Since home basements are located below ground, they can be too dark of space. Many people treat their basements as storage and utility space other than living rooms. If you want your basement to be more functional, we’ve gathered some tips to add natural light and make it feel more welcoming.
Benefits of Natural Light in a Basement
- Control Moisture and Mold
- Reduce Eye Strain
- Promotes Better Sleep
- Stimulate Productivity and Focus
- Save Money on Your Energy Bill
- Reduce Stress Levels and Anxiety
- Produce Mood-Enhancing Hormones Like Serotonin
- Improve Aesthetics
- Increase Home Value
Tried-and-True Methods for Adding Natural Light
By bringing in more natural light, you can turn your basement into an area where you can relax and enjoy spending time with the family. Read on to learn how to make a basement look brighter even with minimal windows.
Use Mirrors
While they do not create light, mirrors reflect 95 percent of the light that hit them. Most mirrors have a light-amplifying effect that can transform a dim room into a brighter one. To make your basement feel bigger, use mirrors as decorative accents. Highly reflective surfaces will create the illusion of more space.
You can place a mirror directly across from a lamp and it will reflect light around the room. It’s also a good idea to make a collage of multiple mirrors to achieve the effect of a wider, brighter space.
Utilize Soft and Warm Hues
Warm lighting is what you need to create a cozy, inviting basement. Like mirrors, lighter soft, and warm hues reflect more light, which creates the illusion of space. Some of the colors that you can use are white, orange-yellow, and similar hues. These colors can help illuminate the dark space and create a calming environment.
Add a Glossy Finish to Furniture Pieces
Furniture with glossy finishes can help contribute to the brightness of a basement. When you add a fresh coat of glossy paint to your furniture and décor pieces, this will make surfaces shiny. Reflective surfaces are effective in bouncing light around the room. In addition, glossy finishes provide a sleek and modern look to the tables and cabinets in your basement.
Install Proper Basement Lighting
Different light fixtures offer different purposes and levels of illumination. Not all bulbs and light fixtures are suitable for a basement space. A well-lit basement is much more pleasant and inviting than a dark one. If your basement has little to no windows, the right lighting can do the trick.
Consider the following lighting fixtures for your basement:
- Recessed Ceiling Lights
- Track Lighting
- Wall Sconces
- LED Lights
- Cove Lighting
- Standing Lights in Dark Corners
- Floor Lamps
- Pendant Lighting
- Indirect Lighting for Artwork and Wall Decor
Install Larger Egress Windows
Every basement needs at least one egress window. While its main purpose is to serve as an emergency exit, an egress window can bring in natural light. We recommend installing larger egress windows as long as it meets minimum fire code requirements. Compared to traditional basement windows, egress windows help make the space feel claustrophobic. Remember to work with a professional basement remodeler to know the requirements of egress windows in your area.
Avoid Clutter
If you want to brighten your basement, clearing clutter is the easiest method. Disorganized items take up too much space, making your basement appear darker. Fortunately, there are several ways to keep the room free of clutter.
Install shelves or cabinets where you can organize the items in your basement. Creating a good labeling system removes visual clutter, resulting in a brighter basement. You may also donate or dispose of items that are no longer needed in your home.
Book an Appointment With Us
Don’t let the lack of natural light hold you back from maximizing your basement space. It’s time to take the first step toward your dream basement. At Pittsburgh Basement Remodeling, we can transform your dark basement into a cheerful space. We can incorporate basement design ideas and elements that can bring in natural light.
We’re dedicated to providing you with outstanding remodeling services and elevating your basement. With our help, you can enjoy a stunning and functional basement area for years to come. Call us today!