Design Recipes: Windowless Rooms

A windowless room is transformed into a den. Scott Gabriel Morris/TNS

By Cathy Hobbs From Tribune News Service

From lack of natural light to functionality feasibility, windowless rooms often pose a challenge.

Let there be light. With the absence of natural sources, here’s your guide to infusing spaciousness into windowless rooms.

Lighting Options

Portable lights: table and floor lamps.

A windowless room is made functional as a home office/workspace. Scott Gabriel Morris/TNS

Fixed lights: recess lighting, pendants, chandeliers, and wall sconces.

A lower-level windowless space is made light and bright through the use of overhead recessed lighting and light, neutral fabrics. Handout/TNS

Construction-created lights: clerestories, dormers, or skylights.

Decor Tricks

Elements such as mirrors can help make a room feel more spacious and open. See also: light-colored paints and neutral fabrics.

A clerestory helps bring natural light in this windowless master bedroom. Handout/TNS

The Home Office

One popular functional option for a windowless space is to transform it into a home office.

A windowless space is made functional as a small home office and reading area. Interior Photography NY/TNS

When designing a windowless office space, here are some Design Recipes tips:

• Add lots of mirrors to help make the space feel bigger.
• Incorporate interesting design elements such as whimsical wallpaper or a bright paint color.
• Be purposeful with furniture, as windowless rooms tend to be smaller spaces.
• Add plenty of portable light such as table and floor lamps.
• Incorporate floor coverings to help make windowless spaces feel cozy.

Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design home staging expert and short-term rental/vacation home designer with offices in New York City and The Hudson Valley. Contact her at [email protected] or visit her website at cathyhobbs.com. Copyright 2023 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.