HOW LIGHT AND MATERIALS AFFECT TEAM MEETING PSYCHOLOGY?

In a modern workplace, meeting rooms are not just venues for discussion — they are environments that shape collaboration, creativity, and decision-making efficiency. Two factors that strongly influence group meeting psychology are lighting and materials. The thoughtful combination of both can make the difference between a productive, inspired meeting and a tense, uninspiring one.

Why Do People Often Feel Uneasy When Entering a Meeting Room?

A Space That Creates Tension and Potential Conflict

For many employees, entering a meeting room often brings a sense of stress or anxiety. This stems from the psychological pressure of critical discussions, where debates and disagreements can easily arise — unintentionally creating a sense of distance among team members.

The Role of the Interior Design Company

A professional interior design firm plays a key role in shaping the meeting experience. By balancing natural and artificial lighting, combining it with warm, tactile materials, and adding strategic color accents, designers can create a space that supports open communication, focus, and creativity.

Lighting in Meeting Rooms: From Focus to Creativity

Lighting is a powerful tool that shapes both emotion and behavior.

• Natural white light enhances focus and alertness — ideal for technical or analytical discussions.

• Warm yellow light, on the other hand, fosters friendliness and emotional openness, creating a more relaxed atmosphere for brainstorming sessions.

Example: Publicis Group At Publicis Group’s main meeting room, IDD Decor combined natural light from glass partitions with artistic pendant lighting. This approach ensures focus during discussions while still inspiring creativity — a vital ingredient for a global communication corporation like Publicis.

Materials in Meeting Rooms: The Emotion Behind the Texture

The materials chosen for meeting room interiors are not just aesthetic — they have a profound psychological effect.

• Natural wood conveys warmth and authority, often seen in corporate boardrooms.

• Glass and metal suggest transparency and modernity, suited to startups or tech firms.

• Stone or engineered surfaces express solidity and formality — favored by financial institutions and large-scale enterprises.

Example: VPIC Headquarters In the VPIC meeting room, IDD Decor applied a minimalist yet solid design centered around a long wooden conference table. The raw wood surface, paired with a grey–white color palette, balances warmth and professionalism. Neutral downlighting ensures concentration while maintaining comfort — reflecting VPIC’s practical, straightforward, and cohesive working culture.

The Combination of Light and Materials: The Key to Meeting Success

A successful meeting room is not defined by size or luxury, but by the harmony between light and materials.

• When natural light blends with warm wood tones, it creates a calm and welcoming environment, encouraging open dialogue.

• Conversely, white lighting combined with metal and glass surfaces fosters energy and speed — ideal for dynamic, performance-oriented teams.

Example: ECOBA Corporation At ECOBA’s meeting room, IDD Decor designed a neutral gray palette enhanced by light veneer wood and balanced lighting. This approach aligns with ECOBA’s infrastructure background — exuding stability and precision — while avoiding the stiffness typical of traditional boardrooms. Red seat accents add subtle energy, motivating participants during discussions.

Meeting Room Design Trends 2024–2025

Modern corporations increasingly value meeting experiences that blend comfort, sustainability, and functionality. Key trends include:

• Maximizing natural daylight

• Integrating smart lighting systems that adapt to task needs

• Using sustainable materials such as FSC-certified wood and recycled stone

• Enhancing acoustic quality for better concentration and communication

Conclusion

Lighting and materials are not mere technical details — they are emotional tools that define how teams connect, think, and perform.
As demonstrated by Publicis, VPIC, and ECOBA, when light and material are thoughtfully harmonized, a meeting room becomes more than a workspace — it becomes a source of inspiration, encouraging collaboration and innovation within the organization.

IDD Decor – Office Interior Design – Behind the Door Awaits the Journey to Success.

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