Basement Lighting Ideas

Original or remodeled, many basements simply don’t have access to natural light from large windows. That makes choosing the perfect lighting even more important. Whether your basement is unfinished or fully finished, there’s a way to lighten up the space. At Pottery Barn, we know the value of making every square inch of your home bright and usable. We’ll share with you some basement lighting ideas, tips and tricks to illuminate your lower level and turn it into one of your home’s most shining spots to relax, work or play. If your basement goes unused because it’s dimly lit, there are plenty of ways to warm up the space and make it glow.

 

Paint It Bright

One foundation of a light, bright and airy basement is paint. Determining the wall colors for your basement is relatively simple. Stay on the white and lighter-neutral side for most of the space. Feel free to experiment with clear, bright accent wall colors around the space for visual interest.

 

Remember the ceiling. Painting the exposed joists and all the nooks and crannies of in a low open-ceiling basement bright white makes all the difference in the world when it comes to living or working comfortably in an unfinished space. The white surfaces and lighting work together, amplifying each other to create a bright space. Consider painting the walls the same color and finish for a clean, streamlined look.

 

String the Lights

Figuring out how to light a basement is just like decorating any other part of your home. It requires layers of lights. Most likely you have recessed lighting in a finished basement. You might have a dropped ceiling with panels of fluorescent lighting in an older basement. Whatever you have, enhance it with string lights. Today’s string lights are designed for year-round use, not just for the holidays. String them up and attach them to rafters or around the perimeter of a room to add an extra layer of illumination.

 

Maximize LED Lights

You’ll need some basement lighting in those out-of-the way corners. For example, how many basements have poorly lit stairs and entryways? Make the way down to the basement more inviting with stair lighting. Use LED strips, bars and night lights. Install a strip under your stairs’ handrail. It’ll illuminate the way beautifully. Or, add these strips under each stair tread for easy climbing.

 

Treat your basement’s entryway lighting at the top of the stairway as you would any other entrance. If you already have a light in place, update it with a brighter fixture. Or, ask an electrician if there’s a way to add a switch and fixture if there’s nothing there at the moment.

 

Cover Fluorescent Lights

Yes, you really can camouflage those fluorescent light panels in your basement. Conceal them with fluorescent light covers. These accessories are designed to freshen up or make those dated fixtures seem to disappear. Consider a flexible peel-and-stick design. Apply it to a light fixture diffuser panel. It’ll transform the look and feel of your basement without the need to replace the light fixtures. Once the cover is on the panel, the design is back-lit when the lights are turned on to create a moody atmosphere in your basement.

 

Bring in Lamps

Layering lighting in a basement means bringing in traditional table and floor lamps. These make the space feel like an extension of your main living space. It’s also important to bring in various layers of lighting if you’re setting up a home office, craft area or other work space in the basement. Treat the basement to beautiful lamps to add some style to the space. Table and floor lamps with lampshades make a basement glow with that warm, lived-in look. Remember to add fun night lights in corners or in little hidden niches if you’re lighting up a playroom area.

 

Bounce the Light

Enhance your basement’s lighting by installing white- or light-colored countertops and storage cabinets. Go for a glossy finish to best mirror the light. The lighter the surface is, the more it’ll bounce light around the room. If the style fits, such as in a basement with a bar area, consider adding more light to the room with trendy illuminated furniture.

 

Treating your basement like any other living space in your house is the way to make it more welcoming. That includes careful considering the landing at the of the stairs. Here, use a mirror with lighting placed in front of it. This magnifies and throws light around the space. If you have room in the landing area of your basement, add a console table and mirror. Then, line up various size flameless candles for a dazzling, welcoming effect.

 

Your basement can become a bright place to be. Simply use some or all of these tips to transform the space. You’ll be so excited to spend time in this refreshed area!