If you are looking to add brightness to your basement, there are many simple options available to you. Of course, the main source of natural light is always the window. Therefore, it is important to clear any windows so that the basement benefits from the natural light and not the furniture or curtains that block it.

Some basements have few windows to let in natural light. Despite this, it is possible to create a pleasant environment for the occupants of the home. So, how do you go about making changes that can improve the ambiance and decor of these spaces? We have gathered several tips, some of which involve major work and others which are very simple and inexpensive.

Here are 6 tips to improve the lighting in your dark basement

Adding sources of natural light in your basement

1) Optimizing the natural light that is already there

Start by evaluating the amount of natural light that already enters the basement. Ask yourself if the current layout of the room is optimal. Does anything in the layout affect the brightness? If so, see if a change in the way things are arranged could have a definite impact. This may involve moving the furniture, but also modifying the partitions that divide the different sections of the basement.

2) Curtains: yes or no? 

Curtains and window treatments should always be thin, in order to let light into the room. These thin curtains will also be easier to work with when you want to move them around according to the current position of the sunrays. You can also choose special blinds that will be adjusted accordingly.

If possible, do not use any curtains. In this case, for more privacy, stained or textured glass can be a great alternative that will serve to protect your privacy without making the room too dark. Do you prefer to have the option to close the curtains? Choose curtains instead of blinds that block part of the window.

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Using artificial light

3) Creating an efficient lighting plan

One of the best ways to improve the amount of light in your basement is to work on artificial lighting. Buying new light fixtures can be cheap and easy to install. Moreover, they don’t require any major renovations. Don’t forget to clean your light fixtures on a regular basis, since the accumulation of dust and grease can cause them to lose 30% of their power.

Beyond the typical light fixtures, aquariums and vivariums can also be considered as excellent light sources since they feature glass panes and strong lighting equipment.

Materials and accessories that reflect light

4) Decorating to improve the amount of light in the basement

Using materials with a glossy finish (ex: ceramic) can help to considerably increase the amount of light in your house. These materials with a glossy surface will reflect natural and artificial light, which will help improve the room’s lighting.

The same goes for paint. Shades that are lighter or brighter and products with a glossy finish can also affect the luminosity of a room, especially in a basement. Therefore, a simple coat of fresh paint can make a huge difference.

5) Using windows and glass doors

Installing mirrors is another good tip that doesn’t cost a lot of money and that has a big impact. Also, if possible, replace all your regular doors with glass doors, which can sort of work as equivalents to adding extra windows. In the same vein, if your budget allows you to do so, you can also install light shafts to use the light coming from other floors of the house.

6) Installing a light reflector in your basement

If, after trying all the tips described above, you still aren’t happy with the results, another option is available. Several lighting specialists recommend installing external reflectors. The number of reflectors to be installed will depend on the size of the windows. For example, in the case of windows that are 28 inches wide, you should install two 24 inch reflectors.