5 Easy Ways to Add Natural Light to Your Home Office

Working from home has its perks: flexibility, comfort, and the ability to design a space that’s entirely yours. But without enough natural light, even the coziest home office can feel uninspiring.

Why should you care about natural light? Beyond making your space look brighter and more inviting, it’s a proven productivity booster. Studies show that natural light improves mood, sharpens focus, and even helps regulate your sleep cycles—all musts for thriving in a home office.

As a remote writer living in a cloudy northern country (hello, Netherlands), I know how challenging it can be to get enough sunlight. Over the years, I’ve discovered easy but effective changes that make a big difference, even on the gloomiest days. In this article, I’ll share what’s worked for me and why getting that light is so important.

How Natural Light Boosts Productivity and Mood in Your Home Office

Natural light isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a productivity superpower. Research has consistently shown that exposure to daylight can improve your focus and creativity. Harvard Business Review even calls it the #1 Office Perk (take that free pizza). Think of it as a natural energy drink, minus the crash.

Here’s why it works:

• Better mood: Sunlight triggers the release of serotonin, a hormone that makes you feel happier and calmer. On cloudy days, I’ve noticed even a small beam of sunlight gives me a boost.
• Increased focus: Working in a well-lit space reduces mental fatigue, keeping you sharp during long workdays. Personally, when I adjusted my workspace to maximize natural light, my afternoon slumps got a lot easier to manage.
• Improved circadian rhythms: Natural light helps regulate your body’s internal clock, leading to better sleep and more energy during the day.

And there’s science to back this up. Dr. Alan Hedge of Cornell University found that workers in daylight-filled offices reported 51% less eyestrain, 63% fewer headaches, and 56% less drowsiness. I dunno about you, but it’s cool to think that just prioritizing light could make you feel that much better.

5 Tips for Adding More Natural Light to Your Home Office

Ready to brighten your work day? Here are my top 5 tips for adding more natural light to your home office with minimal fuss.

1. Place Your Desk Near a Window for Maximum Light Exposure

Start with the basics: move your desk closer to a window. This simple change gives you access to daylight, enhancing your workspace atmosphere and productivity.

How to make it work:

• Position your desk to avoid glare on your screen. Angling it slightly to the side of the window works best.
• If you can, choose a window with a pleasant view—trees, sky, or even a well-kept yard can inspire creativity. In my case, even the tree in my neighbor’s garden helps.

Bonus: Outdoor views that bring nature into your wfh space reduce stress and boost your mental clarity, making this tip a two-for-one deal.

2. Use Light-Colored Curtains to Soften Natural Light

Even if you position your desk carefully, you might get sun glare as the sun moves throughout the day. If harsh sunlight is an issue, light-colored curtains are your solution. They diffuse the light, creating a soft, comfortable glow. 

Pro tips:

• Opt for sheer fabrics or pastel shades. These filter sunlight without blocking it entirely.
• Light curtains also reduce glare and eye strain, especially if you’re on your computer for hours.
• Pairing light curtains with a bright, neutral color scheme in your office can amplify the overall effect and give your space a light, airy feel.

3. Incorporate Mirrors to Reflect Sunlight and Brighten Your Home Office

This tip is so simple, yet so, SO good! Mirrors do wonders for brightening a space. By reflecting sunlight, they can make even a small or dimly lit office feel open. 

How to use them effectively:

• Place a large mirror opposite or adjacent to a window to bounce light around the room. This trick has really helped in my own tiny office.
• Use decorative mirrors to enhance your office aesthetic while increasing light flow.
• Smaller spaces benefit the most, as mirrors can visually expand the area while brightening dark corners.

4. Open Windows to Improve Airflow and Sunlight Exposure

Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best. Open your windows regularly to let fresh air and sunlight flood your office. Yes, I even do this in the winter! A blast of fresh air is a pretty good midday mood booster.

Key benefits:

• Natural ventilation improves air quality, keeping you energized and focused.
• The combination of fresh air and daylight creates a healthier and more pleasant workspace. 
• Add a touch of greenery by placing plants near your windows. They thrive in sunlight and improve your office’s air quality—a win-win for your health and productivity.

Bonus: Maximizing Natural Light During the Day 

Sometimes, no matter what you do, your workspace just isn’t going to get enough light. If that’s the case (and even if it’s not), here are a few extras to help:

• Take breaks outside: Step away from your desk, go outside, and get a few minutes of daylight whenever possible. This helps on gloomy days too, not just sunny ones (trust me, I’m a gloomy weather expert).
• Supplement with daylight lamps: These mimic natural light and are a lifesaver during darker months.
• Keep windows clean: Dust and dirt can block out surprising amounts of sunlight. A quick clean makes a huge difference.

Simple Changes for More Natural Light and Better Productivity

Transforming your home office doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By following these tips, you can bring in more natural light, boost your mood, and create a workspace that supports your productivity.

As someone who’s worked remotely for years in a cloudy, northern climate, I can promise you that small adjustments like moving furniture, adding a mirror, or swapping out heavy curtains for lighter ones can make a big difference. Even on the darkest days, my home office feels brighter and more inspiring.

Let’s keep the conversation going! Share your favorite natural light tips in the comments below. For more ideas on biophilic office design and workspace improvements, subscribe to our newsletter, Making it Brighter.

FAQs

How can I add more natural light to my home office?
Place your desk near a window, use light-colored curtains, and add mirrors to reflect sunlight. Transparent furniture and open windows can also improve light flow and air quality.

What are the benefits of natural light in a home office?
Natural light boosts productivity, improves mood, and promotes better health by regulating your circadian rhythm. It also enhances focus, reduces stress, and increases creativity.

Can mirrors really improve natural light in my office?
Absolutely! Mirrors reflect sunlight into darker areas, brightening the room and creating a more open and vibrant atmosphere.

How can I avoid glare while using natural light in my office?
Position your desk at an angle to the window and use light-colored curtains or sheer fabrics to diffuse sunlight. This reduces glare and creates a more comfortable workspace.

What is biophilic design and how does it relate to natural light?
Biophilic design integrates nature into indoor spaces to improve well-being. Natural light is a key element, connecting your workspace to the outdoors and enhancing mood and productivity.