How to Decorate a Room Without Windows
Are you decorating a room without windows? There are easy ways to make it seem bigger, brighter, and more open. If you find yourself in a basement bedroom with no windows, don’t despair. There are plenty of ways to make the space feel bright and airy. Here are a few basement bedroom ideas, or perhaps it’s a spare room, and even windowless office decorating ideas to get you started.
I know that as a renter, from time to time, you may come across places that don’t have everything you want in your home. Normally, things that are on the checklist of needs are things like a washer and dryer in the unit, parking, dishwasher, etc. You wouldn’t think that you would need to specify that you want windows in your home. But sometimes you do. Don’t worry, I have some ideas to help solve this problem.
Before We Get Started With Decorating Tips
While I know that technically a room without windows can be a major problem and classified as a fire hazard (in the US), I realize sometimes we work with what we have. This is the fun part. With some room inspiration, it requires a lot of planning & lighting, but with this project, it will be less stressful. This will be fun!!!
If it works budget-wise, then “you gotta do what you gotta do.” I was raised making it work. Do the best with what you have.
To decorate a room without windows, focus on using layered lighting, light-reflecting surfaces, mirrors, and airy colors. Add nature-inspired elements, large-scale artwork, and architectural details to create depth, avoid claustrophobia, and visually open the space.
Best Ways to Decorate a Room Without Windows (Bite-Sized Version)
- Use layered lighting (floor lamps, sconces, string lights)
- Add large mirrors to reflect light and create depth
- Choose light, airy paint colors and soft neutrals
- Incorporate glass, metallic, and glossy finishes
- Hang large-scale artwork or wall murals
- Add greenery or nature-inspired decor for balance
- Create architectural detail with molding or paneling
- Use sheer or linen drapes to soften the walls
- Try faux window treatments to trick the eye
- Keep clutter minimal to prevent a cave-like feeling
This post contains some affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through one of these links. See more information in my disclosure policy.
1. Trick the Eye with a Faux Window for Instant Light and Depth!
To make up for the lack of windows, window treatments will be your best friend. You can create the illusion of a window simply by hanging a curtain rod and curtains around the entire room.
This adds a layer of texture to a space that gives it more dimension (or a sense of depth)and makes the room feel like it has windows that would allow natural light in. Drapery in neutral fabric and bright colours will work to add texture and dimension.
2. Breathe Life Into a Windowless Room with Plants and Greenery
By adding some greenery to your room’s decor, you bring life to it. If you use real houseplants (that don’t require much natural daylight), you are adding a new source of clean air, with oxygen flowing into your room.
But if you are like me and have a kitty who enjoys eating potted plants and flowers, then fake greenery would be the best choice. You can find some that look real. Plants work well on bookcases, floor space, and shelving to give a room without windows the brightest look.
LOOKING FOR FAKE PLANTS? SHOP BELOW.
3. Use Landscape Art to Fake a View and Expand the Space
Wall art can also be transformative in a space with no windows. By hanging a photo or a framed piece of artwork with a beautiful view, it can look like a window in a windowless room. You get that natural sunlight feeling with the example below.
4. Layer in Twinkle Lights for a Cozy, Magical Glow
Want to learn how to decorate a bedroom without windows? Try Twinkle lights! They are a great way to direct the attention of overhead lights to the focal point of the room you are decorating. Especially if you have a lot of reflective surfaces in this space. Plus, extra lighting will add a whole new level of ambient lighting to a room at night. I love twinkle lights!
SHOP TWINKLE LIGHTS
Another approach to learning how to decorate a room with no windows and something to consider is adding a lot of table lamps and floor lamps to brighten up the room. Candles would also add a level of ambiance, but I would keep it to battery-powered candles to avoid making this room even more of a fire hazard.
SHOP CANDLES
5. Use Light Paint Colors to Open Up a Dark Space
But here’s a hot tip. Keep your colors light, like beige, light gray, and bright shades of white walls to keep the room looking larger, more colorful, and full of fresh air.
6. Bounce Light Around with Mirrors in a Windowless Room
The reflection of lighting in mirrors helps to give a natural lighting feel to the room. Large mirrors can make a big impact, but you can also make a collage of smaller mirrors to add a light source reflector.
SHOP MIRRORS
7. Repurpose Vintage Window Frames as Decor to Add Charm
Using old window frames on the wall with some added artistic creations. Personal touches make these rooms without windows a conversation starter when guests are over.
8. Add Functional Storage Without Sacrificing Style
Now, this is important for spaces like small windowless bedroom ideas or windowless office ideas. Utilize your space efficiently, and make sure it is clutter-free. Dual-purpose storage space, like a sofa bed, built-in cabinets, or seating that also holds storage, is a great place to start when trying to pull a space together.
SHOP DUAL-PURPOSE STORAGE
9. Build a Faux Fireplace to Add Warmth and Architectural Interest
This can add a new level of coziness to a space that doesn’t have windows. You can buy electric units and furniture units that can also double as extra storage space.
SHOP FIREPLACE UNITS
Not sure about you, but a small room without windows doesn’t seem so bad now that I know there are options to brighten it up.
It seems like a fun decorating challenge to tackle to make your living situation more positive. What other ways or different points do you have to decorate a room without windows?
Did you like learning how to decorate a room without windows?
Then you might like these…
Frequently Asked Questions About Decorating Windowless Rooms
Layer your lighting like a pro. Combine ceiling lights, wall sconces, table lamps, and even LED strips to mimic the effect of natural daylight. Choose warm white bulbs and bounce light off reflective surfaces like mirrors or glossy furniture to avoid shadows and make the room glow.
Stick with soft neutrals, warm whites, blushes, beiges, or even pale gray-blue tones. These shades reflect artificial light better and keep the room feeling open and airy. If you’re craving drama, try one dark moody wall—but balance it with lighter decor and plenty of lighting.
Absolutely! Mirrors are your secret weapon in a windowless room. They reflect light, create depth, and even give the illusion of more space. Hang one across from a light source, or place a large floor mirror behind a lamp to instantly double the brightness.
If you found this post helpful in any way, let me know in the comments below, and pin this post to your Pinterest boards.
