The finished basement with bar and wine cellar pictured above uses
recessed can lighting, pendants, directional accent lighting, and pendant lighting.

Finished Basement Remodeling Lighting Design Tips

Whether your finished basement is a workspace, a guest suite, a private theatre, a game haven, or any combination of things, it can also be the darkest area of your home. Finished or not, a basement can feel cramped and cave-like, but it doesn't have to be like that.

The difference between your light-filled upstairs living area and your finished basement can be fixed by creating a lighting design to compensate for the lack of windows in the basement. In fact, a well-designed lighting plan can make a huge difference. Tossing in a few lamps won't do the trick. Properly lighting your basement has its own special challenges like low ceilings, and the lack of windows which is why creating a proper lighting design is especially important.

So how do you plan a lighting design that can make your basement space as livable as the rest of your home? Here are some ideas to help you brighten any basement!

Understanding the Three Types of Lighting

Good lighting design will incorporate the three different types of lighting; ambient or general, accent, and task lighting. If you're not familiar with these different types of lighting and their use, it can get a little confusing when designing your lighting plan. Here's a quick description of the different types of lighting, and how to use them.

Ambient or General Lighting

This is the most common type of lighting. Ambient light is the soft light that blankets your space just enough for you to function, without harsh glare. Think of ambient light as the “natural light” within a room. In décor, ambient light is similar, except you create it by making the room's lighting as natural and “flat” as possible.

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When used properly, ambient lighting creates a warm, relaxing environment perfect for relaxing after a tough day. Ambient lighting is often referred to as “mood lighting.” To create your ambient lighting consider using chandeliers, pendants, recessed cans, track, or ceiling lights.

Task Lighting

This is a smaller, more concentrated light source. You want to have task lighting when working. Task lighting is meant to help you see when you're doing projects where you need a finer light, like reading, cooking, writing, sewing, and other close work. Task lighting works best when combined with a contrasting light source, for example, a low lit room with a swing arm light on your desk.

puck lighting installed in floating shelves for a basement wet bar — not only are pendant lights and undercabinet lighting used with recessed cans in this basement bar, but accent puck lights have also been built directly into the floating shelves!

Task lighting can help to naturally stimulate your brain. The contrasting light helps you to be more alert and concentrated. This helps you to see details while you work, creating better quality results. To meet your task lighting needs, try using pendants, swing arm lamps, under cabinet lighting, or vanity lighting.

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting is a concentrated source of light that is meant to draw the eye to its focal point. It's a great way to add style and drama to your home. Accent lighting can help you display items while shadowing dull areas. Use accent lighting to highlight artwork, bookcase displays, pieces of furniture, collections, and architecture.

Accent lighting can create a sophisticated atmosphere. It gives the items it illuminates meaning and importance, whether it's a piece of art, or an architectural element. Accent lighting fixtures include wall lights, recessed lighting, and track lighting.

Fixtures to Use When Creating Your Lighting Design

When remodeling your basement, you want to keep a few things in mind as you create your lighting design. Whether you’re basement features high ceilings and a few windows, or it's a relatively small, dark room, with a creative approach to lighting the space, you can turn your basement into a usable, comfortable space with the right fixtures and placement.

Your basement lighting design will consist of several specific types of lighting fixtures used in combination. Here are the various types of fixtures to consider.

Track Lights

Track lighting kits are easy to install and incredibly flexible. These types of fixtures are great for providing ambient or general lighting for your space. If you'd like directional control, choose a track lighting kit with adjustable heads. Track lighting is also a great option that contemporary and will remain in style even if you change your décor.

Pendants

Pendant light fixtures are a great option because they can be placed almost anywhere and can hang directly above workspaces. Depending on the style and placement, pendants can be used for ambient, task, or accent lighting. Consider using pendants with clear or light shades for ambient lighting, two or more pendants with dark shades for task lighting, or one or two pendants over a side table, or another focal point for accent lighting.

Recessed Lights

Not only are recessed can lights used for general room lighting, but recessed lights can also be used as accent lighting depending on their placement. Put them in the ceiling, or the floor close to a wall to create a wall-washing effect to illuminate a beautiful brick wall for example.

Wall Lighting or Sconces

These types of fixtures are perfect for design accent lighting. They come in a wide range of sizes that allow you to highlight large or small pieces of art. They're excellent for highlighting artwork, or architectural elements.

Swing Arm Lamps

These are perfect task lights for use on your desk, bedside table, or mounted next to your favorite chair. Swing arm lamps allow you to easily adjust and direct the light source wherever it's needed. Since these types of lamps are lightweight, portable, and adjustable, they're the perfect task lights.

Under Cabinet Lighting

These are the ultimate task lights. Under-cabinet lights work great in a kitchen, kitchenette, or wet bar in the basement. They can also function as ambient lighting if placed on a dimmer switch.

If you're considering finishing your basement, don't neglect your lighting! No matter how you choose to use your newly finished space, creating a perfect lighting design means incorporating ambient, task, and accent lighting. Using the proper balance of lighting types can help you to define your space, and create a comfortable, and safe place to work or relax.

If you're planning a basement remodeling project and you live in the greater Madison, Wisconsin area give the expert design team at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel a call at (608) 846-5963. We're here and always happy to answer your home improvement and remodeling questions. Let us help you create your perfect finished basement, including the right lighting choices!

This article was updated by Abe Degnan on 9/8/2022.