Basement

Design Guide: Basement Lighting Ideas and Options

(1) Recessed lights are the standard and best way of adding lighting to a basement. A false ceiling is needed to fit these lights into, and since all the light fixtures are hidden away you are left with a sleek, clean and modern styled space. You can even hook the lights up to dimmer switches to easily change the mood in the basement.

(2) Cove lighting will make a finished basement feel large and grand. Light fixtures are hidden away and bounce light onto the ceiling and into the room. One way of doing this is to install a false ceiling and have a cut out (usually circular). Another way is to install crown molding a few inches below the ceiling and have lights sit on the molding.

(3) Basements can be very dark – so a safety concern is needing lights for the stairwell (especially in unfinished basements). A simple way to do this is to fit a light to wall above the door. Hanging lights are another option and also fitting lights low down on the walls by each step – or in the steps themselves as pictured.

(4) In the day time, there is no better way to light a basement than with natural daylight shining through windows.

(5) Lighting up the ceiling and all the corners of a basement will make the space feel large. Doing the opposite, avoid lighting the ceiling, will make the space feel cozy and secluded. This can be done by using a range of table and floor lamps. Another idea is to install dimmer switches so you can turn down the ceiling lights.

(6) Mood lights are another option when it comes to basement lighting ideas. These lights can also help create a cozier basement space. Pictured is the Yantouch Jellyfish. You can make it shine a specific color or have it cycle through different colors. Use bright green to brighten up the basement, or a deep red or blue to create a romantic movie night setting.

(7) Specific areas in a basement (such as bar tops, kitchen counters, desks, etc) will need task lighting. Hanging pendant lights bring light down from the ceiling and closer to the areas. Another way of adding task lighting is to use track lights. These can be angled to face a specific spot. 1/2/3/4/5/6/7

February 7, 2013 in Basement, Lighting

Designs and Ideas For a Basement Home Theater

Designing The Space

Are you going to go all out and get a projector (picture (1))or go with a large flat screen and have more of an entertainment room as seen in picture (2)? If you go with a projector, and you have the space, then it would be ideal to close off the basement home theater and soundproof the walls (3).

Creating the Mood

If the theater is going to be in an enclosed room, then you’d want to have it in an area that doesn’t have any windows as the light would wash out the image. Blackout curtains would be a way of blocking off any windows. When it comes to lighting, wall lights make a space feel grand and would feel right at home in a basement theater setting (4) – as well as cove lighting (Design Guide: Basement Lighting Ideas and Options). A dimmer switch hooked up to the ceiling lights would let you control the level of lighting in the room. Or how about installing a fiber optic constellation ceiling (5).

Seating Choices

When it comes to seating choices there is the traditional theater seating arrangement (rows of recliner chairs) or there are more informal ideas like having a pit or a cushion mountain (6).

Going All Out

(7) Ideas for special touches include having a popcorn stand or movie memorabilia decorating the walls. 1/2/3/4/5/6/7

February 7, 2013 in Basement, Living Room

Ideas for Setting up a Home Gym in a Basement

Dividing Up Your Basement Space

(1) (2) If you have a large basement, you could close off the gym and design the rest of the space into a family room, game room, home office or create a man cave (The Cave: Basement Ideas For Men). If space is limited, then hang up a curtain so that you can close off the gym area and enjoy the rest of the basement as a family room, office, etc. (3)

What to Put in the Basement Gym

A ceiling fan is a great addition to basement gym. (4) So is a boxing bag. (5) Installing a sound system will make an exercise room livelier. Other great basement gym ideas to consider: installing a TV is ideal for watching while on a treadmill or for following along with a DVD workout as seen in picture (6), decorate the walls with framed motivational posters (7). (8) Check your form by having mirrored walls – or simply have a stand up mirror in the room. 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8

Side Note: A small refrigerator for drinks and protein bars is another good idea to have in a home gym.

February 7, 2013 in Basement

Flooring Ideas For a Basement

There are a number of basement flooring ideas and options to choose from, and the decision on which one to use will come down to what sort of room/space you creating (home theater, playroom, kitchen, etc.), the style you want, and also the climate you live in (different types of flooring are better for hot vs. cold places).

Tile: Ideal for homes in warmer climates but can have under flooring heating for cold climates. Good for basement family rooms and kitchens.

Concrete: This is one of the cheapest options. You can have it polished, acid colored, painted, and even stamped to add more styling. It cannot be heated from under, so it is best for warm climates.

Under Your Feet: Modern Flooring Ideas

Wooden Flooring: Hardwood flooring creates a cozy and warm space. It is ideal for basement bars (8 Different Basement Bar Ideas and Designs). Wood laminate flooring would work for a basement gym.

Carpet: Carpet or even carpet tiles is the best choice for homes in cold climates, though it is one of the most expensive choices. It is also great for the sound quality in basement home theaters (Designs and Ideas For a Basement Home Theater). Area rugs are an alternative to having an entire floor carpeted.

Some softer flooring options include laminate, rubber and cork – which would be great for playrooms or home gyms. 1/2/3/4/5/6/7