Basement Bedroom Lighting: Can Lights Work?

The best lighting for a basement bedroom depends on the atmosphere you want to create. If you're looking for a bright and cheery space, recessed lighting is a popular choice for basements as it provides a modern look and takes up minimal space in the ceiling. LED lights are a common choice for basement lighting as they are long-lasting, energy-efficient, and don't burn as hot as incandescent lights. If you're aiming for a cozier feel in your basement bedroom, twinkle lights are an affordable and impactful option that can transform the space into a relaxing hangout spot. For a basement ceiling, flush or semi-flush mounts are recommended as they provide better lighting than pendant lights and are less likely to obstruct the area.

LED Recessed Lighting

There are many benefits to using LED lighting in your basement bedroom. LED lights last longer, with the average LED bulb lasting around 50,000 hours compared to an incandescent bulb, which lasts only about 1,000 hours. LED bulbs also use around 75% less energy than incandescent lighting, and they don't burn as hot, which can be helpful in a smaller basement space. Additionally, LED lighting comes in a wide range of colour temperatures, from warm to cool, allowing you to choose the lighting that best suits your space.

When installing LED Recessed Lighting in your basement bedroom, it's important to consider the spacing between the lights. Standard spacing for recessed lights is typically 8 to 10 feet apart, but this may vary depending on the size of the fixture and the function of the lighting. The goal is to achieve even lighting throughout the room, rather than having some areas brighter than others.

If you're retrofitting recessed lighting into an already finished basement, it can be a challenging task. You'll need to cut holes in the ceiling, ensure the correct electrical wiring is in place, and then connect the wiring and install the lights. This job is usually best left to professionals, especially if you need to cut into walls and relocate electrical wiring. However, if you have access to the utilities in the basement ceiling, such as drop-ceiling panels or open rafters, the job will be much easier and less expensive.

Task Lighting

• Pendant lights over a bedside table or desk can provide focused light for reading or other tasks.
• Bedside lamps can provide individual switching and targeted reading lights without disturbing your bed partner.
• Wall-mounted reading lights are another option for focused reading light.
• Under-cabinet lights are useful for task lighting in a kitchenette or bar area.
• Picture lights can be used to highlight artwork or other collectibles in the bedroom.
• Layering different types of lighting, such as recessed lighting with table lamps, can create a flexible and cosy atmosphere.
• Dimmer switches allow you to adjust the lighting according to the time of day or activity.
• If your basement has low ceilings, opt for recessed lighting or wall lights to save space.
• For a basement home office, combine wall lights with a desk lamp to ensure adequate illumination and reduce eye strain.
• If your basement bedroom has a seating area, consider a floor lamp that can be moved around as needed.

Indirect Lighting

• Wall Sconces: Wall sconces are a great way to add indirect lighting to a basement bedroom. They can tastefully highlight certain elements in the room, such as artwork or collectibles. If you don't want to cut holes in finished walls, consider using corded sconces and get creative with cord concealment.
• Rope or Runway Lighting: For indirect lighting, LED tape or rope lighting is a stylish and inexpensive option. It is perfect for illuminating specific areas, such as under a bar or inside shelving. LED tape, in particular, is easy to conceal and provides a narrow strip of lights.
• Track Lighting: While track lighting is often used for ambient lighting, it can also be utilised for indirect lighting by aiming the individual lights at specific elements in the room. This type of lighting is flexible and can be adjusted to suit your needs.
• Tray Lighting: Tray lighting involves using a narrow ceiling perimeter built-in tray as the base for hidden lighting. It is commonly used for mood lighting and can be controlled by an app on your phone, allowing you to choose any colour you desire.
• Combination of Lighting Types: Combining different types of lighting can enhance the overall effect. For example, you can use recessed lighting for general illumination and wall sconces to highlight artwork or collectibles.
• Dimmer Switches: Installing dimmer switches gives you greater control over the lighting levels in the room. This feature allows you to adjust the lighting to suit different moods or activities.
• Consult a Professional: If you are unsure or need help with your basement lighting design, consider consulting a lighting designer or a professional electrician. They can guide you in creating a lighting plan that meets your specific needs and ensures compliance with electrical codes.

Remember, the key to successful indirect lighting is to use it to highlight specific elements in the basement bedroom, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Track Lighting

There are four general categories of track lighting:

• Standard track lighting rail (straight track)
• Swing arm track lighting (jointed sections that swivel around a pivot point)
• Monorail track lighting (hangs from bars called standoffs)
• Fixed track lighting (attached to the wall)

The best type of track lighting for you will depend on your home and your needs.

Pendant Lighting

Basements tend to have low ceilings, so it's important to choose lighting that doesn't occupy too much vertical space. Pendant lights are a good option in this regard, as they hang down but don't take up a lot of space. When hanging pendant lights in a basement bedroom, it's best to station them alongside the bed, above the nightstands. This provides visual balance and allows the light to be cast over the bed and surrounding areas.

When choosing pendant lighting, consider the size of the light and how it will interact with the furniture in the room. The height of the light is also important, especially if your basement has a low ceiling. To avoid an obstruction in the middle of the room or hallway, pendant lights should be hung at the appropriate height.

There are many different styles of pendant lights to choose from, including mid-century modern, contemporary, vintage, and industrial. Popular finishes include gold, bronze, brass, black, silver, and glass, with aged and brushed finishes for an aged aesthetic and polished finishes for a more modern look.

If you're looking for a stylish and versatile lighting option for your basement bedroom, pendant lighting is a great choice.

Frequently asked questions