how can i make my basement room brighter

How Best To Brighten Your Basement Family Room.

• 1. Allow Natural Light To Enter Your Basement. The quickest and easiest way to make your basement family room brighter is to allow more light to enter.
• 2. Add Mirrors And Reflective Surfaces.
• 3. Choose Bright Colors For The Walls And Furniture.
• 4. Install Enough Lights For Your Basement.

Full Answer

What are the steps to finish a basement?

What are the steps in finishing a basement?

• Framing. If you have been putting off your project wondering where to start, building the frames of the basement walls is a perfect starting point.
• Electrical work.
• Plumbing.
• 4. Entertainment.
• installing the drywall.
• Painting.
• Setting up the door.
• flooring.

How to finish a basement on a budget?

• Cleaning the space
• Removing and treating for mold and mildew
• Waterproofing
• Installing or adding a back-up sump pump
• Installing a dehumidifier

How to finish basement ceiling without drywall?

Here are some ways to finish a basement wall while on a tight budget:

• Panel your basement walls and ceiling with sturdy wood panels
• Spray paint the walls
• Install area rugs over your walls
• Apply vinyl or wallpaper

How do you finish a basement?

Finish a cinder block basement by applying the correct sealing, insulating, and installing drywall. Another option is to paint the concrete blocks directly, which might be a good choice for some homeowners and their exterior basement walls. If you proceed with this path, make sure to paint on sunny days to avoid interruptions.

How do I increase the brightness of my basement?

Ways to Brighten Up a Dark BasementRepaint the Walls. One of the easiest, most affordable ways to lighten a room is by painting the walls and trim in brighter colors. ... Use Reflective Surfaces. ... Add Light Fixtures. ... Introduce More Natural Lighting. ... Raise the Ceiling.

How can I brighten my basement with no windows?

Basements: 17 Ways to Lighten and Brighten a Basement, even if you don't have WindowsRelated basement articles:Use a light paint color.Layer your lighting.Remove window treatments.Use glass doors.Leverage mirrors.Paint paneling.Light area rugs.More items...

How can I add more light to my basement bedroom?

Here are several examples.Use Mirrors. Putting mirrors in strategic places is a smart strategy to reflect light inside your basement. ... Go With An All-White Wall. ... Maintain an Open Floor Plan. ... Install a Sun Pipe or Solar Tube. ... Glazed/Glass Doors. ... Build A Basement Light Well.

How can I make my basement brighter and airy?

2:044:59Interior Design – Bright & Beautiful Basement Design Ideas - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipKeep everything light and fresh mix a lot of neutrals with texture window wells yeah they're goodMoreKeep everything light and fresh mix a lot of neutrals with texture window wells yeah they're good when if you don't have them it's kind of sucky.

What color light is best for basement?

Cool white bulbs give off a friendly and inviting light that is perfectly suited for high-traffic areas of the home including living rooms, kitchens, basements and playrooms. Cool white light is also ideal for reading and completing tasks.

What colors make a room look bigger and brighter?

So, what colors make a room look bigger? For an optimum effect, go with soft tones like off-white, blues, and greens, and always remember that brighter rooms feel bigger and more inviting. And here's another hack: Try painting your wall trim and moldings in a lighter color than your walls.

How do you lighten a flat basement?

Add mirrors Decorative mirrors create an illusion of space and light. “Mirrors can help reflect what little natural light comes into a basement apartment,” said Sarah Roussos-Karakaian, who co-founded the artisan contracting and design team Nestrs with her husband, Nick Karakaian.

How bright should basement lights be?

You should look for 75 to 100-Watt incandescent lamps, but we want to stop thinking of lights in terms of wattage, so let's look at Lumens instead. For the newer lamps, that means you want lights with a Lumen output of 800-1200 Lumens (typically a 13-Watt LED will yield within that range).

Is there a light that mimics sunlight?

SAD lamps, also known as sun lamps or light boxes, work by imitating sunlight. These lamps typically show measurements in lux, which refers to the lamp's luminance level.

What is the best flooring for a basement?

The best type of flooring for basements is vinyl. Vinyl flooring can come in the form of vinyl plank and vinyl tile, giving it the ability to look nearly identical to hardwood and stone products with the added benefit of being waterproof. Vinyl flooring is made of PVC making it durable and waterproof.

How do you light an unfinished basement?

Track Lighting Track lighting is arguably the best option for unfinished basements. This is because of a combination of three things. They're easy to install, and since they generally come in a line, they can fit well in between rafters and ceiling joists.

What is the best color to paint a basement?

The best color for basements walls tend to be lighter shades of neutral colors. These colors usually consist of bright whites, light greys or even colors with light brown like sand stone. Sticking with these neutral colors help the room feel open and avoid the common feeling of being boxed in.

How to add color to basement walls?

Looking to add a colorful touch to your basement without any commitment or major expense? Simply frame graphic art to break up white or neutral walls. Since graphic art is clean and simple, it can be appreciated by children as much as adults.

What was the basement of the Atlanta house remodeled with?

Keeping light in mind, this Atlanta basement was remodeled with a plethora of windows, interior and exterior glass doors, light colors and reflective surfaces.

Can you install windows in a basement?

A common problem homeowners face with basements is a lack of exterior wall space for installing windows. Large windows aren't usually a possibility since many basement walls sit below ground. Take advantage of any above-ground exterior surface by installing high-sitting windows just below the basement ceiling.

Can you use recessed lights in a basement?

When space is at a premium in a basement, it's wise to take advantage of ceiling surface for housing overhead lighting. Here, recessed can lights were added along all areas of the basement ceiling to keep it brightly lit after dark.

Can you use roman shades on a basement door?

Instead, consider door-mounted Roman shades. Operated with a simple cord, the shades can be fully raised to the top of the glass, allowing all available light into the basement.

Can Roman shades be raised?

Instead, consider door-mounted Roman shades. Operated with a simple cord, the shades can be fully raised to the top of the glass, allowing all available light into the basement. From: Brian Patrick Flynn. Sconce Lighting.

Can you have a paned exterior door in a basement?

Basements with direct access to the outdoors are excellent fits for paned exterior entry doors. Before its renovation, this Atlanta basement was dark and dingy due to a single solid wood door. By reframing the entry and installing a door flanked by two fixed paned windows, a plethora of natural light keeps the space illuminated.

Why Is My Basement So Dark?

It’s no secret that the Seattle area sees heavy precipitation and cloud cover. But even on sunny days your basement may not be getting enough natural light. Sometimes the problem is heavy curtains, dark window blinds or thick landscaping blocking the windows. Other times the problem doesn’t have such a simple solution.

What Am I Using the Space for?

First, consider what you’d like to accomplish with your basement renovation project. How will you be utilizing your new living space? Examples include:

Ways to Brighten Up a Dark Basement

Once you’ve determined your basement’s newfound purpose, with the help of a interior designer you can begin to determine the best ways to make it lighter and brighter. The tried and true methods below range from an easy DIY project to a full-scale basement renovation.

How to keep a room light and bright?

One of the simplest ways to keep any room looking lighter and brighter is to keep the room free of clutter.

Why is layered lighting important?

Layered lighting is going to be very important in making your room bright and cheery.

Can you have a basement without windows?

However, you don’t have to abandon your basement just because it is dark in there or it doesn’t have windows. In fact, there are ways to lighten and brighten that a dark basement ...

Do light colored walls lighten up a room?

While light colored walls won’t chase away all the gloom, they will go a long way in lightening up the overall room and give you the start you need on your overall room lighting plan.

Do mirrors make a room look bigger?

Mirrors not only make a room look larger, but they also reflect light, which makes them an ideal accent to any basement room even those without windows. Placing a mirror directly across from a light source can reflect the light back into the room.

Can you use artificial plants in a basement?

If you can’t use natural greenery, then choose some very realistic artificial plants to give that added touch of brightness that a basement without windows may need.

Can you put a mirror directly across from a light source?

Placing a mirror directly across from a light source can reflect the light back into the room.

How to make a basement look bright?

(It doesn’t necessarily have to be a light color!) Not that you want your basement to be gaudy or tacky, of course. But a nice bright tone on the walls, rugs, and even large furniture pieces and some cheerful pops of color throguhout will go far in creating a fresh, bright atmosphere.

How to make a room look bigger?

Embrace an open floor plan. Even in a room lacking windows, it’s a truth that expanded wall spaces will make the space seem bigger. Consider taking out a wall or two to create a large living space. Not only will it look spacious and bright, but you’ll likely love the extra loving space to enjoy with family and friends. {found on site }.

What is the purpose of a basement?

Furnish the basement in such a way that it’s a fun place to gather – include places for games, for reading, for watching television, for hanging out. Provide a venue where the inherent purpose is to simply enjoy one another’s company.

What is the best way to bounce light around?

Don’t forget the reflective power of floors. Polished hardwood, tile, and shined concrete are great ways to subtly bounce a little extra light around. Particularly because the floor is the direct reflector of ceiling lights.

Can you hang pendant lights in a basement?

Many basements have lower ceilings, so hanging pendant lights can pose a problem, both aesthetically and, more important , functionally. Selecting recessed lighting for the ceilings and adding in floor and table lamps, or some Great Wall sconces, will provide enough light without infringing on the vertical space. {image source }.

Is a mirror a light enhancer?

It sounds cliché, perhaps, but it’s absolutely true that by their very reflective nature, mirrors are instantaneously light-enhancers and space-expanders. You could opt for floor-to-ceiling mirrors, if you want, but even adding in a few wall and shelved mirrors will do wonders in brightening your sans-natural-light basement.

What is the best flooring for a basement?

Unfortunately, one of the best options for light flooring is wood flooring, but wood flooring can be ruined by moisture. However, there are a few other options that reflect light, including tile, luxury vinyl, cork, and concrete.#N#If you choose concrete, you can use an acid stain to give it a vibrant look that almost looks like marble. You can choose from a variety of colors to make regular concrete match whatever color scheme you've chosen for your basement.#N#Then you can add light throw rugs to add even more color to the room and give your cat or dog a place to lay down while you work, play, or entertain.

How to make your house look like a mirror?

Strategically Place Your Lights. Use everything you've done so far to supplement natural light with artificial lights. Place your lights near the light paint on your walls or the large mirror. Hang lights from your glossy ceiling to reflect light back down.

What to do if your window is blocked outside?

Move them somewhere else or get rid of them. If there is anything else outside blocking your windows, including air conditioning units and sheds, consider moving them as well. It's important for the window to be accessible if someone needs to escape during an emergency, and it will also let in natural light. 7.

Can you block windows in basement?

Obviously, you shouldn't have anything in the basement blocking the windows. But there could be things outside keeping light from getting in.#N#If plants or trees are blocking your windows, you're likely not up to code anyway. Move them somewhere else or get rid of them.#N#If there is anything else outside blocking your windows, including air conditioning units and sheds, consider moving them as well. It's important for the window to be accessible if someone needs to escape during an emergency, and it will also let in natural light.

Does high gloss paint reflect light?

High-Gloss paint on your ceiling can help to reflect light back down into the room. Also, in washes easily, so you may want to consider using this for the whole room. In addition, it is resistant to moisture, which is a common problem in basements.

Can a basement be dark?

Many basements are dark and lacking in natural light. When you finish a basement, everything might look nice in theory, but bad lighting can ruin your vision. So, how can you brighten up the room?

How to make a room feel darker?

Get rid of those valances, heavy dark drapes and dowdy old linens. Turf that nappy ole rug, take down those sheer curtains and paint that wood panelling. All of these (and more) will add to the ‘visual weight’ of a room and make it feel darker than it needs to be.

What to put in a dark room?

Lighter linens, toss cushions and throws will add a fresh touch to a dark space.

How to make a window feel oppressive?

Block the light in the upper portion of the window and add an ‘eyebrow’ to your window. If not done properly (ie: right fabric, right height) you will only make your room feel oppressive.

What are some things that help to move light around the room?

Glass, mirror and shiny objects help to move light around the room, whether it’s artificial or natural. If you have too many solid surfaces (wood/fabric/draperies/drywall) that absorb light, rather than reflect it, the energy in your space will feel heavy and off balance – the same thing will happen if you drink too much wine.

Do light fixtures need glass shades?

In a dark space, it’s important that your light fixtures DON’T have amber/yellowed glass shades. Frosted or clear glass is VITAL.

How to make a room look brighter?

Put lighting wherever you can! Add lamps, a ceiling light fixture, recessed lighting, anywhere that is available. Lamps add a nice decorative touch as well as brightening up a room. Instead of getting bulky lighting fixtures, purchase simple sleek ones that don’t take up much room.

How to make a small basement functional?

Less is more. Especially when it comes to furniture in a small room. Think about what you need, and opt out of buying the pieces of furniture you don’t need. Instead of buying bulky furniture keep nice and clean. This will help your basement to be functional and have more room.

What color makes a room look smaller?

Light colors always make a small room feel bright and airy. This can give the illusion that the room is actually bigger. Darker colors tend to make a room look smaller, and you don’t want that. I would suggest sticking to light colors such as light grays, blues, yellows, or any color you like in a lighter version. Keeping it all white is a great option as well.

Can you make a basement look bigger?

Unfortunately, some basements aren’t that large and there’s not much you can do about it. You can, however, do simple things to make your basement seem bigger! There is always tips and tricks around making any room look bigger than it actually is.

Can you entertain in a large basement?

People dream about having large basements you can entertain in, and you can make that happen no matter what the size is. Here are some simple yet effective tricks you can implement in your basement today! Let’s get to it!

What to use to make a small room feel more open?

Choose the Right Fabrics. Heavy fabrics like wool, velvet, and fur have a big presence and can make a room feel overdecorated. Lighter picks, such as cotton, linen, and lace, draw less attention to themselves, which can help a small room feel more open and bright.

How to make a room feel airier?

The fewer objects in a room, the airier it will feel. In smaller rooms, scale back on bulky decor , tchotchkes, and other unnecessary items. Either get rid of them or move them to larger rooms with more natural light.

What to do with nonessentials?

Tuck nonessentials out of sight with dual-purpose pieces like storage ottomans or benches. Less visual clutter on shelves and other surfaces translates into an airier interior.

Why put primary light sources on dimmer switches?

Put primary light sources on dimmer switches so you can brighten a room as the light changes throughout the day.

How to use multiple light sources in a room?

Use multiple light sources in each room so no matter how much or how little natural light is coming in from the outside, you can always add a little more. Start with a primary light source—for example, overhead lighting—then mix in secondary sources, such as accent lamps or task lighting.

How high should a curtain rod be above a window?

Likewise, mounting the curtain rod several inches above the top of a window will make it look taller.

How to make a hallway look more spacious?

Another smart trick: Place a mirror strategically at the end of a cramped hallway to make the corridor seem more spacious.