Need Advice for Office Without Windows or Natural Light?
Question:I have always had nice large windows in my office at work. I will be starting a new job soon, which I am excited about, except for one thing-- my office will be an interior office, i.e. no windows, no natural light. I really love natural light and I'm afraid that this set-up will give me headaches, low productivity, etc. Does anyone experience these problems while working in an interior office? Also, is there anything I can do to make the office feel more comfortable? Thank you for your help.
Answers:
This can cause productivity problems and increase stress in some individuals. One thing to do, find a nice window size poster of a photograph of an outdoor scene like a flower garden with depth and sky in it. Proportionate to how it would be if you looked out the window at a real garden. I would then put a nice window style frame on it,and put on the wall. Hang a curtain rod about 5 inches above it, wide enough to extend about a foot beyond each end of the width of the poster. Get two curtain panels and valance, that compliment the office and photo,solid color, and make sure the valance covers enough of the top to make it look like a window and the panels cover the sides as well. Having it a little wider than the poster gives the illusion of a bigger window. If a file cabinet or bookcase is under the poster, put a couple of plants on it ,as this will enhance the outdoor feel of the picture and bring the outdoor feel inside. To increase the reality of the look, use an old multipaned window fame, cut to the right size and sanded and painted to look nice in your office,and put backing on the poster,and mount it right over the poster so it looks more like you're looking out a window. Another way, is to get a paper wall mural and cover the wall you face the most with it. It can be a mountain scene or seaside village. something open and airy. You can look up from time to time and feel like you are there. If you do this, put a fake potted tree in front of one side and it looks like foreground in the scene. Putting a hidden small fan by the scene and from time to time put it on and you have the illusion of a breeze from an open window. But first and foremost ask permission before doing anything. Tell them why , explain what you had in your last office and that it had enhanced your productivity, and that you would like to bring that high productivity to the job ,and want to ensure that you can give them your best work, in every way possible. I'm sure if it doesn't damage anything and you are willing to foot the bill, they would be agreeable. If not, hang groupings of outdoor shots you have taken ,and it will feel more homey and comforting and take away that boxed in feeling. Or if all else fails and you don't like the look hang a nice looking big mirror on the wall this will give you an instantly open look and make the room seem bigger. some even have a paned window frame over them and if spaced about a foot and a half apart, can look like two windows on a wall. Put an artificial potted tree between the two mirrors or a cabinet with a plant on it between them. I hope this gives you some options.
Go with some lamps, natural light bulbs, and turn the ceiling lights OFF
Get full-spectrum lighting. See if you can replace the flourescents with full-spectrum as well.
Take a high-res photograph of a window (with a nice view), and have a large print made of it.
Frame it, and hang it on the wall.
Turn off all fluorescent lighting in the office, and use a couple of lamps - get some plants too.
It's amazing how your work environment can affect your work, and your mental health - make sure to take occasional breaks to stretch and walk around.
fish tank,,, track lighting with reveal bulbs,,,, large pictures of outdoor scenes,,
Plants.. Pictures of outdoor.. and mix of warm and white lights
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