Bringing an Outdoor Feel to a Windowless Room

If you spend time in a room without windows, these tips on bringing an outdoor feel to a windowless room can brighten your environment.

Windows provide a multitude of benefits, including the mood-lifting effects of natural light and views of the outdoors. Many offices and some rooms in a home offer little to no natural light or views of nature. To compensate, you can use a few “cheats” to give your room some natural benefits.

Tricks for bringing an outdoor feel inside

Before planning your room décor, consider which natural environments bring you the most peace. Does your blood pressure drop when you’re sitting by the ocean or lake, hearing the waves hit the shore? Do you find peace in forests, waterfalls, mountains, or desert landscapes? Does a beautiful garden or arboretum provide you with therapy? Whatever your place of peace, use that as your inspiration.

1. Start with large-scale landscape art or murals.

• Wall murals or decals depicting outdoor scenes, such as forests, garden, mountain, or beaches, can transport your mind.
• Trompe l’oeil art adds perspective and depth for a 3D illusion.
• For a smaller option, a fake window wall decal offers a view through a window frame for the feel of nature nearby.
• A real window frame on a wall with outdoor imagery behind it – perhaps even with curtains hung on both sides – adds to the illusion.
• Choose artwork that captures the natural beauty that relaxes you most.

2. Choose relaxing color palettes for walls and décor.

The colors you decorate with can match the murals and artwork.

• Soft blues evoke sky and water.
• Muted greens represent nature and growth.
• Warm neutrals, such as beige and taupe, are soft and cozy and represent natural hues while pairing easily with other colors.
• Soft pastels, like lavender or pale pink, bring in a garden feel.

3. Make use of beneficial artificial light.

• An artificial skylight or virtual windows can mimic daylight and blue sky and be programmed to simulate the movement of the sun during the day.
• Adjustable lamps, especially with full-spectrum light bulbs that simulate sunlight or with daylight LED bulbs (5000K–6500K), can point the light where you need it most, to improve mood and reduce stress.
• Up-lighting and wall washers brighten corners and mimic natural bounce light.

4. Use mirrors strategically.

• Large mirrors where a window would be can reflect light and create a sense of openness.
• Mirror tiles or mirrored panels add depth and mimic a view.

5. Bring nature indoors.

• Real or realistic plants suggest an outdoor setting.
• Natural materials like wood, stone, linen, and woven textures warm up the space.

6. Introduce natural sounds.

• A sound machine, smart speaker, or YouTube video can play ambient nature sounds, like bird songs, gentle rain, and waterfall, to enhance the sensory illusion of being outside.

By bringing an outdoor feel to a windowless room, you can elevate your spirits and create a beautiful indoor sanctuary.

A Natural Love

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