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Published February 2, 2018, Updated June 15, 2019
25 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark Basement
A repurposed basement can add a lot of value to your home, but because they typically don’t have big windows, they can be quite dark. Luckily there are some simple ways to brighten up a dark basement. Here are some ideas to inspire you.
Published February 2, 2018, Updated June 15, 2019
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White Walls
1/25White Walls
1/25Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay Source: janisnicolay.com
For an easy way to fool your eyes and make a room look bigger, there's nothing quite like a crisp, white painted wall to brighten a room – so why not go full-out and lighten up your entire basement apartment? <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/basements/photos/basement-renovations-thatll-blow-you-away-1924212/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">30 Basement Renovations That Will Blow You Away</a>Basements25 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark BasementWhite Walls
PHOTO 1 of 25READ LESS -For an easy way to fool your eyes and make a room look bigger, there's nothing quite like a crisp, white painted wall to brighten a room – so why not go full-out and lighten up your entire basement apartment? <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/basements/photos/basement-renovations-thatll-blow-you-away-1924212/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">30 Basement Renovations That Will Blow You Away</a>Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay Source: janisnicolay.com
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Glass Doors
2/25Glass Doors
2/25Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay Source: janisnicolay.com
Shiny surfaces can make a small room look significantly bigger, so opt for glass doors to separate the rooms of your <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/basements/photos/basement-apartment-tips-scott-mcgillivray-1920233/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">basement</a> apartment, like this gorgeous version with dark brown frames.Basements25 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark BasementGlass Doors
PHOTO 2 of 25READ LESS -Shiny surfaces can make a small room look significantly bigger, so opt for glass doors to separate the rooms of your <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/basements/photos/basement-apartment-tips-scott-mcgillivray-1920233/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">basement</a> apartment, like this gorgeous version with dark brown frames.Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay Source: janisnicolay.com
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Light Wood Flooring
3/25Light Wood Flooring
3/25Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: laurenkolyn.com
When it comes to flooring, lighter is always better. A pale blond wood will go a long way towards making your room feel breezy and cheerful. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/basements/photos/17-beautiful-basements-that-will-inspire-you-to-renovate-your-lower-level-1924611/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">17 Beautiful Basement That Will Inspire You to Renovate Your Lower Level</a>Basements25 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark BasementLight Wood Flooring
PHOTO 3 of 25READ LESS -When it comes to flooring, lighter is always better. A pale blond wood will go a long way towards making your room feel breezy and cheerful. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/basements/photos/17-beautiful-basements-that-will-inspire-you-to-renovate-your-lower-level-1924611/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">17 Beautiful Basement That Will Inspire You to Renovate Your Lower Level</a>Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: laurenkolyn.com
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Trim Your Greenery
4/25Trim Your Greenery
4/25Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay Source: janisnicolay.com
Most basements have narrow windows that are little more than slits – and if you've got trees or assorted greenery growing in front of them, they'll ultimately block out all that natural light you're craving. So, it's time to get out those scissors to give them a little trim. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/real-estate/photos/stunning-landscape-expanding-homes-1927086/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">8 Stunning Homes That Blend in With the Outdoors</a>Basements25 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark BasementTrim Your Greenery
PHOTO 4 of 25READ LESS -Most basements have narrow windows that are little more than slits – and if you've got trees or assorted greenery growing in front of them, they'll ultimately block out all that natural light you're craving. So, it's time to get out those scissors to give them a little trim. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/real-estate/photos/stunning-landscape-expanding-homes-1927086/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">8 Stunning Homes That Blend in With the Outdoors</a>Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay Source: janisnicolay.com
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Add Plants
5/25Add Plants
5/25Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: laurenkolyn.com
Scattering a variety of house plants throughout your living quarters will liven up the place and make your rooms feel bigger and brighter. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/easy-to-care-for-indoor-plants-1926218/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">21 Easy-to-Care for Indoor Plants That Go Beyond Succulents </a>Basements25 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark BasementAdd Plants
PHOTO 5 of 25READ LESS -Scattering a variety of house plants throughout your living quarters will liven up the place and make your rooms feel bigger and brighter. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/easy-to-care-for-indoor-plants-1926218/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">21 Easy-to-Care for Indoor Plants That Go Beyond Succulents </a>Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: laurenkolyn.com
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Use Different Light Sources
6/25Use Different Light Sources
6/25Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: laurenkolyn.com
A single bulb in the middle of the ceiling is just plain depressing. Instead, use various <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/lighting-trends-transform-a-room-1917503/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">light sources</a>: the more, the better. Pot lights, task lights and table lamps strategically placed will supplement one another and light up every corner.Basements25 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark BasementUse Different Light Sources
PHOTO 6 of 25READ LESS -A single bulb in the middle of the ceiling is just plain depressing. Instead, use various <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/lighting-trends-transform-a-room-1917503/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">light sources</a>: the more, the better. Pot lights, task lights and table lamps strategically placed will supplement one another and light up every corner.Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: laurenkolyn.com
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Mirrors
7/25Mirrors
7/25Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: laurenkolyn.com
Mirrors reflect light. They also add the illusion of windows in your basement, making it feel more spacious. Add even more interest to any wall by making a collage of multiple mirrors, if you can.Basements25 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark BasementMirrors
PHOTO 7 of 25READ LESS -Mirrors reflect light. They also add the illusion of windows in your basement, making it feel more spacious. Add even more interest to any wall by making a collage of multiple mirrors, if you can.Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: laurenkolyn.com
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Metallic Accents
8/25Metallic Accents
8/25Photo Credit: Jacquelyn ClarkSource: www.jacquelynclark.com
Shiny metallic objects are like mirrors in that they reflect light, so bring in some gold or silver accessories. These can be vases, planters or picture frames, for instance. They will also add a sense of opulence.Basements25 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark BasementMetallic Accents
PHOTO 8 of 25READ LESS -Shiny metallic objects are like mirrors in that they reflect light, so bring in some gold or silver accessories. These can be vases, planters or picture frames, for instance. They will also add a sense of opulence.Photo Credit: Jacquelyn ClarkSource: www.jacquelynclark.com
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Chandeliers or Fancy Light Fixtures
9/25Chandeliers or Fancy Light Fixtures
9/25Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
Add a crystal chandelier or a decorative light fixture like the one above in a playful West Vancouver home. Because it's such a statement piece, it will draw the eyes up, creating the feeling of more space.Basements25 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark BasementChandeliers or Fancy Light Fixtures
PHOTO 9 of 25READ LESS -Add a crystal chandelier or a decorative light fixture like the one above in a playful West Vancouver home. Because it's such a statement piece, it will draw the eyes up, creating the feeling of more space.Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
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Shiny Floors
10/25Shiny Floors
10/25Photo Credit: Getty Images
Shiny floors are another way to reflect light, especially coming from ceiling lights. Choose floor surfaces in polished wood, concrete or tile. Underfloor heating will prevent things from getting too cold during winter.Basements25 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark BasementShiny Floors
PHOTO 10 of 25READ LESS -Shiny floors are another way to reflect light, especially coming from ceiling lights. Choose floor surfaces in polished wood, concrete or tile. Underfloor heating will prevent things from getting too cold during winter.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Paint it Light
11/25Paint it Light
11/25Photo Credit: Getty Images
Walls painted in light colours reflect light and help a room appear larger too. White is an obvious choice, but a light yellow will add warmth and lift your spirits. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/expert-paint-secrets-to-sell-home-1914452/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">10 Best-Kept Painting Secrets to Help Sell Your Home Faster </a>Basements25 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark BasementPaint it Light
PHOTO 11 of 25READ LESS -Walls painted in light colours reflect light and help a room appear larger too. White is an obvious choice, but a light yellow will add warmth and lift your spirits. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/expert-paint-secrets-to-sell-home-1914452/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">10 Best-Kept Painting Secrets to Help Sell Your Home Faster </a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Choose Monochrome
12/25Choose Monochrome
12/25Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: laurenkolyn.com
A monochrome colour scheme where the floors and ceiling are the same colour as the walls will open up the space, while too much contrast will make the ceilings feel lower. The effect of spaciousness will be even greater if you choose light colours like white or grey.Basements25 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark BasementChoose Monochrome
PHOTO 12 of 25READ LESS -A monochrome colour scheme where the floors and ceiling are the same colour as the walls will open up the space, while too much contrast will make the ceilings feel lower. The effect of spaciousness will be even greater if you choose light colours like white or grey.Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: laurenkolyn.com
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Accent Walls
13/25Accent Walls
13/25Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: laurenkolyn.com
When a room doesn’t have windows, an <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kids-rooms/photos/whimsical-kids-room-accent-walls-1904558/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">accent wall</a> can create brightness and dimension. Choose light-reflecting, airy colours and patterns like the one seen in this children's bedroom.Basements25 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark BasementAccent Walls
PHOTO 13 of 25READ LESS -When a room doesn’t have windows, an <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kids-rooms/photos/whimsical-kids-room-accent-walls-1904558/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">accent wall</a> can create brightness and dimension. Choose light-reflecting, airy colours and patterns like the one seen in this children's bedroom.Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: laurenkolyn.com
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Painted Bricks
14/25Painted Bricks
14/25Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: laurenkolyn.com
Many basements have exposed brickwork, but the colour of bricks can make the space look dark. Solve the problem by painting over the bricks in a light colour. This way you’ll have the brightness without losing the texture.Basements25 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark BasementPainted Bricks
PHOTO 14 of 25READ LESS -Many basements have exposed brickwork, but the colour of bricks can make the space look dark. Solve the problem by painting over the bricks in a light colour. This way you’ll have the brightness without losing the texture.Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: laurenkolyn.com
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Frosted Glass Wall Installation
15/25Frosted Glass Wall Installation
15/25Photo Credit: Getty Images
A large frosted glass wall installation will mimic a window or door. If it’s backlit, it will look like it leads to the outdoors, while adding an additional light source.Basements25 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark BasementFrosted Glass Wall Installation
PHOTO 15 of 25READ LESS -A large frosted glass wall installation will mimic a window or door. If it’s backlit, it will look like it leads to the outdoors, while adding an additional light source.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Backlit Screen
16/25Backlit Screen
16/25Photo Credit: Getty Images
Place a large screen with cut-outs against the wall and install lights behind it. This will give the illusion of a window or even a door that leads outside, while adding another source of light and interest to the room.Basements25 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark BasementBacklit Screen
PHOTO 16 of 25READ LESS -Place a large screen with cut-outs against the wall and install lights behind it. This will give the illusion of a window or even a door that leads outside, while adding another source of light and interest to the room.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Pictures of the Great Outdoors
17/25Pictures of the Great Outdoors
17/25Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: laurenkolyn.com
A picture of a sunny landscape can trick your brain into thinking there’s more light in your basement. Enlarge your favourite photographs of beaches, green fields or a stunning little Tuscan town with its sunlit squares and be transported to an exotic location every time you enter your basement.Basements25 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark BasementPictures of the Great Outdoors
PHOTO 17 of 25READ LESS -A picture of a sunny landscape can trick your brain into thinking there’s more light in your basement. Enlarge your favourite photographs of beaches, green fields or a stunning little Tuscan town with its sunlit squares and be transported to an exotic location every time you enter your basement.Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: laurenkolyn.com
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Splashes of Colour
18/25Splashes of Colour
18/25Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: laurenkolyn.com
Drive away the gloom with splashes of <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/www.greatcanadianhomes.ca/photos/this-playful-vancouver-home-features-surprising-pops-of-colour-1901534/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">bright colour</a>. You can use anything: furniture, pillows, paintings, vases, lamps, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/how-to-pick-art-for-every-room-1922988/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">artwork</a>, even a bunch a flowers. Strong colours such as red, bright blue and yellow will instantly transform your basement into a happy place.Basements25 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark BasementSplashes of Colour
PHOTO 18 of 25READ LESS -Drive away the gloom with splashes of <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/www.greatcanadianhomes.ca/photos/this-playful-vancouver-home-features-surprising-pops-of-colour-1901534/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">bright colour</a>. You can use anything: furniture, pillows, paintings, vases, lamps, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/how-to-pick-art-for-every-room-1922988/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">artwork</a>, even a bunch a flowers. Strong colours such as red, bright blue and yellow will instantly transform your basement into a happy place.Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: laurenkolyn.com
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Bookshelves
19/25Bookshelves
19/25Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: laurenkolyn.com
Bookshelves will make your basement feel cozier, but they can also brighten the room. The trick is to pick books with colourful or light-coloured spines rather than the old leather-bound volumes you’d find in a dusty antique bookstore. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/living-room-shelving-ideas-1919652/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">These Living Room Shelving Ideas Will Make Your Organizing Dreams Come True</a>Basements25 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark BasementBookshelves
PHOTO 19 of 25READ LESS -Bookshelves will make your basement feel cozier, but they can also brighten the room. The trick is to pick books with colourful or light-coloured spines rather than the old leather-bound volumes you’d find in a dusty antique bookstore. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/living-room-shelving-ideas-1919652/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">These Living Room Shelving Ideas Will Make Your Organizing Dreams Come True</a>Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: laurenkolyn.com
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A Fireplace
20/25A Fireplace
20/25Photo Credit: Getty Images
A <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/fireplace-mantel-decor-ideas-1921954/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">fireplace</a> adds warmth but also light. Instead of going through the hassle of installing a wood-burning fireplace, which will need a chimney, get a gas or electric fireplace.Basements25 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark BasementA Fireplace
PHOTO 20 of 25READ LESS -A <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/fireplace-mantel-decor-ideas-1921954/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">fireplace</a> adds warmth but also light. Instead of going through the hassle of installing a wood-burning fireplace, which will need a chimney, get a gas or electric fireplace.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Area Rugs
21/25Area Rugs
21/25Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
A large area rug can help create the illusion of space by tying the room together. Choose one with a high pile for texture and warmth like the rug in this dreamy basement apartment.Basements25 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark BasementArea Rugs
PHOTO 21 of 25READ LESS -A large area rug can help create the illusion of space by tying the room together. Choose one with a high pile for texture and warmth like the rug in this dreamy basement apartment.Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
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Avoid Clutter
22/25Avoid Clutter
22/25Photo Credit: Getty Images
Clutter instantly makes a room look smaller and dingier. Keep clutter to a minimum and your basement will feel open and airy. You’ll have less dusting to do too!Basements25 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark BasementAvoid Clutter
PHOTO 22 of 25READ LESS -Clutter instantly makes a room look smaller and dingier. Keep clutter to a minimum and your basement will feel open and airy. You’ll have less dusting to do too!Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Built-In Storage
23/25Built-In Storage
23/25Photo Credit: Getty Images
If your basement still needs to double as a storage space, use built-in storage solutions. Built-in closets and shelves won’t take up lots of space and will help you avoid clutter.Basements25 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark BasementBuilt-In Storage
PHOTO 23 of 25READ LESS -If your basement still needs to double as a storage space, use built-in storage solutions. Built-in closets and shelves won’t take up lots of space and will help you avoid clutter.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Vignettes With Candles
24/25Vignettes With Candles
24/25Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
Vignettes are a great way to add style without taking up much space. In your basement, use candles of different heights to make up your vignettes. They’ll add another source of light, too.Basements25 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark BasementVignettes With Candles
PHOTO 24 of 25READ LESS -Vignettes are a great way to add style without taking up much space. In your basement, use candles of different heights to make up your vignettes. They’ll add another source of light, too.Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
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Long Drapes
25/25Long Drapes
25/25Photo Credit: Getty Images
Fake a large window by hanging long, striking drapes that create the illusion of height. Hang them around a tiny window or be daring and hang them even where there is no window at all.Basements25 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark BasementLong Drapes
PHOTO 25 of 25READ LESS -Fake a large window by hanging long, striking drapes that create the illusion of height. Hang them around a tiny window or be daring and hang them even where there is no window at all.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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