How many lights should I put in my basement?

The number of recessed lights in your basement will depend on the overall size and shape. Our designers use a general rule that one recessed light will cover about 70 square feet. When determining how many lights will be needed it is also good to think about where the lights will be placed.

How do I get the best lighting in my basement?





For a basement, ambient lighting is often best achieved through recessed ceiling lights (aka — can lights, high-hats or downlights). Track lighting is an alternative to recessed lights, and it can be more budget-friendly especially if you are trying to fit ambient lighting in a finished space.

What lights for unfinished basement?

Since unfinished basements are often damp and cold, fluorescent tube lights should probably be avoided. The Build Direct blog advises you steer clear of bare incandescent bulbs. They provide a harsh, yellow light that isn’t welcoming. Instead, opt for soft white bulbs that provide a warmer light.

What kind of lights can I put in my basement?

LED lights

What type of lighting is best for the basement? LED lights are usually best for basement applications, as they’re able to light an entire room while using the least amount of energy. Halogen and CFL lights aren’t as popular, but they’re far more preferred and readily available than incandescent lights.

How far apart should 6 inch recessed lights be in a basement?





A good general rule for placement is to divide the height of the ceiling by two. The result is the amount of space to leave between each light. For example, recessed lighting spacing for an 8-foot-high ceiling would be 4 feet between each light. This will provide good spacing for general room lighting.

Can lighting placement in basement?

To determine how far apart to space your recessed lights, divide the height of the ceiling by two. If a room has an 8 foot ceiling, you should space your recessed lights approximately 4 feet apart. If the ceiling is 10 feet, you’ll want to put about 5 feet of space in between each fixture.

How do you light a room in a basement?

Ways to Brighten Up a Dark Basement

  1. Repaint the Walls. One of the easiest, most affordable ways to lighten a room is by painting the walls and trim in brighter colors. …
  2. Use Reflective Surfaces. …
  3. Add Light Fixtures. …
  4. Introduce More Natural Lighting. …
  5. Raise the Ceiling.

What color light is good for basement?



Cool white bulbs give off a friendly and inviting light that is perfectly suited for high-traffic areas of the home including living rooms, kitchens, basements and playrooms. Cool white light is also ideal for reading and completing tasks.

How many lumens do I need for a basement light?

Light Where You Need It

You should look for 75 to 100-Watt incandescent lamps, but we want to stop thinking of lights in terms of wattage, so let’s look at Lumens instead. For the newer lamps, that means you want lights with a Lumen output of 800-1200 Lumens (typically a 13-Watt LED will yield within that range).

How can I make my basement look brighter?



10 Tips to Make Your Basement Look Bigger and Brighter

  1. Light Colored Walls. Walls painted in light colors reflect light and also help a room appear larger. …
  2. A Monochrome Style. …
  3. Glass Doors. …
  4. A Clear and Bright Floor. …
  5. Well Maintained Windows. …
  6. More Greenery. …
  7. Varied Light Sources. …
  8. The Mirrors.

How do you brighten a basement with no windows?

Basements: 17 Ways to Lighten and Brighten a Basement, even if you don’t have Windows

  1. Related basement articles:
  2. Use a light paint color.
  3. Layer your lighting.
  4. Remove window treatments.
  5. Use glass doors.
  6. Leverage mirrors.
  7. Paint paneling.
  8. Light area rugs.

How do you lighten an unfinished basement?

Paint Your Cinder Block

Basement walls of cinder block, brick, or even poured concrete can be transformed pretty quickly and simply with a coat of paint. Go for a solid color, or get wild and design a mural to brighten up that subterranean space of yours.

How can I brighten up a room without natural light?



How to Lighten a Dark Room With No Natural Light

  1. Make Use of Artificial Light. …
  2. Artificial Lighting Ideas for Your Home. …
  3. Switch Up Your Wall Color. …
  4. Avoid Over-Cluttering Floors. …
  5. Put an Oversized Lamp in the Corner. …
  6. Invest in a Mirror (or Many) …
  7. Lighting With Adjustable Settings Is Key.

How do you simulate natural light in a basement?

Best ways to get natural light in your basement

  1. Build an egress. Building codes require that you have at least two ways out of a bedroom, which is important in the event of an emergency. …
  2. Open the floor plan. Design the layout of your basement to allow for light flow. …
  3. Install a solar tube. …
  4. Hang mirrors. …
  5. Control the light.

What is artificial lightning?

Today however, the term ‘artificial lighting’ generally refers to lighting that emanates from electric lamps. The term ‘lamp’ refers specifically to a light source, typically comprising a light-emitting element contained within an outer container (bulb or tube) which emits radiation within the visible spectrum.

What light bulb is closest to natural light?



Halogen Light Bulb

Halogen bulbs are a type of incandescent that gives a close approximation of natural daylight, known as “white light.” Colors appear sharper under halogen light and the bulbs can be dimmed.

Is bright white or daylight better?

Bright white (4,000 to 5,000 Kelvin) is between white and blue tones. With a less cozy and more energetic feel, bulbs with this color range are best for work spaces (such as a home office or garage) and kitchens with chrome fixtures. Daylight (5,000 to 6,500 Kelvin) has a more bluish tone.

What is brighter cool white or natural light?

At the other end of the scale, cool white lighting emits a brighter, more vibrant light that’s more toward the blue end of the colour spectrum. They appear closer to daylight than a warm white bulb. They’re best suited for the busier and more lively areas of the home where you need something a bit brighter.