Brighten your basement living space with the right light fixtures and a lighting design that works with the conditions of a finished basement. This includes light placement, electrical layout and even dècor options like window treatments. All of these elements come together to create a comfortable space, ideal for relaxing and spending quality time with the ones you love.
Ideal Light Fixtures
Basement light fixtures need to be sleek and unobtrusive, maximizing ceiling height in this limited space. Consider recessed pot lights for drywall and drop ceilings. They fit very nicely into any basement, and both incandescent and CFL bulbs are available. Make sure your framing allows sufficient ceiling space for the fixture housing, or invest in brands with shallow housing.
Highlight specific areas or dècor in the basement, such as artwork, architectural features and shelving, with directional lights. Surface-mounted spotlights take up limited space and come in a narrow-beam design that is ideal for smaller pieces of art or dècor. Track lighting is another option that also works well in kitchen or office areas below grade. Mount tracks under shelving units or at ceiling height to light up shadowed hallways and long walls.
Lamps work well for task lighting, and can be used in the main living area if your windows let in adequate natural lighting. If lamps will provide the majority of light, you need to ensure the electrical design is up to par. And consider installing three-way switches and dimmers to optimize lamp function.
Ideal Light Placement
Think about the window location when laying out your lighting design. Finished basements do not generally get as much light as the above-grade living spaces, and every ray of sunshine needs to be taken advantage of in the lighting layout.
Keep windows free from obstructions, such as heavy drapes and dark window treatments. Blinds work well to block morning sunlight, but aren't the best choice for basement windows. Opt for sheers or other types of semi-transparent treatments to provide privacy without blocking the sunlight.
Think about the furniture placement as well, and avoid placing tall or bulky furniture near windows. Do what you can to eliminate shadows and this space will be brighter and more inviting.
Mirrors help to expand light, especially when they are strategically placed to reflect light back into the room. Tall mirrors can rest on the ground and visually expand the area, while wall mounted mirrors help to extend lighting all the way to the floor.
Basic Steps to Plan your Basement Lighting
Ask yourself these questions when planning for basement lighting:
- What time of day will you be in the basement area? If you plan to spend a portion of the evening in this space, make sure your lighting coverage allows for that. If you plan to spend some of the day downstairs, you'll need to pay close attention to your windows.
- What kind of activities will be happening in the basement? Certain activities need certain lighting styles, such as billiard tables or a home theatre. Plan your lighting style and location based on what you'll be doing in the space.
Other factors you may want to consider include:
- Ceiling height - in some cases a shorter ceiling height limits your light fixture choices. Always choose fixtures that maximize the space, both in the housing and coverage.
- Flooring - darker engineered hardwood flooring may darken this space, unless the floor boards have a glossy finish to reflect light. If you have dark flooring, compensate with additional fixtures and other additions like mirrors and bright walls.
- Construction - some basements are built with cement blocks, restricting the type of lighting mounts you can use. Others have extremely limited framing, leaving little to no room for wiring and housing. Take these things into consideration before you purchase fixtures.
Opt for light wall colors to create a bright space. Pastels and light neutrals are best for below-grade living spaces, although darker shades can be used as accents. Limit the amount of dark colors and be sure to light up these items or walls with directional lights. Flooring, ceilings and trim should also be light colored, and a semi-gloss finish enhances natural and artificial lighting.
Safety Concerns
Your electrical design should be completed by a licensed professional, and all applicable electrical codes should be adhered to. Book an inspection to ensure the lighting and electrical in your finished basement is safe and properly installed. Most insurance policies require this permit information.
Make sure that your stairway is well lit, including bright, properly placed light fixtures that brighten up each step. A three-way switch allows you to turn the stairway lights on and off, no matter which way you're traveling. Consider locating the fixtures in accessible locations, to avoid accidents when changing the light bulbs.
Basement flooding can seriously damage the electrical system. Ensure that all outlets and wiring are installed at least a few inches above the floor to avoid damage during a minor basement flood. Install a GFI receptacle in the basement bathroom to avoid shorts and run exposed wires through conduit to avoid accidents and damage.
Lighting plays a major role in any living space. Your finished basement needs to be comfortable and bright, with the ideal light fixtures installed in the ideal locations. Think about what time of day you will be hanging out in the basement, and what kind of activities will be take place. Design your lighting for function and aesthetics, and consider how dècor items and finishing can help to make the most of your basement lighting. Safety concerns also come into play. Be sure that all applicable electrical permits are obtained and hire a professional electrician to take care of this essential element in your finished basement.
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