Lighting Considerations for Basement Remodels in Fort Collins
In many basement remodels, the space is divided into several rooms or areas. As you plan the design and division of the space and the style of the furnishings and the function of each area, it is important to consider the various Fort Collins lighting needs in the finished space.
It is likely that you will want to use several kinds of lighting in different parts of the basement. And the chance to use light to make the space more useful or more attractive is part of the fun of basement remodels.
Whether you are remodeling/redecorating a finished basement or starting from unfinished space to create the living areas you need, these tips should help you as you consider the best lighting for your basement remodel.
1. Think about how you can effectively use all four main kinds or sources of light: natural light (from outside), general overall artificial lighting in each room or area, artificial task lighting in appropriate areas, and accent lighting.
2. Start with natural light. Decide what kind of windows will bring in natural light most effectively. Then think about not only where you currently have windows, but also about where you might be able to add a window. Think also about the size and shape of the windows and about alternative shapes or sizes that might meet your lighting needs.
3. Plan your overall room lighting. Overall lighting will provide some level of light throughout the room. This kind of Fort Collins lighting is usually installed as ceiling lights or wall sconces, pendant lights or even “up-lights”. Overall lighting is usually accessed by a switch beside the door to the room. If you have more than one point of entry into a room, you might want to plan to have a switch beside each door or opening.
4. Plan your navigation lighting. Decide what kind of overall lighting you will install for hallways, stairways, and exterior entrances. Again, you will want to think carefully about placement of switches and possibly needing to be able to control the light from more than one switch.
5. Add accent lights. Accent lighting “accents” a particular area of a room. For example, you might be trying to create a cozy reading nook in a family room or den. To make the area look warm and cozy, you might choose to use colored light or sconces on the wall. You might also want to use accent lighting to call attention to special architectural or design features of the room, like a tray ceiling or columns. These lights may provide some general lighting or even some task lighting, but their main purpose is decorative.
6. Add task lighting. Install under-cabinet lighting, pendant lights or lamps where extra light is needed for specific tasks. The reading corner might need a floor lamp or a table lamp; an office area might need extra lighting for a drawing board.
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The tech explained what it would take to do the job and the exact price before they started the job. There were no surprises when the job was complete. [...]
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