9 Top Basement Lighting Ideas to Brighten Up Your Space

For many people, the word "basement" conjures up images of a place that's dark, damp, and dingy. While there are plenty of unfinished basements that fit that description, finished basements can actually be bright, warm, and inviting.

In basement remodels the basement lights can make or break the entire atmosphere. But the truth is that there's no universal best lighting for every basement. Instead, the lighting needs to fit the specific basement and its layout, usage, and decor.

That means there are almost unlimited options for lighting a basement. In this post, though, I want to highlight just 10 basement lighting ideas that provide an idea of what's available when doing a basement remodel.

Basement Lighting Option #1: Recessed Lighting Fixtures

Recessed lighting is a tried-and-true method for basement lighting, especially if you have limited ceiling height to work with.

Basic recessed lights, including can lights, can provide general illumination or brighten up specific areas. Strategic placement of recessed ceiling lights can prevent shadows from being bothersome.

Installing them is easiest during a remodel when other ceiling work is already planned. Although the cost of installation may be higher, you can reduce long-term electricity costs by using LED bulbs.

Basement lighting option #2: Surface-mounted lights. 

We’ve found that in basements with ceiling heights of 8’ or just under, having a surface-mounted light; or a flush-mounted light fixture throws the light outward against the ceiling, not just down like a can light.  Can lights work AMAZINGLY WELL when ceilings are over 8’ in height? 

Basement Lighting Option #3: Wall Sconces

Wall sconces are popular light fixtures for basements because of their ability to add both style and illumination.

The shade of the sconce can be used to direct light up or down. When used for ambient lighting, we usually have the shade open at the top. For accent or task lighting, we tend to have shade facing down.

Wall sconces, including the hardware and shade, are available in many materials and designs, so they can fit with nearly any sense of style. Because they are attached to the walls and not the ceiling, wall sconces work well in basements with low clearance.

Basement Lighting Option #4: Natural Light

There's no light like natural light, but it can be hard to come by in basements.

If you have a walkout or daylight basement, it's much easier to get light from outside. These basements feel more open, and you can have complementary interior lights for evening hours.

If you have a fully underground basement, finding a bright natural light source is much trickier. Installing an egress window will let in some daylight, and it may be required by local building codes anyway.

Although not commonly used, you can also consider creating a sun tunnel. This is a tube made of reflective metal that carries daylight from one part of your house (such as your roof) to another space. In our experience, sun tunnels are rarely a practical option for basements, but they may work in some homes.

Basement Lighting Option #5: Floor and Table Lamps

Floor and table lamps can be a valuable source of basement illumination. Floor lamps work well for broad, ambient light. Table lamps are a better fit for task lighting and accent lighting.

A benefit of lamps is that there's almost no time required to set them up, and you can easily move them if you decide to reorganize your basement space. Many contemporary lamps have extensive brightness and color tone options, and with LEDs, you'll go years without having to replace the bulbs.

A downside to floor and table lamps is that they have to be plugged in. That can limit where in a room you can set them up. Potential solutions include:

• Doing the electrical work necessary during a remodel to have outlets in the floor
• Buying furniture with built-in outlets, placing the furniture close to a wall outlet, and then plugging the lamp into the furniture item

Another issue with lamps is that they aren't directly controlled by light switches unless you thought ahead and installed switched outlets. If you didn't, smart plugs can also enable you to control a lamp with a wall switch.

Basement Lighting Option #6: Pool Table Pendant Lighting

A classic basement setup involves a pool table with pendant lighting hanging over the center of the table. This provides direct light when you want to shoot pool, and, at the same time, creates a cohesive aesthetic.

Of course, pendant lights can be used for much more than a pool table. They look great over a basement bar or dining table, and there are hundreds of styles of fixtures to choose from.

Because they hang down, pendant lights tend to take up too much space in basements with low ceilings. We often suggest looking for pendant lights with an adjustable cord length so you can move the fixture up or down to suit your space.

Basement Lighting Option #7: Staircase Runway Lights

LED strip lights for your stairs can promote safety and add a touch of unique lighting.

For a dark staircase, dim light can run along the sides of the stairs or be placed under the overhang of each step. It's a simple yet practical addition to your basement lighting.

Basement Lighting Option #8: Ambient Lighting with Tray Lights

Tray lighting is a type of indirect lighting installed within a recessed area in the ceiling. It is a soft, ambient light that creates a cozy and inviting space.

Tray lighting is directed up toward the ceiling, leading to diffuse and dimmer illumination. For many basement rooms, it enhances the atmosphere and makes the ceiling feel taller without requiring big light fixtures.

Basement Lighting Option #9: Home Cinema LED STRIP  Lighting

Similar to tray lighting, LED STRIP lighting adds a touch of subtle illumination without the need for a light fixture. Unlike tray lighting, though, LED STRIP  lights can run along the floor or walls and not just the ceiling.

In basements, LED STRIP lighting can fit perfectly in a home cinema or entertainment room that is meant to be dark and cozy. The light it emits won't be a distraction when you're trying to watch a movie, but it contributes visual contrast and can make it easier to walk safely when the overhead lights are off.

Key Factors for Choosing Basement Lighting

Several factors are involved in finding the right lighting for your basement:

• Use of the space: The kind of lighting you need is different for a living space, storage room, entertainment area, home gym, bar, or game room. When finishing a basement, we tailor the lighting to suit different zones or areas based on how they'll be used.
• Exterior access: The amount of natural light that enters your basement can dramatically change the ideal type and arrangement of interior lighting.
• Need for flexibility: Some lights are completely fixed in place, while others can be moved or tilted. You should also think about whether you want lights with adjustable brightness or warmth.
• Personal style: You want to choose light fixtures that match your own interior design preferences. Your needs for ambient or accent lighting may also vary based on your choices of home decor.
• Budget: Some types of lighting require more complex electrical work, making them cost considerably more to install. You'll also have to budget more toward lighting if you want high-end fixtures.

Incorporating Lighting Into Your Basement Remodel

The best time to install basement lighting is when you're doing basement upgrades or fully remodeling an unfinished basement. These are prime opportunities to implement basement lighting ideas that create the atmosphere you're looking for.

Whether you're thinking about a home cinema, bar, game room, guest room, or any other type of basement remodel, we'd welcome the chance to work with you on the design, including the lighting plan.

We've been a trusted home remodeling partner in the Des Moines area for more than 15 years, and we invite you to learn more about our team, process, and portfolio and to contact us about any of your home remodeling needs.