Choosing the right paint color for an office environment is an important decision that can impact productivity, mood, and aesthetics. For offices with no access to natural light, picking a paint color becomes even more crucial since there is no natural light to help brighten or liven up the space. The right paint color can make an office feel more energetic and inviting even without windows.
When deciding on paint colors for an office with no natural light, there are a few key factors to consider:
Reflectivity
Since there is no natural light, you’ll want to choose a paint color with a high LRV (Light Reflectance Value). The LRV indicates how much light a color will reflect. The higher the LRV, the more light the color will bounce around the room. A higher LRV is better for darker spaces like offices without windows. Look for paint colors with an LRV of 50 or above.
Undertones
Cool undertones like blues, greens, and grays will make a dark office feel more open and airy. Warm undertones like reds, yellows, and browns tend to make spaces feel smaller and darker. Cooler undertones enhance the brightness and give the illusion of more space.
Shades
Lighter shades will reflect more light and make the space feel brighter. However, going too light can look unnatural or sterile in an office setting. Mid-tone shades provide more warmth while still reflecting light.
Best Paint Colors for Offices With No Natural Light
Based on the need for high reflectivity, cool undertones, and natural-looking mid-tones, here are the best paint color options for offices with no natural light:
| Paint Color | LRV | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue | 58 | A soft pastel blue-gray with cool undertones |
| Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige | 58 | A warm neutral beige with yellow undertones |
| Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter | 59 | A light gray with cool blue-green undertones |
| Behr Virtual Taupe | 60 | A dark gray taupe with subtle purple undertones |
| Benjamin Moore Oxford White | 80 | A bright, clean white that avoids looking sterile |
These paint colors have high LRV scores above 50, which means they will reflect ample light. The cool undertones will also prevent the windowless office from feeling too dark and enclosed. And the mid-tone shades and white provide enough depth without looking dreary.
Let’s explore the specific benefits of each of these top paint color picks in more detail:
Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue
With an LRV of 58, Palladian Blue has a light gray-blue tone that feels both calming and uplifting. The blue undertones give a relaxed coastal feel while still maintaining professionalism. Palladian Blue is ideal for executive offices, creative spaces, or company waiting areas lacking natural light. The soft blue-gray reflects light to keep the space feeling bright.
Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige
Accessible Beige has become popular in recent years for open floor plan offices and spaces without windows. With an LRV of 58, it has enough reflectivity while keeping an inviting warmth. The beige color with faint yellow within it feels optimistic and illuminated. Accessible Beige works well for team workspaces, meetings rooms, and common office areas.
Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
Revere Pewter has an LRV of 59, giving it great light reflecting abilities. The color is a warm gray with subtle hints of light blue and green. This adds luminosity without feeling too cool or clinical. Revere Pewter provides a sophisticated look for minimalist offices, lawyers’ offices, financial firms, and more.
Behr Virtual Taupe
For offices seeking something warmer and deeper, Virtual Taupe has an LRV of 60 paired with gray-brown tones and faint purple. This creates an elegant, stylish look. Virtual Taupe works beautifully for creative spaces, libraries, literary offices, and anywhere wanting a moodier, cozier feel.
Benjamin Moore Oxford White
For a bright, clean look, few colors beat Oxford White. With an exceptional LRV of 80, this crisp white will bounce light around the entire space. But it retains enough warmth to avoid looking harsh. Oxford White is great for medical offices, laboratories, tech startups, or other offices wanting a modern, fresh ambiance.
Factors to Consider in an Office With No Natural Light
Along with choosing a light reflective paint, here are some other factors to consider when painting an office with no windows:
Ceiling Height
A room with a higher ceiling will feel more open and less dark. Consider a lighter colored paint to enhance this effect. Lower ceilings will feel more enclosed, so a soft mid-tone paint will prevent it from feeling too cave-like.
Artificial Lighting
Make sure overhead lighting is sufficient and wall sconces or table lamps can provide ambient lighting. This is key for proper visibility and comfort in a windowless office. Consider adding lighting on dimmers to adjust the brightness and ambiance.
Furniture & Decor
Use light colored desks, file cabinets, bookshelves, and other furniture. Add mirrors or reflective surfaces to bounce more light around. Incorporate some glass, lucite, or metal materials that won’t absorb light. Adding plants, artwork, and photos creates warmth and visual interest.
Flooring
Lighter toned hardwood, stained concrete, vinyl wood plank, or patterned carpet can make the space feel more inviting. Pair this with light colored walls and ceiling for a consistently bright look.
Tips for Painting an Office With No Natural Light
Once you’ve selected the perfect light reflective paint color, follow these tips when painting your office space without windows:
– Prime walls before painting for better coverage
– Use a semi-gloss or high gloss paint for maximum reflectivity
– Opt for lighter colors on the ceiling to give illusion of height
– Add accent walls in a darker shade for contrast and coziness
– Use the 60-30-10 rule: 60% main color, 30% accent, 10% bold accent
– Add molding or wall trim for architectural detail and character
– Use woven textures or matte finishes to reduce glare from artificial lighting
– Go for multiple thin coats for an even application with no streaks
– Use painter’s tape for clean edges where walls meet ceiling, trim, or baseboards
Conclusion
The lack of natural light in an office space presents challenges but can be overcome with the right paint color selection. Opting for light to mid-tone shades with high LRVs between 50-60 will reflect light and prevent a gloomy feel. Cool undertones like soft blues, grays, and greens open up the windowless space while still appearing professional. Accent shades and gloss finishes also help bounce light around. Pair this with plenty of artificial lighting, mirrors, and decor to make a comfortable and inviting office without any natural light coming through windows. With the perfect paint colors like Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue or Revere Pewter, even the most light-deprived office can be transformed into a bright and pleasant workspace.
