Basements are known for being dim, uninviting, and just plain creepy--but it doesn't have to be that way. Ditch the flashlight forever with our tips for basement lighting.

Ah, the basement. Dark, damp and eerie, there’s a reason so many basements make appearances in horror flicks and ghost tales. And unless your lower level is blessed with a walkout and large windows to add much needed natural light, you likely face the same challenges those horror movie victims faced themselves. Ditch the flashlight and read on for tips on how to bring your basement out of the dark.

 

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Since basements are usually made up of one or two large rooms, your first focus should be adding allover light to your space. As long as your ceilings are tall enough (about 7.5’ minimum), recessed can lighting is the best option for general lighting.

Recessed can lighting offers even, full lighting throughout your space and is an attractive way to light your whole basement while avoiding dark spots. Go for wide-beam floodlights for even light dispersal. Another plus about recessed lighting—it doesn’t take up precious wall space, so your collection of sports memorabilia can be displayed in its full glory.

Modern basement with recessed lighting

If your basement also happens to be your space to relax at the end of a long day or entertain friends and family, you may want to consider novelty lighting like color-changing LED strips or antique bulbs for added style. LED strips like Mosaic or LIGHTIFY are strips of flexible LED lights that can be placed under cabinets or countertops, behind TV sets, around wall art, or anywhere else you want an added kick of flair, and can be tuned to many different colors to reflect your mood. Antique bulbs can be easily added to pendants for an instant touch of vintage charm—these bulbs look great over bars, countertops and as accents in bathrooms. 

Of course, you may need additional lighting for areas you’ll be working (or playing) in. Think a pendant or two above the bar area, foosball table or workspace, as well as track lights over any displays of art or memorabilia. Adding an adjustable lamp or two for extra light while perusing the morning paper or your favorite magazines is a great idea as well.

Basement with pool table

When choosing lighting for any room, but especially for a room with many recessed fixtures like basements, energy-efficient, long lasting bulbs are ideal. Compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, LED bulbs waste 90 percent less energy and last years longer (up to 25!). This will save you time on a ladder and hours of frustration trying to unscrew recessed bulbs that have burnt out prematurely, as well as money not wasted on inefficient bulbs each year. Modern day LED bulbs come in every color temperature and many are dimmable, so you won’t have to sacrifice style and functionality for energy and money savings.

If you don’t already have dimmer switches installed with your light fixtures, we recommend them not only for the ability to create different moods with different levels of light, but also for saving money down the road by being able to choose your light output.