Different Lighting for the Basement

Recessed Lighting

• Recessed lighting fixtures are installed into the ceiling, so you don't have lighting fixtures hanging down. The recessed-lighting option may work well if you have low basement ceilings, as you won't run the risk of bumping into hanging fixtures. You are able to space out the recessed lighting around the ceiling to more evenly disperse the light, unlike a single overhead fixture that tends to concentrate light in one area. The recessed lighting fixtures come in a variety of different styles and finishes.

Track Lighting

• Track lighting offers a long stretch of lights that are adjustable. On most track lighting, the lights can be moved down the length of the track. You are also able to rotate the lights to direct them at different parts of the room. This allows you to customize the light levels and adjust how the light is dispersed in the room.

Task Lighting

• Task lighting includes all of the smaller lighting fixtures that you are able to easily add to the room. Lamps offer a simple task lighting solution for the basement. Place them near areas where you typically sit or do activities. For example, put lamps on end tables near the couch. Floor lamps offer a brighter source of light, and these lamps are often adjustable to direct the light to different parts of the room. Add wall sconces to highlight wall art and add more lighting from the wall. Spotlights affixed to the walls or ceiling also help direct light to a specific area.

Natural Light

• The amount of natural light your basement receives depends on the number and size of your windows. Avoid blocking the windows so that the maximum amount of natural light gets into the room. If you have small windows, a professional contractor may be able to add more windows or enlarge the current windows. In some cases, the contractor can dig down below the existing ground level to create deeper window wells to accommodate larger windows.