warm soft light on you.
posted by roaring beast at 5:08 PM on February 2, 2022 [2 favorites]
I use high CRI LED strip lights on top of my very similar shelves, bouncing up off the wall/ceiling. It fills in the lighting quite nicely!
posted by Alterscape at 5:58 PM on February 2, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by Alterscape at 5:58 PM on February 2, 2022 [2 favorites]
I'd put some nice pothos plants on top of your bookcases, they do well in low light and need little care. And I'm afraid that carpet is where all cheeriness goes to die - get a nice rug in your favourite bright colours to put down in the middle of the room, that will bring a lot more life to the space. Also, if there is room on the windowsill, small plants, and brightly coloured glass ornaments can catch the light really nicely.
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 6:05 PM on February 2, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 6:05 PM on February 2, 2022 [2 favorites]
You need more books.
Okay, seriously... you need light-colored metal or wooden shelves under the bank of windows. If the shelves are waist-high, avoid clutter. Office organizers are your friends. Keep it simple, neat and functional.
Put kitchen cabinets on the back wall. Counter tops. Shallow upper cabinets. Organize the space for maximum storage behind doors and inside drawers.
Back wall alternatives: office cabinets. Pick light colors. Don't clutter the top.
If there is any way to add a flat screen monitor to the long side wall, use it for mood lighting and gentle motion. Fireplaces, campfires, ocean waves, waterfalls, forest streams, etc. The Georgia Aquarium webcams are delightful.
Do put a desk at right angles to the windows. It's your choice if you would rather see the door or the back wall.
Seconding all the mood lighting. I'm not a fan of plants and aquariums. I do like adding scent and sound to the environment.
posted by TrishaU at 8:04 PM on February 2, 2022 [1 favorite]
Okay, seriously... you need light-colored metal or wooden shelves under the bank of windows. If the shelves are waist-high, avoid clutter. Office organizers are your friends. Keep it simple, neat and functional.
Put kitchen cabinets on the back wall. Counter tops. Shallow upper cabinets. Organize the space for maximum storage behind doors and inside drawers.
Back wall alternatives: office cabinets. Pick light colors. Don't clutter the top.
If there is any way to add a flat screen monitor to the long side wall, use it for mood lighting and gentle motion. Fireplaces, campfires, ocean waves, waterfalls, forest streams, etc. The Georgia Aquarium webcams are delightful.
Do put a desk at right angles to the windows. It's your choice if you would rather see the door or the back wall.
Seconding all the mood lighting. I'm not a fan of plants and aquariums. I do like adding scent and sound to the environment.
posted by TrishaU at 8:04 PM on February 2, 2022 [1 favorite]
Mirrors, especially a big one or a group of them on the wall opposite the window, but any at all will help.
Those bookcases are DARK. If it wouldn't drive you crazy having to reach under it, consider hanging some sort of blanket or curtain on them, preferably in a bright color. (Amazon has all sort of wall tapestries... forest, waterfall, mushrooms, etc.) Hiding them from yourself might just give your brain a break from the dark.
If you need those blinds so you can close them for privacy, consider window cling instead. They have everything from blurring to lace to stained glass designs, retaining the light, but blocking the view.
LED strip or twinkle lights around the upper edges of the room, along the top of the shelves, behind the computer... LED lights are inexpensive to keep on all the time, and they can really make a difference. Consider what type of lighting you prefer - warm, cool, or daylight. I have cheap LED clip-on bendy gooseneck lamps in various places that brighten my room without resorting to the overhead light, which I hate. They have three color temperature settings, and ten levels of brightness, which allows for a lot of flexibility.
And maybe a rug, or even a blanket thrown on the floor. Anything with more life than the brown floor. Anything that will bounce some of the light back up, rather than absorb it. Don't get me wrong, I prefer the way black furniture looks, too... but I soften mine with lighting and jeweltones, plus way, way, way too many unicorns.
posted by stormyteal at 11:38 PM on February 2, 2022 [1 favorite]
Those bookcases are DARK. If it wouldn't drive you crazy having to reach under it, consider hanging some sort of blanket or curtain on them, preferably in a bright color. (Amazon has all sort of wall tapestries... forest, waterfall, mushrooms, etc.) Hiding them from yourself might just give your brain a break from the dark.
If you need those blinds so you can close them for privacy, consider window cling instead. They have everything from blurring to lace to stained glass designs, retaining the light, but blocking the view.
LED strip or twinkle lights around the upper edges of the room, along the top of the shelves, behind the computer... LED lights are inexpensive to keep on all the time, and they can really make a difference. Consider what type of lighting you prefer - warm, cool, or daylight. I have cheap LED clip-on bendy gooseneck lamps in various places that brighten my room without resorting to the overhead light, which I hate. They have three color temperature settings, and ten levels of brightness, which allows for a lot of flexibility.
And maybe a rug, or even a blanket thrown on the floor. Anything with more life than the brown floor. Anything that will bounce some of the light back up, rather than absorb it. Don't get me wrong, I prefer the way black furniture looks, too... but I soften mine with lighting and jeweltones, plus way, way, way too many unicorns.
posted by stormyteal at 11:38 PM on February 2, 2022 [1 favorite]
I work in a similarly dark spare room, with my desk facing the wall, directly under the single small roof window. I think what makes it feel cosy rather than gloomy is the amount of colour I've got in there.
My room is lined with bookshelves, but in a lighter wood than yours, and the books on them (at the front) are paperbacks, mostly with brightly coloured spines. I've got colourful pictures up on the wall behind the desk (I recognise that that's a privilege of home ownership). I've got some colourful things actually *on* the desk - coasters, pen-holders, fidget toys - and the mug I drink from on work days is colourful too. My carpet is green. I have some colourful ornaments on top of the bookshelves as well.
In your room, with your constraints, I would run coloured fairy lights over those shelves, and over the top of the window. Moving the shelves to the back wall would help, but if that's impractical or just unappealing, I would swap out some of the books with brighter ones, if you have any, or put ornaments in front of them, or fold little origami models out of bright-coloured paper if you don't have ornaments. I would get one or more colourful rugs for the floor, because that carpet does not brighten the room or the spirits. And if there's space, I would put plants on the windowsill.
posted by ManyLeggedCreature at 1:17 AM on February 3, 2022 [1 favorite]
My room is lined with bookshelves, but in a lighter wood than yours, and the books on them (at the front) are paperbacks, mostly with brightly coloured spines. I've got colourful pictures up on the wall behind the desk (I recognise that that's a privilege of home ownership). I've got some colourful things actually *on* the desk - coasters, pen-holders, fidget toys - and the mug I drink from on work days is colourful too. My carpet is green. I have some colourful ornaments on top of the bookshelves as well.
In your room, with your constraints, I would run coloured fairy lights over those shelves, and over the top of the window. Moving the shelves to the back wall would help, but if that's impractical or just unappealing, I would swap out some of the books with brighter ones, if you have any, or put ornaments in front of them, or fold little origami models out of bright-coloured paper if you don't have ornaments. I would get one or more colourful rugs for the floor, because that carpet does not brighten the room or the spirits. And if there's space, I would put plants on the windowsill.
posted by ManyLeggedCreature at 1:17 AM on February 3, 2022 [1 favorite]
I'd consider a 2nd monitor with a (very slow) slideshow of beautiful pictures of nature. Microsoft Themes are a great sources of image collection, Bing has daily photos, and excellent free nature photography abounds. It doesn't have to be all sunshine.
The room needs energy. Get a brightly colored rug, some bright postcards, colorful art. Rather than a bunch of small plants, get 1 or 2 medium to large plants; easier to care for and a lot more impact.
Lighting. Overhead light is not cheery; lighting with variation is nicer. Get a 2nd uplight, and maybe nice clip lights on the bookcases. I like the idea of using the light that changes during the day.
Everything is against the wall. Move the desk at a right angle to the wall, in whichever way it doesn't create more glare.
posted by theora55 at 6:44 AM on February 3, 2022
The room needs energy. Get a brightly colored rug, some bright postcards, colorful art. Rather than a bunch of small plants, get 1 or 2 medium to large plants; easier to care for and a lot more impact.
Lighting. Overhead light is not cheery; lighting with variation is nicer. Get a 2nd uplight, and maybe nice clip lights on the bookcases. I like the idea of using the light that changes during the day.
Everything is against the wall. Move the desk at a right angle to the wall, in whichever way it doesn't create more glare.
posted by theora55 at 6:44 AM on February 3, 2022
At the Panasonic hq in New Jersey, they have a large building, part of which is the training center. While headed to the classroom one day, deep in the interior of this building, I saw a set of glorious floor-to-ceiling windows looking in on a beautiful arboretum. Turns out, they were (Panasonic, of course) large plasma TVs with the brightness adjusted to an appropriate level so they looked natural. It was a very well-executed illusion. Perhaps a similar "window", showing pre-recorded environments or just a slideshow of nice scenery? You could even hang some curtains on it to help sell the illusion.
posted by xedrik at 8:04 AM on February 3, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by xedrik at 8:04 AM on February 3, 2022 [2 favorites]
My home office doesn't get a lot of light in the morning, and on sunny afternoons it's so bright I have to shut the blinds. I bought a corn lightbulb, which has a bright, daylight effect but with no glare. Ugly as hell, but it's great. You could probably get away with replacing just one of the bulbs in your overhead light with one corn light for it to make a whole lot of difference.
posted by essexjan at 8:43 AM on February 3, 2022
posted by essexjan at 8:43 AM on February 3, 2022
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posted by koroshiya at 2:11 PM on February 2, 2022 [1 favorite]