If you are planning on remodeling your basement, you will need to pay careful attention to lighting. Whether you are creating a gameroom, an entertainment space or an additional bedroom, it is important to remember that the lighting in your basement will be different to the rest of your home, and needs to be treated with special care. Often, basements have no or very few windows - so natural light is scarce. Here are our top 6 basement lighting tips to make sure your space is fit for purpose.

1. Think about the purpose of your basement

The lighting you choose for your basement will depend on its purpose. A bedroom, for example, will benefit from more ambient, soft lighting for relaxing. If your remodeled basement is intended as a living space or a place for doing work or crafts, you will need stronger, brighter lights. Do you need dimmer switches? Will your space benefit from recessed lighting? These considerations will all depend on the intended use of your basement.

2. Split your basement into sections

If your basement is large, separate it into sections. For example, you may have one area as an office, another for relaxing, and a further space to play games or watch television. When considering the lighting for each, separate the areas accordingly. Supplement sections with additional lighting, and allow other areas to be darker and more intimate.

3. Be eco-friendly

Eco-friendly lighting uses less electricity - resulting in cheaper bills and a smaller carbon footprint. Where possible, try to incorporate energy-efficient lighting into your basement; either with special bulbs, LEDs, or halogen lights. You could even install smart lighting: controlled by a timer or app on your phone to turn lights on and off according to your schedule.

4. Incorporate different types of lighting

When it comes to lighting your remodeled basement, you don’t need to stick with just one method. Try to incorporate different types of lighting into your space; some up high, some from the floor, and some at eye level. Ceiling fixtures, fairy lights, plug-in lamps and recessed can lighting are all popular and bring varying qualities of light into your space.

5. Consider your decor

From your furniture choices to the color on your walls, your decor will play a big part in dictating the light levels of your basement. If you want your basement to feel light and airy, choose lighter colours for your furniture. Whites, neutrals and pastels will mean your room feels brighter, and potentially more spacious too.

6. Fit new windows

If parts of your basement are above ground, it is worth adding a new window or two. From skylights to small conventional windows, there is no substitute for natural light. Even on a grey day, daylight can provide a much needed boost to the light levels in your basement.

If you have any questions about other helpful basement remodeling tips, please call us at 847-290-8000 or visit one of our own upcoming Open House Events for a preview of the matrix basement finishing system.