Tips for Basement Lighting Layout

With a finished basement it's typically used for a family room, man cave or entertainment center, which makes basement lighting important. The initial basement lighting is typically fluorescent. Neither of these is very pleasant or inviting. Creating basement lighting isn't without problems due to the wiring but it is possible. The following article will share with you tips for a successful basement lighting project as well as what to avoid to save costly errors.

Accent Lights

This type of basement lighting is popular because it affords you the ability to light specific areas of the basement. It essentially created mood lighting which will draw immediate attention. It makes the space attractive while lighting it at the same moment. Accent lights create soft shadows in the areas where they are placed. When done correctly the room area can take on a sort of third dimensional effect. Do not fall in to the trap of using accent lighting as your primary basement lighting as it is meant to accent specific areas or items like art. These are perfect to pair with other light sources. Connect accent lights with a dimmer switch to have optimum control.

Use Beams to Your Advantage

All basements have beams running the length of the basement. The beams are used for supports. The basement beams can also effectively be used to run your basement lighting. They will give you a guideline on location so when you build your drop ceiling you do not have to worry about extra framing. You could weld the light fixtures to the beams and build around them to make it work to your advantage. This, in the end, will cost a lot less than having to build up the surrounding area.

Hanging or Recessed Lighting

If you have no desire to place lamps throughout the basement you will need to choose another lighting method for your basement lighting project. The two main types are recessed (also known as pot lights) and hanging lights. When you install hanging lights they will hang down from the ceiling. Using too many of these lights can make the room look cluttered. Recessed lighting is placed inside a bulkhead that has been built up. Regardless of which you choose you will need to add a ceiling of some sort to hide wires. This ceiling will be a hindrance if you have a basement with a low ceiling. This makes recessed lighting the obvious choice as it conserves space.

Staggered Lighting

One kind of basement lighting design to consider is staggered lighting. You can still use the beams of the basement as the guide for the lights. Instead of putting the lights along a straight line across several beams you can stagger them. Use light bulbs that are brighter than normal and place recessed lighting along the length of a beam using several beams. Once the basement lights are lit the lights will work together to light the area. If you are feeling particularly crafty you can link each row of lights to their own dimmer switch.