Basements are the spaces beneath the structure. They are often located below the ground level. With little or no natural light, basements are often considered dark places. Thus, one has to make efforts to artificially light the basements. Adequate basement lighting can make the gloomy dark places shine with happy bright lights. In this post, we look at the 15 creative lighting solutions for your basement remodel.
Use an appropriate type of lighting
When you want to revamp your basement lighting, consider among the following three types of lighting:
- Ambient lighting
This is the primary source of lighting in a room. It provides overall illumination throughout the basement. It reduces shadows and makes the room feel more spacious and inviting. Ceiling mounted fixtures like chandeliers, pendant lighting, and wall sconces are a good example of ambient lighting.
- Task lighting
Task lights illuminate specific areas where detailed activities are performed. It provides focused lighting so that you can see smaller details with clarity while working. It reduces eye strain and shadow. They are best used for increasing visibility while performing specific tasks like cooking, reading, writing, sewing etc. Some lighting fixtures used for task lighting are desk lamps, pendant lights, under-cabinet lights, and wall-mounted fixtures.
- Accent lighting
This type of lighting is used to highlight specific areas or objects within a space. These are essentially placed to enhance visual interest or the aesthetic appeal of the space. It emphasizes specific features like artworks, plants, textured walls etc. Lighting fixtures like wall mounted fixtures, spotlights, track lighting, and LED strips can be used for accent lighting.
Layered lighting
In layered lighting, you combine different types of lighting fixtures to create a balanced, versatile, and visually appealing lighting setup and environment. Usually above types of lighting namely, ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting are used in different combinations. If different types of lighting are used, you can switch on the one that suits your mood and the occasion. Layered lighting increases the functionality, use, and aesthetics of different types of lighting fixtures.
Install dimmer switches
Basement lighting can be enhanced with the use of dimmer switches. They enable you to adjust the brightness of your lights, providing greater control over the lighting in a room. There are different types of dimmer switches: rotary dimmers (which use a knob), slide dimmers (use a sliding lever), and smart dimmers (which can be controlled via apps or voice commands). The use of these dimmer switches help in saving energy and setting different types of moods.
Track lighting for attractive, inexpensive lighting
Different types and shapes of tracks are used to hold individual light fixtures called track heads. They can be positioned along the tracks and turned in the direction light is required. The tracks can be linear (straight track), monorail track (a flexible system which can be curved and fitted as per the needs), and cable track (uses cables to suspend the track). Track lighting offers flexibility where the lights can be adjusted and repositioned as per the needs. They give a stylish look to your basements and are ideal for task lighting and accent lighting.
Use of Neon Signs
You can also paint a darker color on the basement wall and light it up with bold Neon signs or designs. Neon signs are bright, easy to put up and remove, and fun to deal with.
Reduce light traps in the basement
If you are unable to provide your basements with sufficient lighting, try to reduce the light traps, so that the basements look brighter. A white color paint on the ceilings and lighter color paint or wallpapers on the basement walls enables the basements to look and feel bigger and brighter.
Judicious use of mirrors
Mirrors enhance the spaciousness of the basements and also help in throwing light around the room. Their elegant designs and frames also add to the aesthetic appeal of the basements.
Paint finish is important
A good paint finish matters. Matte finish paints and eggshell paints are good options. But if you want to bounce the reflected light on the surfaces, a shinier semi glossy paint would be a better solution.
Light up your steps with under stair lighting
This is a nice way to enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of your staircase. You can use LED strip lights along the underside of each step, or along its railing. These lights look nice and symmetric. Even motion sensor lights are a good option. These lights are turned on automatically when someone steps on them. Even small recessed lights can be installed into the walls or steps to get a sleek and modern look. Some people also place spotlights under the stairs. They help to highlight specific features or areas. Rope lights are flexible as they can be folded of the shape of the stairs to make them look attractive and defined. You can choose any of the above types of lighting for your staircases. Under stair lighting improves safety and ambience of your basement remodel.
Use of sheer curtains
Some basements do have windows, French windows, or doors that open outside. These are the lucky ones to have natural lighting getting into their basements. But sometimes direct sunlight especially at specific times of the day can be too harsh. Do not block the natural light with heavy curtains, instead that problem can be solved with the help of sheer fabric curtains. They diffuse daylight spreading evenly throughout the basement. They also enhance the entire aesthetics of the basements with the soft touch of their fabrics, light shaded colors, and gentle feeling.
Cove lighting to warm up basements
You can add a touch of sophistication to your basements with cove lighting. This is an indirect lighting technique that directs light towards the ceiling or upper walls. It creates a soft and ambient glow along with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It mostly uses LED strips or rope lights which are installed within the recesses, ledges, and valances. They can also be paired wonderfully with the dimmer switch or connected to your smart home system.
Bold statement with LED light strips
Light strips can be used to make your basements bolder, brighter and more dynamic. They can be placed along the wall, baseboard, and ceiling. You can customize your basements with multiple colors and patterns of these LED light strips.
Twinkling charm of string lights
String lights are also known as Fairy lights or Twinkle lights. It consists of a series of small electric bulbs connected by a wire. There are different types of string lights: LED, solar powered, and battery operated lights. They are extensively used for home decor, events & celebrations, or holiday decorations for both indoors and outdoors. They come in multiple color combinations and are very easy to install, making it the favored choice for decorations.
Basement stairwell lighting
If the stairwells are well lit, the approach to your basement becomes safer and aesthetically appealing. Basement stairwell lighting can be done with the use of: Recessed lighting, LED strip lights, Wall sconces, Motion activated lights, pendant lights and string lights.
Creative lighting fixtures
Different types of lighting fixtures can be used to create your dream basement. Some types of lighting fixtures are: recessed lighting, track lighting, flush mount ceiling lights, pendant lights, wall sconces, floor lamps, under cabinet lights, and LED strip lights. These can be used in various combinations to provide layered lighting for your basement.
When you have multiple options to choose from, decision-making becomes difficult. That time you can trust the expertise of Basement Finishing in York PA. With a rich experience in the industry we can turn your basement dreams into reality. From custom designs and top quality materials to efficient project management, we take care of every minute detail of the basement finishing services. Some common basement finishing services we provide are:
- Drywalling
- Wiring
- Structural integrity
- Painting
- Flooring
- Safety and security
- Ductwork
- Lighting
- Acoustics
- Waterproofing
- HVAC considerations
- Functional design
So, next time, for creative lighting solutions for your basements, contact us.
You can also visit our online Gallery to check images of our esteemed work!
Conclusion
Many times basements are the dark places of your homes. Therefore, basement transformation often starts with basement lighting decisions. This post provides 15 creative lighting solutions for your basement remodel. You can first plan and execute the transformation of your basements, and then install effective basement lighting as per the basement layout and needs. You can choose any of the above solutions or create your own basement creative lighting solution. Light up your neglected spaces and enjoy the transformation!
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the best lighting solution for a basement?
Ambient lighting through the recessed ceiling lights is often the best basement lighting solution. Track lighting is also a good alternative.
2. What are the ways to get in more natural lighting in the basements?
- Strategic placement of mirrors in the basement
- Select an open floor plan for the basement remodel
- Select a window well cover with reflective properties
- Choosing an Egress window
- Use of solar pipes also channelize natural light in the basements
3. What are the lighting fixtures that can be used for Task lighting in the basements?
Some task lighting fixtures that can be used for basements are desk lamps, pendant lights, under-cabinet lights, and wall-mounted fixtures.
4. How to choose an appropriate lighting solution for your basement?
The choice of an appropriate basement lighting solution depends on the budget, the layout of the basement, the lighting requirements as per functionality, and the aesthetics of the basements. Choose wisely and if required take professional help for the decision making.