Basement Lighting

A basement can be used in a variety of ways by today’s homeowners. Whether you use it as a gym, home office, hangout spot, or wine cellar, there is no denying the need for proper basement lighting. This can be a tricky area to light, but the right lighting can make or break this unique space. Here are a few useful tips to help you achieve the right basement lighting for your needs.

1. Start with overhead lighting and create layers

   One of the most important elements of basement lighting is to start with the overhead or general lighting and then work your way down to other lighting such as task lighting or accent lighting. The general lighting should offer the lumen output needed for the space for visibility and cast a wide light spread which is why its placed overhead. Your task lighting can be found in lamps for desks or other areas where you need additional lighting that is further away from the ceiling. Accent lighting has found its place in basements in the form of wall sconces, walkway lighting, and can lights.

2. Consider the ceiling and mounting options

   When looking at the right fixtures for a basement, you need to keep in mind the dissensions of the ceiling and the wiring possibilities. There are ceilings in basements where installing recessed lighting isn’t an option and you can only go with surface or pendant mounted options. Make sure you check the ceiling and wiring in the basement before choosing fixtures for the best results.

3. Design the lighting based on your needs

   One of the most important things in basement lighting is to choose the lighting based on what you will use the space for in general. If you are using the basement as a gym, the lighting will be different than if you are using it as a home movie theater. With how versatile this space can be, you can turn it into just about anything and the lighting can make or break the space. Figure out what you will use the basement for and then look at the lighting based on those activities.

4. Choose low heat lamps

   Whether you use the basement as a wine cellar, a home gym, or a play space for the kids, a basement is usually a small somewhat confined space so you want to avoid light types which add extra heat during operation. LED is the best solution because it doesn’t lose energy in the form of heat during operation so the lamps stay cool while also lasting longer than other solutions.