Basement Renovation Lighting Ideas
The biggest problem encountered by everyone who undertakes basement renovation is coming up with good basement renovation lighting ideas to solve the issue of poor natural lighting. There are really only two solutions:
- Enhancing the little natural lighting that exists with optical illusions
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Adding sufficient electric lighting in a way that gives a general glow and not a blinding white light in the middle of the ceiling leaving corners dark and uninviting.
Combining these two solutions will give the best results.
Basement Renovation Lighting Ideas – Electric Lighting Solutions
When you begin the basement renovation, aside from sealing cracks and ensuring it will be dry and warm, your best friend must be your electrician because he/she will be able to help you plan where to embed halogen lights in the ceiling and walls, and decide how best to brighten the space. The best basement renovation lighting ideas that involve electricity are these: for low ceilings embed the halogen fixtures into the ceiling, spacing them throughout the entire basement to give a general glow to the room. Stay away from anything that protrudes or hangs from the ceiling. Basements are not good places for chandeliers.
Track Lighting
Use track lighting with small adjustable halogen lamps over bars and bookshelves or across from reading areas or above desks. Although you can add track lighting after the basement renovation has been completed, it’s best to plan embedded halogen lighten at the construction level so the ceiling can be smooth and flat and professionally finished leaving just the round or square halogen lights.
Ceiling Panels and Florescent Tubes
Stay away from the old basement renovation lighting ideas that use clear ceiling panels with florescent tube lighting. It may be attractive due to cost, and it may seem like the room will be bright, but florescent lighting is stark and unnatural and does not make for a cozy basement. The only exception to this advice is if your basement renovation is being undertaken solely to provide storage space, a laundry room, or a workspace that is industrial by nature.
Basement Renovation Lighting Ideas – Enhance Natural Light
The best way to enhance natural light is to not cover any windows you have with drapes or curtains or blinds. Frost windows panes, use glass blocks, or tinted glass, but do not shut out the little light you have. Second do not add walls, doors or closures unless absolutely essential, such as for bathrooms and shower stalls, but otherwise keep the space open. Paint with light lively colors. Do not use texture on the walls or floors. Smooth surfaces reflect light. Choose glass, transparent or mirrored tables and furniture where possible. Avoid heavy wood tables and velour or plush fabrics that absorb light. Place long narrow mirrors or mirror squares apposite the window. It will almost double the light in the space. Use ceramic flooring to reflect light. Stay away from carpet. Hardwood options should be chosen in light wood finishes. Accent with light and colorful area rugs. Large walls with no doors or windows or pillars can be brightened with large bright paintings or artwork. Avoid small pictures and wood frames. Choose sleek metal frames to match the décor. One large piece of art that takes up most of the wall will create the illusion of space and openness. Two or three long rectangular pieces hung vertically or horizontally will also work.
Although the best basement renovation lighting ideas will depend on what the room will be used for, these tips will work to increase light and usability of almost any basement renovation concept.
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