Whether you’re creating a living space in your basement, or you simply use it for storage, it’s important to get the lighting right. Effective lighting can make all the difference in how usable the room is and will help set the tone and mood of the space. Check out the tips below to find out how to create effective lighting in your basement.
Set a budget
When doing any kind of home improvement, it’s important to set yourself a spending limit before you start any work. When creating your budget, think about the project from start to finish, making sure to include elements such as electrician fees, light fixtures, and smart features.
Don’t forget important elements such as battery contacts and clips, wiring, and any dimmers or switches you require. Get advice from your electrician on what you will need and discuss costs beforehand so there aren’t any expensive surprises along the way!
Consider the type of lighting
Once you’ve set a budget, you can start to think about the type of lighting your basement needs. This depends on what you use the room for – if you are renovating to create additional living space, then you may want a mixture of overhead lighting and cosy lamps to create an inviting atmosphere.
If you use the basement for storage or DIY and want to make the space more user-friendly, then overhead lighting combined with task lighting may be best for you. For example, if you have a workbench you use regularly, task lighting such as a desk or floor lamps may make it easier to get your jobs done.
Choose the right design
Next, consider the lighting design that will best suit your basement. If your basement is used for storage, industrial-style lighting may best suit the space. If you’re creating a living space, then choose lighting that fits your interior design style, whether that’s farmhouse, modern or minimalist. Or, if you’re converting your basement into a cinema room, mood lighting such as star ceiling lights or downlights will create the right atmosphere.
You could also install smart lighting to make the room even more efficient. This could include smart lights that can be switched on from your smartphone or voice-activated lights that work through your internet. The benefit of this is that you don’t have to fumble around in the dark trying to find the switch when you enter the basement!
Using the correct lighting in your basement can help you make the most of the space, whatever you use it for. How will you choose to light your basement?
