Basement Ideas – Turning Your Dark Basement Into a Livable Space

A basement can be a great addition to almost any home. Unlike the many rooms and spaces in a house where privacy and beauty are in short supply, basements are surrounded by nature. The cool, damp air of the basement is comfortable to breathe, and the lack of light can drastically change whether the room is perceived as comfortable or garish. Aside from this fact, many people do not actually know what kind of shape a basement is in, what the ceiling looks like, nor what the floor is actually made of. I will share with you some basement ideas so the basement can become something more than just a room you're stuck in.

Most basements tend to be dark and dingy, not because of bad design, but because it has sucked up the leak into the basement instead of going through the roof and outdoors. There are many ways to illuminate your basement, and also many different ways to decorate it as well. The first step is to take stock of your basement, and specifically pinpoint where the most interior damage is. This tends to be around the floor joists, or at the principals only. Once you've done this, the next step is to adequately improve the lighting.

Choosing the right type of lighting depends on the type of space you use. Consider things like the relationship of daylight with the kind of activities you plan on using in the basement, as well as its proximity to the electrical outlet where electrical outlets are located. Another important factor is the size of lighting needed. Also keep in mind that having the right stage of lighting is essential for effective use of your basement.

Natural daylight that isn't embedded in the clouds or between the walls will do the trick quite nicely. Additionally, artificial light is an excellent alternative in your basement. A family of 4 needs about 18 watts per square foot for general illumination, though you can start with a few dimmers to simple effects. Keeping this in mind will make the purchasing decision easier as well as more efficient.

The basic line of ambient lighting consists of things like recessed lights that are installed in the ceiling or at the walls (these are sometimes called "high hats"). Decorative and accent lighting are often combined to deliver the best desired effects. Look into particularly Semi-Flush Ceiling Lights, for excellent illuminations. The lights usually reach about 60 inches, making them a great fit into most basement spaces. They also come in a variety of styles to match what you're already using and they're low voltage. Because of the installation, however, they are typically quite a bit more expensive than a typical bulb.

However, if you're not looking to spend that much money, you can look into cheaper products that are more down on the budget. The most common light used in basements tends to be conventional flush-mounted light fixtures. These light fixtures provide much of the same kind of illumination as a large light fixture, but in a much smaller and easier installation. Since basements usually have low ceilings, one light fixture can often be sufficient. You should also be aware that this type of fixture tends to only be used for indoors, and you're looking at a good while before you can switch it up and make it work in the yard or around the fireplace.

The most effective lighting is achieved through the use of dispersing spotlights and cross lights. Objects such as tabletops and art pieces can be highlighted with strategically placed directional lights. Lamps work well in this application, as they can be mounted on walls or hung from the ceiling as well. For a nice effect, a lamp can be positioned in a prominent spot while the rest of the room is brightly illuminated. Dimmer switches can be an excellent investment, because they allow you to control the amount of light that is turned on. Setting the mood is just as important as providing the required lighting, as basements tend to suffer from poor illumination. Setting the mood can be done with candles or even a firepit, adding pizazz to your home.