Ask HN: Tips for Improving a Windowless Workspace

2 points by argondonor 4 years ago | 3 comments

I have the unfortunate privilege of working in a space with some irritating qualities that over time have begun to wear on me, such as:

- a completely interior room, with no windows (nor possibility for windows) - no more than 15' square, with no sightlines from desk any further than the walls - track lighting with harsh spotlights

I take a lap around the building a few times a day just to let my eyes refocus and to get a glimpse of the sunlight, but that's just a few moments of respite before I'm back into the dungeon. I'm looking for any ideas on how to make this better to sit in all day, because switching rooms isn't an option. Appreciate any help/tips.

perelin 4 years ago |

If there is no sunlight Im afraid no plant will last very long :/

I work from our basement and have more or less the same problem. What helped me the most was some good lighting conditions. I use a bunch of big LED panels from Ikea [1] on my walls to create the illusion of windows. They have settings for brightness and color temperature so you can gradually switch them from "daylight bright white" to "mellow sunset orange" depending on the time of the day. To upgrade that you could use an actual full spectrum lamp [2] to make your brain believe that its actually in real sunlight.

To get some basic exercise in I have a standing desk and a small treadmill which I can put underneath.

For greens I just used some middle-priced fake plants all over the place. Good enough.

And of course some personal touch with my posters. Mostly Sci-Fi nerd shit :)

[1] https://www.ikea.com/us/en/search/products/?q=floalt

[2] https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-light-therap...

asimpleusecase 4 years ago |

Had an office like this before. 1) plants help. Even a potted Ivy on you desk. 2) if you are in a room on your own,think about getting a floor lamp and turn overhead light off. It can make a huge difference. 3) consider putting a good sized monitor on the the wall and show the feed of a webcam somewhere in the world , it can by like having a window.

cdkmoose 4 years ago |

Do you have room for plants? Some greenery might brighten things up and create a healthier environment. Can you put up wall hangings to break up the monotony of the walls? Might make the room feel bigger