Getting light into a basement is the one of the most difficult aspects of successful basement remodeling. Here are 5 simple ways to take advantage of natural light to enhance that brightness and feeling of space as much as possible.
1. Eliminate window treatments as far as possible on the small windows a basement may have. Use a transparent coating that blocks visibility to outsiders but lets light pass unhindered by curtains or blinds.
2. Plant shrubbery outside of small basement windows to allow privacy without inhibiting light. If the window area is protected from the garden or street view, there is really no reason to cover the windows even with a protective coating.
3. If possible place mirrored doors opposite a natural light source. By reflection, the light may appear to be double what it actually is. Getting light into a basement will be a trick of some kind unless you can open a wall or a door or a skylight, so use very trick you can, including mirrors and reflective surfaces that will cause the light to bounce around the room.
4. A little extra natural light in the basement may be obtained if it’s possible to remove a section of a wall to add an exterior door or window. If this is not an option then consider something you may have overlooked. Sometimes, very small basement windows were initially installed as standard items when in fact a larger window is possible. Getting light through a window that’s larger is the best option if it’s at all possible. It may also be just a question of changing the windows if they are old and made of heavy wood and installing white aluminum ones instead which add a bit more brightness.
Basement Window Option
photo credit: Andrew Ciscel
5. If all natural light in the basement has been well used, windows enlarged if possible, mirrors placed appropriately, etc…and the space is still poorly lit, try a few final tricks. Paint the walls a light sunny color. Use tile for flooring instead of carpet. Choose chrome and glass and furniture that absorbs less light. Velour and velvets are bad, chintz and satin and polished cotton are good. Keep the colors light. Add lots of small track lighting around the perimeter and small halogen embedded in the ceiling and wall lamps. Avoid dangling globes, chandeliers and central fixtures where possible. You want to spread the light over the room giving it a general glow that mimics natural light.
Tags: basement lighting, basement remodeling, basement renovation, Getting light into a basement, natural light in the basement