How to Decorate a Bedroom Without Windows: 9 Game-Changing Tricks Designers Swear By

Even if your bedroom lacks natural light, it doesn't have to lack style or comfort. Many urban apartments, basements, or converted spaces don’t have windows—but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with a cave-like setup. With clever design choices and a few decor hacks, you can make a windowless bedroom feel open, warm, and surprisingly airy.

Key Takeaways:

• Layering artificial light is essential to mimic daylight
• Use bright, neutral paint colors to expand visual space
• Strategic mirrors create the illusion of openness
• Faux windows, curtains, and murals add emotional lightness
• Texture-rich materials help compensate for the lack of natural views

Use Artificial Lighting Like a Pro to Mimic Sunlight

A windowless room needs layered lighting to replicate the warmth and variety of natural light.

Layer Your Light Sources

Designers recommend using three types of lighting in every corner:

• Ambient light: A ceiling fixture or large pendant
• Task lighting: Reading lamps, desk lights, or sconces
• Accent lighting: Strip lights under beds, behind mirrors

Daylight Bulbs Matter

Choose LED bulbs labeled “daylight” (4000K–6500K) to simulate outdoor light. These are ideal for:

• Avoiding yellowish shadows
• Creating consistent lighting for makeup and work
• Preventing seasonal affective symptoms

Paint With Light: Use Bright, Reflective Colors

Your paint choice plays a powerful role in countering the effects of no natural light.

Best Paint Colors for Windowless Bedrooms

• Warm white: Reflects artificial light naturally
• Light beige or greige: Adds a cozy touch without darkening the room
• Pastel blues or sage: Calming without feeling cold

Glossy Finishes = More Light

Opt for satin or eggshell finishes. Avoid flat/matte paints that absorb light.

Expert Tip: According to Apartment Therapy, a light-reflective palette combined with large wall art keeps small spaces from feeling like a closet.

Create Illusions: Add Faux Windows and Light Tricks

When you can’t install a window, fake it convincingly.

Install Faux Windows with Curtains

Hang full-length curtains from ceiling to floor—even if there’s no window behind. It gives the suggestion of a window and softens the wall.

Use Large Wall Murals

Peel-and-stick murals with outdoor views (gardens, skylines, mountains) create depth and visual breathing room.

Frame Mirrors with Drapery

Use large vertical mirrors and flank them with curtain panels. This creates an emotional stand-in for a window.

Use Mirrors to Reflect and Expand the Space

Mirrors are a must-have tool in any windowless bedroom.

Where to Place Your Mirrors

• Across from light sources: Amplifies brightness
• Behind furniture: Creates depth
• Gallery wall of small mirrors: Adds texture and sparkle

Best Mirror Types

• Floor-length mirror with a thin frame: Adds vertical space
• Mirrored nightstands or closet doors: Double-duty design
• Round mirrors: Soften a boxy room

Decorate With Texture and Natural Elements

In a room without a window, you lack the visual and emotional variation that comes with outdoor views. Bring in texture to compensate.

Add Layers and Touchable Decor

• Throw blankets in chunky knits or faux fur
• Woven baskets or rattan stools
• Linen curtains and textured rugs

Use Natural Materials

Even artificial light interacts better with:

• Raw wood furniture
• Woven wall art
• Clay pottery or ceramic pieces

Maximize Vertical Space and Go Up, Not Out

Without windows, your bedroom may also lack square footage. Use vertical design to make it feel taller and less cramped.

Design Tricks That Draw the Eye Up

• Tall bookshelves
• Vertical shiplap or board-and-batten
• Stacked wall art

Furniture That Elevates the Room

• Loft beds with storage below
• Tall headboards
• Slim vertical lighting (wall sconces, standing lamps)

Let Technology Brighten Your Mood

Lighting and mood go hand in hand—especially when you’re missing the sun. Consider investing in smart lighting systems.

Smart Bulbs That Mimic Daylight

• Philips Hue White Ambiance: Adjustable from warm to cool white
• Wyze Bulb Color: Budget-friendly and voice-controlled
• Govee LED Strip Lights: Add accents to under-bed or ceiling borders

Mood Control at Your Fingertips

Program lights to:

• Simulate a sunrise when you wake up
• Gradually dim before bedtime
• Match your productivity schedule

Use Low-Light and Faux Plants to Add Life

Even if sunlight is off the table, you can still bring greenery into your bedroom.

Best Real Plants for Windowless Bedrooms

• Snake plant (Sansevieria): Low-light tolerant, air purifying
• ZZ plant: Extremely durable, thrives in artificial light
• Pothos: Fast-growing and ideal for hanging baskets

Fake Plants for Visual Comfort

Modern artificial plants are realistic and need zero care. Pair with:

• Woven planters
• Elevated stands
• Hanging macramé holders

Keep the Layout Minimal and Clutter-Free

Without windows, the room can quickly feel claustrophobic if it’s too busy or cluttered. You want to design with intention and openness in mind.

Choose Light-Footed Furniture

Opt for furniture with legs that lift it off the floor, such as:

• Floating nightstands
• Mid-century modern beds and dressers
• Clear acrylic chairs or glass-topped tables

Declutter Visually

Use hidden storage:

• Under-bed drawers or rolling bins
• Storage ottomans
• Tall, narrow wardrobes with closed doors

According to Remodelista, overly bulky furniture in small, dark rooms increases the feeling of confinement. Keep only essentials and use multifunctional pieces.

Add Statement Wall Features to Distract from the Lack of Windows

Your goal is to redirect attention to eye-catching decor that creates mood and personal style.

Install Accent Walls

Paint or wallpaper one wall in:

• Muted navy
• Sage green
• Soft charcoal

Pair with contrasting art or lighting for a designer look.

Add Wall-Mounted Features

• Fabric wall hangings
• Geometric wood trim
• Decorative headboards or light-up panels

Incorporate Sensory Layers to Improve Atmosphere

When sight is limited (no window views), your other senses must do more of the work. Layering sound, scent, and texture makes your space feel whole.

Use Soundscapes or White Noise

• Soft ambient music
• Nature sounds (rain, ocean, wind)
• White noise machines to mask urban hums

Incorporate Soothing Scents

Add subtle aromatherapy via:

• Reed diffusers
• Scented candles (lavender, sandalwood, linen)
• Plug-in oil diffusers

Tactile Comfort

Keep surfaces soft:

• Sheepskin rugs
• Linen duvet covers
• Tufted bench cushions

Decorating Tips to Brighten a Bedroom Without Windows

Here are several practical tips to enhance visual appeal, comfort, and usability:

• Use mirrors across from light sources to reflect light deeper into the room
• Choose bedding and textiles in white or pastel tones to boost brightness
• Mix warm and cool light (e.g., overhead warm + daylight bedside lamps)
• Avoid wall clutter—one large piece of art is better than many small ones
• Stick to one main color palette to reduce visual chaos

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Windowless Bedroom Design

Even well-intentioned decorators make mistakes when dealing with a room without windows. Here are the two most common:

1. Overusing Dark Colors

• While moody decor is trendy, in a windowless space it easily becomes gloomy.
• Limit dark paint to accents or accessories only.

2. Not Planning a Lighting Strategy

• Relying on a single ceiling light creates harsh shadows.
• Avoid fluorescent bulbs that are too cold or clinical.
• Mix task, ambient, and decorative lighting with warm and cool options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Decorating a Bedroom Without Windows

How do you brighten a room that has no windows?

To brighten a windowless room:

• Use daylight-mimicking LED bulbs
• Hang large mirrors opposite light sources
• Paint with warm whites or pastels
• Install curtains or murals to simulate windows

What kind of lighting is best for a windowless bedroom?

The best lighting types are:

• LED daylight bulbs (5000K) to simulate sun
• Smart lighting systems that adjust brightness based on time of day
• Accent lighting: strip lights under beds or behind headboards

Lighting should come from at least three angles: above, mid-height, and floor-level.

Can plants survive in a bedroom with no windows?

Yes, some plants thrive without sunlight:

• Snake plant
• ZZ plant
• Pothos
• Cast iron plant

These are low-light champions and air purifiers, too. Artificial light helps—but some species need occasional natural light rotation.

Is it OK to sleep in a room with no windows?

Legally, in many jurisdictions, a “bedroom” requires one egress window. However, bonus rooms or dens are often used as bedrooms.

For health:

• Use air purifiers
• Choose materials with low-VOC finishes
• Avoid overheating—install smart fans or thermostats

Check your local codes before renting or remodeling.

How do I decorate a basement bedroom with no windows?

• Paint walls and ceiling in one light color to open space
• Use uplighting floor lamps to avoid harsh downlight shadows
• Decorate with outdoor-themed wall art
• Include sound and scent elements for comfort

Basements need dehumidifiers to avoid dampness and mold buildup.

Transform Your Windowless Bedroom Into a Bright, Cozy Retreat

Just because your bedroom lacks windows doesn't mean it has to lack charm, comfort, or style. With a thoughtful lighting plan, bright color palette, mirrors, layered textures, and a few smart tricks—like faux windows and natural accents—you can turn even the darkest room into a calm and beautiful sanctuary. Every piece matters more when natural light isn’t on your side, so choose intentionally, decorate boldly, and remember: coziness isn’t about square footage or sunlight—it’s about how your space makes you feel.

For more small-space inspiration, follow along with Decor Areas—your go-to source for renter-friendly, affordable, and stylish home solutions.