In many
basement
remodels, the space is divided into several rooms or areas. As you plan the
design and division of the space and the style of the furnishings and the
function of each area, it is important to consider the various lighting needs in
the finished space. It is likely that you will want to use several kinds of
lighting in different parts of the basement. And the chance to use light to make
the space more useful or more attractive is part of the fun of basement
remodels.
Whether you are remodeling/redecorating a finished basement or starting from
unfinished space to create the living areas you need, these tips should help you
as you consider the best lighting for your basement remodel.
1. Think about how you can effectively use all four main kinds or sources of
light: natural light (from outside), general overall artificial lighting in
each room or area, artificial task lighting in appropriate areas, and accent
lighting.
2. Start with natural light. Decide what kind of windows will bring in
natural light most effectively. Then think about not only where you currently
have windows, but also about where you might be able to add a window. Think also
about the size and shape of the windows and about alternative shapes or sizes
that might meet your lighting needs.
3. Plan your overall room lighting. Overall lighting will provide some
level of light throughout the room. This kind of lighting is usually installed
as ceiling lights or wall sconces, pendant lights or even “up-lights”. Overall
lighting is usually accessed by a switch beside the door to the room. If you
have more than one point of entry into a room, you might want to plan to have a
switch beside each door or opening.
4. Plan your navigation lighting. Decide what kind of overall lighting
you will install for hallways, stairways, and exterior entrances. Again, you
will want to think carefully about placement of switches and possibly needing to
be able to control the light from more than one switch.
5. Add accent lights. Accent lighting “accents” a particular area of a
room. For example, you might be trying to create a cozy reading nook in a family
room or den. To make the area look warm and cozy, you might choose to use
colored light or sconces on the wall. You might also want to use accent lighting
to call attention to special architectural or design features of the room, like
a tray ceiling or columns. These lights may provide some general lighting or
even some task lighting, but their main purpose is decorative.
6. Add task lighting. Install under-cabinet lighting, pendant lights or
lamps where extra light is needed for specific tasks. The reading corner might
need a floor lamp or a table lamp; an office area might need extra lighting for
a drawing board.
7. Consider how your decorating colors will change the effect of lighting
fixtures. Dark colors tend to absorb more light. Light colors reflect more
light. Consider the number and type of fixtures you will need accordingly.
8. Consider the age of your family members or any special vision problems.
As we age our vision changes. Some people have vision problems that require
special lighting for certain kinds of tasks. After the age of about 40 people
tend to have some trouble focusing on things that are small and close to the
face. Many people have problems adjusting to extremely bright light or adjusting
to glare. If you have young children or aging parents in the home, you might
want to add some sort of nightlight or other illumination for stairways to
prevent accidents.
9. Trust the advice of experts. Whether your architect will help you with
lighting or you work with a lighting consultant at your local home improvement
or lighting store, don’t be afraid to ask for help and advice. To get the best
effect from artificial lighting fixtures and save energy, a little expert advice
can save you time and money while making your room(s) more comfortable.
Despite the tendency to think lighting is just a matter of putting a few lamps
and ceiling fixtures in the new spaces, lighting considerations are very
important in basement remodels. With these tips, your planning should be easier.
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