How Do I Improve the Lighting in my Basement?
Basements are challenging rooms to light properly. Many times there is very little natural light so you need a solution that’s going to help you achieve the perfect mood. The Mr. Potlight team has outlined the different types of lighting for a basement as well as the most important design principles to consider in order to determine, what is the best lighting for a basement.
Types of Lighting for your Basement
Recessed Lighting: Pot lights or recessed lighting is the best option for your basement renovation. They are embedded in the drywall, which is optimal for low-ceiling situations. They can provide as much or as little light as you desire, depending on your needs. Basement recessed lighting is very budget-friendly when it comes to calculating the costs of your renovation.
Ambient or all-over lighting: Ambient light is all about spreading a glow throughout the entire basement space.
Task lighting: This is a more focused and direct light on particular areas, such as a hanging light over a pool table, gaming table or work desk. Pendant lights, under-cabinet lighting and chandeliers, are also examples of fixtures used to achieve task lighting.
Indirect lighting: Indirect lighting is all about putting a focus on specific architectural features inside your home, sports memorabilia or art.
Sconce Lighting: These types of lights usually point light upward and are controlled by wall switches. Sconces are good for general lighting in your basement. Some wall sconces are designed to point down so if you use your basement as a bedroom, installation at the bedside can be used as a reading light.
Tray Lights: Tray lighting is used for hidden lighting that is great in a home theatre or living room where you expect to need low lighting or no light for the ultimate viewing experience.
Track Lights: Tracking lighting is the cheaper alternative to recessed lighting or pot lights. These fixtures are fitted on top of your existing ceiling or can be screwed into exposed floor joists if you have a partially unfinished basement. The other benefit of track lighting is that you can point each light exactly where you want it to go so that it can be used as ambient light or task light.
Basement Lighting Design Principles
- Define Usage: Decide how you need this light to help you in the room. Do you need it to focus on a specific task or shine a light on your prized art collection? What kind of mood are you trying to set? What activities are you primarily doing in your basement? This will help you decide what type of light you need.
- Build-in Flexibility: You never know how your basement layout is going to change over the years. That’s why it’s best to choose lighting fixtures such as pot lights or recessed lighting because you get that mix of ambient light as well as the ability to direct light with your full control.
- Decide on Brightness: Basements typically are poorly lit so they most likely require higher brightness settings. Depending on the size of your basement, how low your ceiling is, and the number of lights, your preferred brightness level could vary. Pot lights and recessed lighting have dimmer switches available so you can change it up at any time.
Basement Lighting Solutions
Need some advice and inspiration? Mr. Potlight can help you with anything having to do with basement lighting. Our lighting experts can help you design the perfect lighting solutions for your home or business. Call us today for an estimate and to book your free consultation now!
