"Maybe the darker colors absorb too much of the light?"
Yeah, darker walls definitely soak up more ambient light. I've noticed indirect lighting works best with lighter or neutral-colored rooms—dark furniture or walls tend to mute the effect quite a bit.
Indirect lighting can still be effective with darker walls, though it does require more careful placement and stronger fixtures. I've worked on spaces with deep charcoal or navy walls, and yes, they do tend to absorb ambient light, but you can balance that by using reflective surfaces or strategically placed task lighting.
"dark furniture or walls tend to mute the effect quite a bit."
True, but sometimes that muted effect is exactly what you're after—especially if you're aiming for a cozy, intimate workspace rather than a bright, airy one.
Agree with this, darker walls can definitely create a cozy vibe—but have you considered how the color temperature of your bulbs factors in? Warmer LEDs might complement dark walls better, reducing harsh contrasts and enhancing that intimate atmosphere you're after...
Warmer bulbs can help soften contrasts, true, but sometimes cooler LEDs actually balance dark walls nicely, especially if you're working on detailed tasks. Warm lighting might feel cozy, but cooler tones often boost alertness and reduce eye strain during long hours... something to think about.
Totally agree about cooler LEDs helping with detailed tasks. Have you noticed any difference in your sleep patterns, though, when using cooler lights later in the day? I remember switching to brighter, cooler bulbs in my home office a while back—definitely helped me stay alert during late-night work sessions, but I found myself having trouble winding down afterward. Ended up installing dimmable bulbs so I could shift towards warmer tones as the evening went on... seemed to help balance things out.
Also curious if you've experimented with task lighting setups? I've found that a focused desk lamp with adjustable color temperature can be a game-changer. It lets me keep the room cozy and warm overall, but still have that crisp, cool light exactly where I need it for detailed work. Might be worth considering if you're tweaking your workspace again down the line.
