Choosing the right kind of lighting for your basement is crucial to making the space feel bright, inviting and functional. With basements often windowless, artificial lighting is key to illuminating the area properly. The type of lighting you select should be based on how you plan to use the basement – as a rec room, home office, bedroom, laundry room or something else. The size of the basement and ceiling height will also factor into your lighting choice. Here we’ll explore the different lighting options best suited for basements along with tips for laying out lighting to maximize brightness.
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Types of Basement Lighting
When it comes to lighting a basement, you’ll typically want to install a mix of different fixture types to meet all your lighting needs. Here are some of the most common and recommended options:
Flush Mount Ceiling Lights
Flush mount ceiling lights are flat lighting fixtures that install directly to the ceiling. They distribute light evenly up and down, making them a great choice over areas where tasks will be performed like laundry rooms, craft spaces and home offices. Opt for flush mount lights with diffusers or frosted glass to prevent glaring. Choose fixtures with high lumen output (at least 2000-3000 lumens) since basements require bright illumination.
Pendant Lights
Pendant lighting can add a decorative touch while also providing useful task lighting. Mini pendant lights work well hung over game tables, bars, desks and other areas you want to highlight. Opt for adjustable height pendant lights so you can lower them to your desired level. Go with pendant fixtures with uplight and downlight abilities to cast both ambience and useful illumination.
Recessed Can Lighting
Recessed can lights (also called downlights) are ideal for general illumination across a basement. Their directional lighting shines down to eliminate shadows and dark corners. Use 6-inch or 8-inch recessed lighting aimed straight down for ambient fill lighting. Combine with 4-inch recessed lighting directed at specific areas you want to spotlight like a seating area or game section. Choose recessed lighting with at least 90+ CRI (color rendering index) for true color illumination.
Track Lighting
Track lighting offers incredible flexibility in directing light exactly where you want it. Track heads can be aimed independently at highlighting specific walls, counters, work benches and more. Track lighting works well running parallel to walls to wash vertical surfaces with light. Using multiple tracks is an option to layer ambient and accent lighting. Go with LED track heads that offer high lumen output and wide beam angles to combat basement darkness.
Swing Arm and Under Cabinet Lights
Lighting fixtures like swing arms and under cabinet lighting provide excellent task illumination. Use an adjustable swing arm desk lamp to direct light right where you need it for hobbies, paperwork and computer work. Under cabinet lighting will brightly illuminate countertops in a basement wet bar, utility area or workshop. Position these task lights where you’ll be doing close-up work.
Ceiling Fans with Lights
Installing ceiling fans with integrated lighting in your basement helps circulate air and provides ambient illumination. Choose ceiling fan light kits that point light upward to fill the room with diffused light. Look for ceiling fans with multiple LED lamp heads to cast enough light for basement spaces. Position centrally to light seating areas, game zones and open areas.
How Much Lighting Do You Need?
Determining how much lighting your basement needs depends on the size of the space and what activities will be happening. Here are some general guidelines on how much illumination to provide:
- Living spaces like rec rooms and lounges – 20-50 lumens per square foot
- Task areas like offices, hobby areas, laundry – 50-100 lumens per square foot
- High detail areas like game tables, craft zones – 100+ lumens per square foot
Keep in mind basement ceiling height also factors in. The lower the ceiling, the more light you’ll need per square foot for the space to feel properly illuminated. It’s better to err on the side of too much lighting for basements. You can always dim or turn off fixtures as needed.
Lighting Layout Tips
How you lay out lighting fixtures will impact how well illuminated your basement feels. Follow these tips:
Space Lighting Evenly
You’ll typically need lighting installed every 8-12 feet along the basement ceiling for even, uniform light. Avoid huge dark gaps between fixtures.
Install Layers of Lighting
Layer ambient, task and accent lighting to create a well-lit space. Ambient lighting like recessed cans give overall illumination. Task lighting like under cabinet lights target work areas. Accent lighting like track heads spotlights specific zones.
Highlight Dark Corners
Pay extra attention to dark corners and alcoves by positioning recessed cans or track heads to flood them with light.
Light Entryways
Welcome natural light into basement entryways and stairwells with wall sconces or dangling pendants.
Use Dimmers
Install dimmers so you can adjust lighting levels to suit different activities and moods.
Bounce Light Off Walls
Angle sconces, track heads and picture lights toward walls to bounce illumination around the room.
Choosing the Right Bulbs
The type of bulbs you use will impact the brightness, ambience and energy efficiency of your basement lighting. Choose bulbs with high lumen output and opt for energy saving LEDs wherever possible. Here are some bulb recommendations for basements:
| Location | Bulb Type |
|---|---|
| Recessed Cans | 90+ CRI 4000K LED |
| Flush Mounts | Bright White 4000K LED |
| Pendants | Vintage Edison-style LED |
| Track Heads | High output 5000K LED |
| Ceiling Fans | Daylight 5000-6500K LED |
Conclusion
Lighting a basement properly is all about choosing fixtures that provide bright, even illumination. Aim for layered general, task and accent lighting using flush mounts, recessed cans, track heads, pendants and under cabinet lighting. Space fixtures evenly 8-12 feet apart and use dimmers for adjustability. Position lights to eliminate dark corners and wash walls with illumination. Choose high lumen, energy saving LED bulbs. With the right lighting layout and fixtures, your basement can feel bright and inviting no matter how little natural light it gets.