Basements are one of the most versatile spaces in your home and your options are endless when it comes to remodeling them. But one thing that homeowners don’t often think about in the planning stages is lighting. There’s no doubt about it, good lighting can transform your space with the flick of a switch. Literally. In fact, it can transform a basement from a dark and underused space to an extension of the rest of your home. But it’s not just about installing modern lighting fixtures. There’s a lot more to it than that. Here’s what you need to know about choosing the best basement lighting.
Types of Basements
First, it’s important to take stock of what you’re starting with. What kind of basement do you currently have? What are the pros and cons of the space? The best lighting plan will take these questions into consideration. There are so many things to consider, but here are a couple of examples to give you an idea of how it would impact your decisions.
Walkout Basements
Walkout basements have the benefit of a lot of natural light as they are built above ground and often have multiple windows and doors already installed. Because of this, walkout basements typically require less concentrated lighting options, so the priority could be placed more on mood lighting that can be used for various purposes once the sun goes down.
Finished Basements
If your basement is finished but you don’t have much ceiling height or natural light, you will want to install a lighting option that maximizes the sense of space. This will require a more even distribution of light and avoidance of any unnecessary fixtures on your ceiling. A great option for this scenario is recessed lighting which sits within the ceiling and provides blanket coverage.
Use of Space
The next thing you will need to consider is what you’re going to use your space for. Your lighting choices can enhance your experience and ensure your space remains fully functional. Here are a few examples.
Assess Practicality
It’s important to remember that one type of lighting might be more practical than another based on its intended use. For example, recessed lighting is a great option for spaces dedicated to hobbies or game rooms where visibility is important but the delicate design of a hanging light is less practical (especially if a pool ball goes flying! It’s happened to all of us, right?).
Consider Task Lighting
If you are going to have workspaces such as a desk area or a bar, you’ll want to install task lighting, a practical option that will make the space more functional. Task lighting can vary in both strength and type but the goal here is to make your life easier and provide enough light to avoid any eye strain when working in a space.
Consider Accent Lighting
When it comes to the ambiance and feel of your basement, simply installing overhead lighting can make the space feel quite harsh. Adding accent lighting, such as light fixtures or floor lamps, will add warmth to your basement, ultimately leading to it feeling more inviting.
Lighting Color Temperature
Another thing to take into account is the color and temperature of your basement lighting, and by temperature, we don’t mean heat. We’re instead talking about the color of light your bulb gives off. There are 3 main colors to consider: warm white, cool white, and daylight.
Generally speaking, warmer lights are better for relaxing in your living room and bedrooms as they are softer and are more geared towards calmer activities. The brightest option will be your daylight bulbs that put off extremely bright, white light. This light can be quite jarring (picture walking outside when you had just been inside a dark movie theater), but is great for areas where you need to be productive, like in your basement home office. Whatever you choose, each of these options will change the feel of the space immediately so it’s important to be intentional when choosing what’s right for you.
Consult the Experts – Let There Be Light!
There are so many things that go into making your house work for you, both in functionality and design. Although choosing your lighting plan might not feel like rocket science, it’s important that it fits with the overall intention of the space… as well as your budget! This is why we always recommend reaching out to an experienced professional who has worked with a variety of spaces and knows what suits each purpose. Be prepared to talk through what you’re planning for the space, what your needs are, and how you’d like your space to function.
At Kegonsa Remodeling and Design, we’re happy to offer free consultations and quotes. If you have any questions about basement lighting and how to create a space that works for you, you can schedule your complimentary consultation on our website here.