Lighting Tips to Finish a Basement
The choice of lights to finish a basement can make or break the whole room. Not being well-informed can lead to poor selections of lighting fixtures and will turn a basement into a dull and dreary place where nobody wants to go to. But choosing the appropriate lights will make it an interesting and inviting setting for family and friends.
It is wise to consider how much sunlight can enter the basement before doing the lighting purchase and installation. More sunlight is better as this will lessen energy consumption which is good for the budget and the environment. Structural designs to finish a basement may allow for bigger windows to let in more sunlight. However, security measures should not be ignored in the process.
Planning the overall lighting to provide illumination throughout the area is not a difficult task if you know what to put. Fluorescent is the best choice for most homeowners since there is not much chance of sunlight getting in and fluorescent are bright as well as power efficient. As most basements are cold and damp, this type of light will warm up the room and give it a cheerful ambiance. Don't forget the navigation lights for the entrance and stairway; these form part of the overall lighting, too. Overall and navigation lights should have switches beside the entrance doors or at the top of the stairs for safety reasons.
Accent lights are mainly decorative and are not installed for the lighting purposes. They call attention to decorative details or focus on special architectural designs such as tray ceilings or columns. Accent lights may be colored or may be used to create a cozy ambiance.
Task lights are installed for specific functions. Reading, sewing and doing office work where extra light is needed will benefit from the focused beam of a task light. Task lights for closets and areas under cabinets will also be a great help.
Take advantage of the opportunity to use lights to enhance the atmosphere as you finish a basement that will look and feel bright and appealing.
About the Author
Need basement ideas for home remodeling? Discover more basement remodeling ideas online.
|
|
Sewing Cabinet PLANS, table, machine, storage S $11.95 |
|
|
Sewing Cabinet Vintage HowTo PLANS Portable Storage $5.29 |
|
|
Stack-On BIN-6 Parts Storage Organizer Bins, 6 Pack, Red $6.12 Organization is key to being able to get things done. This 6 piece storage bin set from Stack On is made from a rugged co-polymer plastic in bright apple red. These bins stack together in any configuration you can come up with or can be used singly. Each bin has a wide open front for clear visibility and easy access. Bins measure 4-1/8" wide by 5-1/4" deep by 2-1/8" high. They will keep your items... |
|
|
Wood Plans IFS-#1013 Sewing Center Cabinet $13.95 When we set out to design this Shaker style sewing cabinet, a compact yet still attractive and functional piece of furniture was wanted. Plenty of useful features and storage options resulted. We included in the cabinet a quality mechanical lift with which you can raise your sewing machine to two working positions, or lower it for easy out-of-sight storage. 27" Tall, 48" Long, 18" Deep.... |
|
|
Sewing Cabinet, Plan No. 887 (Woodworking Project Paper Plan) $9.95 Room for sewing machine, notions, fabric and more. 36 in. long by 20 in. wide by 31 in. tall when closed.... |
|
|
Chief Architect Home Designer Interiors 10 $79.99 Give your dream home the look and feel you want with Home Designer Interiors. Experiment with your interior design ideas using 3D models, virtual tours and advanced design tools. Choose from over 1,000 sample plans to inspire your design ideas or create your own - It's fun and easy! Kitchen & Bath Design Update your kitchen or bath with new cabinets, countertops, appliances, moldings, an... |