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- Why are lighter tones in your office interior important for reducing stress?
Why are lighter tones in your office interior important for reducing stress?
It is something we might take for granted but making the most of a lighter interior in your workplace can bring many health benefits to employees. Multiple studies have indicated that bright rooms can have a positive effect on reducing stress and improving mental health, but what can you do to create a workplace with a calmer vibe?
Light up!
It may seem like an obvious place to start but failing to have proper lighting in your work setting may put you at risk for headaches and eye strain, both of which can cause stress and fatigue. When planning the lighting in your space, it is important to distribute the brightness evenly around the room. Using ceiling lights is a good example of spreading light equally by placing them in different parts of a room. Desk lamps are also helpful for individual workspaces, especially if the area is prone to shadows and has dark corners.
However, if you do have access to daylight in your room, try to utilise it as much as possible by placing your furniture close to the windows. Natural light can have numerous health benefits and brighten the mood in a working environment, so make sure you let it flourish!
However, if you do have access to daylight in your room, try to utilise it as much as possible by placing your furniture close to the windows. Natural light can have numerous health benefits and brighten the mood in a working environment, so make sure you let it flourish!
Cool, calm and collected!
Having an office interior with lighter tones is essential for creating a tranquil and stress-free atmosphere. White walls give off a relaxing vibe as they reflect light around a room, making it feel more spacious. White might seem like a basic and dull option, but it can present a clean environment that can be pleasing to the eye. Moreover, it is a flexible choice, combining many different styles and patterns for your workplace interior.
When it comes to furnishing your office, choosing lighter colours and minimalistic furniture styles will be the centrepiece for constructing a relaxing ambience. We recommend using colours like blues, greens and greys for chairs and tables, along with desks that have a lighter wood, as they can assist in portraying a calm interior.
When it comes to furnishing your office, choosing lighter colours and minimalistic furniture styles will be the centrepiece for constructing a relaxing ambience. We recommend using colours like blues, greens and greys for chairs and tables, along with desks that have a lighter wood, as they can assist in portraying a calm interior.
For example, our VARIOUS +RIO furniture set is compatible with several interior settings that can be used in a canteen, meeting room or office. The set is available in several colours, including white and light blue, which can convey a cool vibe.
Why not add a bit of nature?
Adding some plants, whether real or artificial, can also help improve the setting of your work area by providing some colour and pleasant aromas. They are also helpful in creating and dividing up spaces to give employees a place where they can take a minute to rest if they feel overwhelmed or stressed.
Overall, stress and anxiety will always come and go, but if businesses can take the initiative by having lighter interiors in the workplace, it will improve the productivity and mental health of their team.
Overall, stress and anxiety will always come and go, but if businesses can take the initiative by having lighter interiors in the workplace, it will improve the productivity and mental health of their team.
FAQ
- Lighter colours like soft whites, creams, and pale blues reflect more natural light and create a sense of openness. This reduces visual fatigue, promotes calmness, and helps employees feel less confined or overwhelmed in their workspace.
- Bright interiors make office spaces feel more energising and uplifting. Studies show that well-lit environments and light colour palettes can improve focus, increase optimism, and encourage collaboration—all vital for workplace wellbeing.
- Calming wall colours include light neutrals (off-white, beige, light grey), muted greens, and soft blue tones. These hues help reduce mental fatigue, support relaxation, and create a soothing backdrop for focused work.
- To create a mood-boosting workspace, combine light-coloured walls with natural materials, plants, and warm lighting. Add touches of texture and artwork to maintain visual interest while keeping the overall look airy and uncluttered.
- Yes. White or pale ceilings reflect both natural and artificial light downward, making a room appear more spacious and luminous. This can help counteract the dull or enclosed feeling that often contributes to stress in office settings.
- Use lighter paint tones, mirrors, and glass surfaces to enhance reflection. Choose slimline furniture in light finishes and replace heavy drapes with sheer or light-filtering blinds. These small changes can significantly brighten a dark workspace.
- Opt for neutral or slightly warm white lighting (around 3000–4000K). It balances the natural brightness of lighter tones while maintaining a calm, inviting atmosphere for staff wellbeing.
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