Lighting Suggestions for Basement Bedrooms

Usage and Floor Plan

• The first step in any decor scheme is the floor plan, and that starts with a room usage list. List the activities that will take place in the bedroom and the furniture and lighting required. For example; to indiate a desk for homework, write : "Homework desk and chair; lighting required: table lamp." When the list contains all the furniture, place the furniture on the floor plan in the desired location.

Ambient Lighting

• Mark on the floor plan how people will move through the room. A line with an arrow will indicate the direction of movement; for example; the bed to the door and back. Place lighting on the plan to light these pathways. This is the ambient lighting and is the lighting required to move safely around the room.

Task Lighting

• Mark the location of lamps or lights required to accomplish the tasks outlined in the room usage list. This is the task lighting. You may have many different light sources, including desk lamps, bedside table lamps or dresser lamps.

Mood Lighting

• The last step is the addition of the mood lighting to the floor plan. This lighting adds interest to the room by drawing attention to a room element. For example; a pot light accenting a painting or a floor up-light illuminating a plant in a corner. Mark these lamps on the floor plan.

Putting it all Together

• From the floor plan make a list of each of the required lighting sources you have indicated. This is called the lighting schedule and details what you need for the room to be functional with ambiance. If the list seems long, remember that there will be few occasions when all the lights are on at the same time. In order to select the correct wattage for your lighting sources, take your completed floor plan and lighting schedule to a reputable lighting supply house. The staff will advise you on correct dimmers, three-way switches or types of light bulbs to further enhance your basement lighting.