Best Lighting for Basement Transforms Your Space In A Heartbeat

Basement can be a gloomy, sad and depressing space where the kids are afraid to go because of the Boogey monster that lives in the dark. Or it can be the center of your family hangout, an extra living space, a workout room and get this, it can even be your kid’s favorite playground if you want!

Do you know what sets these two scenarios apart? A proper lighting arrangement! It’s quite surprising how quickly the best light fixtures for basement can turn an empty space into something cheerful, vibrant and full of life.

The space that was vacant just yesterday transforms itself into a cozy atmosphere through installing layered lights, pendants, sconces, cans, chandeliers and many more creative arrangements! Want a place of your own where you can read a book, sip some latte and curl up in the armchair to take a nap at the end of the day? Follow along to know which light works best for that!

Best Light Fixtures For Basement Review

1. Sunco Lighting 4 Pack LED Utility Shop Light, 4 FT, Linkable Integrated Fixture

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Gone are the days when you had to deal with cold, dark and musty basements. It’s time to switch it up and put that extra space to good use! Depending on what size of your cellar is, you need to plan the lighting arrangement in a way so that it covers the entire area properly.

Still confused and don’t know what to choose? Well, you will never go wrong with a Sunco Lighting 4 Pack LED Utility Shop light!

With 4100 lumens of powerful brightness, this tube is the ultimate choice for wide spaces like garage and basements. The 4-foot LED lamp is built with commercial-grade materials while maintaining the highest standard in terms of manufacturing.

The 5000K shines bright with mighty power, however, it won’t blind your eyes as other bulbs do! With a frosted cover on top, the lamp is designed to emit a soft glow that’s easy on the eyes, yet illuminate a wide space at the same time.

In case you need more than one light fixture in your cellar, you can easily do so with the help of its extendable feature. This special feature allows you to connect up to 4 of these LED light fixtures for basement together and enjoy its convenience.

Highlighted Features   

• The 4100-lumen tube illuminates a wide space.
• Its frosted cover helps protect your eyes from blinding glare.
• You can mount it using a 5-inch cord or 10-inch pull cord.
• Its extendable design allows 4 tubes to connect together.

2. Lithonia Lighting FMLWL 48-Inch 840 Contractor Select 4-Foot Flush Mount LED Wrap Ceiling Light

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When you decide to purchase something that’s used every day, the first thing you should check to see if it’s low-maintenance. Simply, because no one has time for taking care of stuff these days!

Lithonia Lighting FMLWL is such a product that requires no maintenance and lasts for at least 50,000 hours without a hitch!

The LED tube paired with a high-efficiency driver produces 2900 lumens of output to illuminate its surroundings. Although it’s more suitable for wide areas like basement, garage, living room etc., you can also install it in narrow corridors, kitchen space or even in small cubicles as well.

Want to know what makes this particular model so versatile?

The 5000K bright white light covered with an acrylic diffuser that helps distribute the light all over the place in a uniform way! The metal construction and decorative caps on the end of the tube make the whole setting a lot more interesting and aesthetically pleasing.

The LED tube that’s used in this fixture is Energy-rated and therefore, helps save money on your monthly electricity bill!

Highlighted Features

• It lasts for a solid 50,000 hours without a hitch.
• The 5000K bright light is perfect for illuminating space.
• The fixture looks smart enough to suit your interior.
• It is easy to install.
• It’s damp rated and safe to use. 

3. Hykolity Linkable LED Shop Light for Garage, 4FT 36W Utility Light Fixture

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Instead of settling for a traditional fluorescent bulb, why not try something different this time?

With 3600 lumens of output, the Hykolity Linkable LED Shop Light is the perfect replacement for a 64-watt fluorescent tube! The 5000K daylight lamp illuminates even the scariest basement and transforms into an inviting social den in an instant!

Before installing a lamp, first, you have to plan where and how you are going to place it, right?

Fortunately, you can use these light fixtures for basement ceiling or wall as per your wish. The product comes with all the necessary equipment required for suspended and flush mounting so that you can install it in any place that seems fit!

Once unboxed, you will find 4 of these LED shop lights inside the package. The end of each lamp is attached with a black cap that features an extendable design. You can link up to 6 pieces of these LED bulbs together to brighten your basement.

To make things easier, the manufacturer has added a 59-inch power cord with an inline switch. Ergo, you can also use this as an overhead workbench light if you want.

Highlighted Features

• The 3600 lumens of output is good enough to illuminate a wide space.
• The lamp can be installed by both suspended and flush mounting.
• It features a linkable design than can connect up to 6 lights.
• It’s quite lightweight and easy to install.

4. FaithSail 4FT LED Wraparound 40W Wrap Light

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Simple, elegant and functional, these are the 3 things that can describe the FaithSail 4FT LED Wraparound Light.

You will see why we describe this lamp as a minimalist’s favorite when you unbox its package!

The wrap light features a sophisticated design that goes well with any modern décor. Also, it helps make a space look brighter, wider and illuminated by distributing its 4400 lumens of brightness uniformly all over the place.   

Want to know its selling point?

This 40-watt tube is actually equivalent to the 120-watt traditional lamp that’s available on the market! The acrylic prismatic lens that’s wrapped around the fixture utilizes its output to the fullest and helps it reach its full potential.

Although the tube shines bright with its 4000 kelvins of neutral white light, it still uses less energy than the other bulbs and ends up saving 70% on your electricity bill.

The installation process is a breeze and doesn’t require much time to finish. Once it’s set in place, you can assemble 20 of these lamps in a series and connect them together to light up the entire place. The product is ETL certified and reliable for long-term use.

Highlighted Features

• The 40-watt LED is equivalent to a traditional 120-watt tube.
• The lights can be connected together up to 20 tubes.
• The acrylic prismatic cover helps distribute the brightness.
• With 4400 lumens of output, it can illuminate a wide space.

5. Woods Vandal Resistant Security Light With Ceiling Mount

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If you have an unfinished basement at your home, then you are in trouble!

Not only the place feels cold and dreary, but the exposed joints and concrete floor also make it harder to move around.

Needless to say, it increases the chance of you falling down in dark as well!

The Vandal Resistant Security Light With Ceiling Mount, manufactured by Woods, is perfect for scenarios like this. The 150-watt bulb emits a bright glow that illuminates its surroundings nicely and helps you see where your next steps are going while walking down the stairs!

Basements are often used for storage space. So, it’s advised if you keep the ceiling decoration to a bare minimum to get rid of that awful cramped-up vibe!

Keeping that in mind, this particular lamp from Woods comes with an ultra-slim design that helps free up space in your ceiling.

The L1706 model has another great feature up its sleeves that makes it one of the best light fixtures for unfinished basement ceiling!

The bulb inside the metal cage is surrounded by tempered glass. A metal cage means an extra layer of security!

And if still, the bulb drops from your hand by mistake, the glasses won’t break into sharp pieces as normal bulbs do! It’s much safer and reliable than the traditional bulbs you have at your home.

Highlighted Features

• The bulb is protected with a metal cage that’s also weatherproof.
• It has a slim structure that frees up space in the ceiling.
• The tempered glass shield doesn’t break into sharp pieces.
• The bulb is UL and CUL listed.

 

Buying Guide for the Best Lighting for Basement

Basements are often dark, damp and dreary spaces that need proper lighting to make them more comfortable and inviting.

Whether you use your basement as a living room, a home office, a game room or a storage area, you need to choose the right lighting fixtures and bulbs to suit your needs and preferences.

Here we will provide you with some tips and recommendations on how to select the best lighting for basement.

Consider the Purpose and Function of Your Basement

First of all, you need to consider the purpose and function of your basement.

Different activities require different levels and types of lighting.

For example, if you use your basement as a living room, you may want to create a cozy and relaxing atmosphere with warm and soft lighting.

On the other hand, if you use your basement as a home office, you may need bright and crisp lighting to enhance your productivity and focus.

Similarly, if you use your basement as a game room, you may want to add some fun and colorful lighting to create a playful and lively mood.

Consider the Layout and Size of Your Basement

Secondly, you need to consider the layout and size of your basement.

Depending on how much natural light your basement receives and how many windows and doors it has, you may need more or less artificial lighting.

You also need to take into account the height and shape of your ceiling, the color and texture of your walls and floors, and the placement and size of your furniture and accessories. These factors affect how light reflects and distributes in your basement.

Consider the Types and Styles of Lighting Fixtures

Thirdly, you need to consider the types and styles of lighting fixtures and bulbs that are available in the market.

There are many options to choose from, such as recessed lights, track lights, pendant lights, flush mount lights, wall sconces, table lamps, floor lamps and more.

Each type of lighting has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your budget, preference and space constraints.

Consider Temperature, Brightness and Energy Efficiency

You also need to consider the color temperature, brightness and energy efficiency of the bulbs that you use.

Generally speaking, LED bulbs are the best choice for basements as they are long-lasting, energy-saving and versatile.

To help you make an informed decision, here are some of our top picks for the best lighting for basement:

Recessed Lights

Recessed lights are installed in the ceiling and provide a sleek and modern look. They are ideal for basements with low ceilings or limited space as they do not take up any room.

They also provide ample and even illumination for large areas. You can use dimmers or switches to adjust the brightness and mood of your basement.

However, recessed lights can be expensive and difficult to install as they require wiring and cutting holes in the ceiling.

Track Lights

Track lights are mounted on a track that runs along the ceiling or wall.

They consist of multiple adjustable heads that can be directed to different areas or objects in your basement.

They are perfect for basements with high ceilings or irregular shapes as they can cover any angle or corner.

They also provide focused and accent lighting for specific tasks or features in your basement.

You can change the number, size and style of the heads to customize your lighting design.

However, track lights can be bulky and conspicuous as they take up some space.

Pendant Lights

Pendant lights are suspended from the ceiling by cords or chains. They come in various shapes, sizes, colors and materials that can add some personality and flair to your basement. They are suitable for basements with medium or high ceilings as they create a sense of height and depth. They also provide ambient and decorative lighting for general purposes or focal points in your basement. You can hang them individually or in groups to create different effects. However, pendant lights can be costly and tricky to install as they require wiring and drilling holes in the ceiling.

Flush Mount Lights

Flush mount lights are attached directly to the ceiling without any gap or protrusion.

They offer a simple and elegant look that blends well with any style or theme. They are great for basements with low ceilings as they do not hang down or interfere with headroom.

They also provide diffuse and uniform lighting for small or medium areas. You can choose from various designs and finishes to match your decor.

However, flush mount lights can be boring and plain as they do not have much character or charm.

Wall Sconces

Wall sconces are fixed on the wall near the ceiling or floor level. They project light upwards or downwards to create a soft and warm glow.

They are excellent for basements with limited floor space as they do not occupy any surface area.

They also provide accent and mood lighting for specific areas or elements in your basement.

You can use them to highlight artwork, photos, shelves or niches in your wall. However, wall sconces can be insufficient and dim as they do not produce

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What Type Of Lighting Is Best For Basement Area?

Answer: It depends on what sort of activity you are planning to do in that area.

For instance, if you are just using that place for relaxation or playful activities, then it’s better to opt for ambient lighting (3000K) for that purpose.

And if you plan to do laundry or read a book in that area, then you need task lighting (more than 3500K) to keep your focus on the work.

Q: Fluorescent or LEDs? Which One Is Better?

Answer: Both tubes produce white lights. So you can choose the one you like the most.

However, LEDs consume less energy and produce less heat compared to fluorescent ones. They are also environment-friendly and therefore, are considered a better option for everyone.

Q: How To Save Cost On Lighting?

Answer: The best way to do that is to check the label on the packaging. Usually, it contains information about the bulb’s lifespan and working hours. So, the higher the lifespan is, the fewer bulbs you will have to replace!

Q: How To Install Multiple Lamps In The Basement?

Answer: If you plan on installing multiple lights in the basement, then make sure to maximize the output by keeping at least 8 to 10 inches of gap between each other.

Q: Aren’t LED Bulbs Too Expensive?

Answer: They might cost a bit initially. But they last for a long time and is a good investment in the long run. Also, they consume less energy and save your money on the monthly electricity bill.

Conclusion

All too often we settle for mediocre things in life. For instance, a basement is a hidden space in our house. But instead of utilizing its full potential, we end up using it as an additional storage room where we keep piling up junks! Well, it’s time we switch it up!

Crafting the perfect basement lighting concept is truly a game-changer for your living space. From recessed lighting, offering a streamlined, modern feel, to the flexibility of track lighting, every option adds a unique element to your room. Basement lighting fixtures are diverse, and your choice should be guided by the style, functionality, and mood you wish to set. The classic warmth of incandescent bulbs may appeal to some, while others may lean towards the statement created by pendant lighting. Each pendant light is a statement on its own, adding a focal point that can dictate the aesthetic of your basement.

Remember, track lights aren’t the only solution. The assortment of basement lighting ideas is as vast as your creativity, allowing you to customize your space to suit your unique style. The best basement lighting options balance aesthetics, function, and energy efficiency to transform a potentially overlooked space into your home’s highlight. Always be open to new lighting ideas and innovations that can elevate your basement to the next level. Whether you choose traditional fixtures or explore cutting-edge designs, your chosen basement lighting can truly transform your space in a heartbeat.

And to help you turn the tide, the best light fixtures for basement are there to illuminate your every step on the way. So, what are you waiting for? Just turn the switch on and enjoy setting up a brand-new basement where the guests would love to stay for one more day!