The Low-Down on (Greener) Basement Lighting
Considering a basement re-do? Smart thinking. Refinishing your basement is a cost-effective way to add square footage to your home. Whether it’s a lively playroom, a brand new workspace, a cozy theater room or a combination of all of the above, an energy-efficient lighting plan is critical to making your new space comfortable, functional and economical.
- Let there be (lots of) light. Basements get a lot less natural sunlight than above-grade rooms, so it makes sense that they should be more heavily lit. Boost your layered light plan by installing a few extra ambient, task and accent light fixtures.
- Got low ceilings? Most basements do. Install recessed can lights with CFLs for ceiling-flush task lighting. Recessed florescent light panels are also a great energy-smart option. Their color rendering has come a long way, casting a warmer, more pleasing light than that of previous generations.
- If you don’t got it, fake it. False-lit windows are an ingenious way to simulate the natural light of windows in your basement. Frame and trim a rectangular “window,” paint it white and install a daylight spectrum florescent panel on the wall. Then outfit the “window” with a lightweight window treatment for natural-looking brightness.
- Dimmers all around. These easy-to-install energy superstars are compatible with any of the lighting types mentioned above. They’re not only great for reducing electricity output, but also for adjusting the light according to your mood or activity.
- Naturally efficient. If you’re lucky enough to have outdoor access, replace a solid door with a set of French doors to bring in more natural light. It’s also worth mentioning that basements are energy-efficient by nature: surrounded by earth that remains at a more constant temperature year-round, you’ll stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter in your new space.
Ready to brighten up your basement with energy efficient lighting? Check out Yale Lighting Concepts & Design’s amazing selection online or stop by one of our nine showrooms today!