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20 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark Basement
A repurposed basement can add a lot of value to your home but let’s face it: because they typically don’t have big (or any) windows, basements are dark. Luckily there are some easy ways to brighten up a dark basement. Here are some ideas to inspire you.
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1. Use Different Light Sources
1/201. Use Different Light Sources
1/20Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
A single bulb in the middle of the ceiling is just depressing. Instead, use various light sources: the more, the better. Pot lights, task lights and table lamps strategically placed will supplement one another and light up every corner.Basements20 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark Basement1. Use Different Light Sources
PHOTO 1 of 20READ LESS -A single bulb in the middle of the ceiling is just depressing. Instead, use various light sources: 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 Kolyn
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2. Mirrors
2/202. Mirrors
2/20Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
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.Basements20 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark Basement2. Mirrors
PHOTO 2 of 20READ 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 Kolyn
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3. Metallic Accents
3/203. Metallic Accents
3/20Photo Credit: Jacquelyn Clark
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.Basements20 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark Basement3. Metallic Accents
PHOTO 3 of 20READ 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 Clark
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4. Chandeliers or Fancy Light Fixtures
4/204. Chandeliers or Fancy Light Fixtures
4/20Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay
Add a crystal chandelier or a decorative light fixture like the one above in a <a href="https://www.greatcanadianhomes.ca/photos/this-playful-vancouver-home-features-surprising-pops-of-colour-1901534/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">playful West Vancouver home</a>. Because it's such a statement piece, it will draw the eyes up, creating the feeling of more space.Basements20 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark Basement4. Chandeliers or Fancy Light Fixtures
PHOTO 4 of 20READ LESS -Add a crystal chandelier or a decorative light fixture like the one above in a <a href="https://www.greatcanadianhomes.ca/photos/this-playful-vancouver-home-features-surprising-pops-of-colour-1901534/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">playful West Vancouver home</a>. Because it's such a statement piece, it will draw the eyes up, creating the feeling of more space.Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay
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5. Shiny Floors
5/205. Shiny Floors
5/20Photo 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.Basements20 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark Basement5. Shiny Floors
PHOTO 5 of 20READ 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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6. Paint it Light
6/206. Paint it Light
6/20Photo 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.Basements20 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark Basement6. Paint it Light
PHOTO 6 of 20READ 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.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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7. Choose Monochrome
7/207. Choose Monochrome
7/20Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
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.Basements20 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark Basement7. Choose Monochrome
PHOTO 7 of 20READ 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 Kolyn
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8. Accent Walls
8/208. Accent Walls
8/20Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
When a room doesn’t have windows, an accent wall can create brightness and dimension. Choose light-reflecting, airy colours and patterns like the one seen in this children's bedroom.Basements20 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark Basement8. Accent Walls
PHOTO 8 of 20READ LESS -When a room doesn’t have windows, an accent wall can create brightness and dimension. Choose light-reflecting, airy colours and patterns like the one seen in this children's bedroom.Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
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9. Painted Bricks
9/209. Painted Bricks
9/20Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
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.Basements20 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark Basement9. Painted Bricks
PHOTO 9 of 20READ 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 Kolyn
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10. Frosted-glass Wall Installation
10/2010. Frosted-glass Wall Installation
10/20Photo 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.Basements20 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark Basement10. Frosted-glass Wall Installation
PHOTO 10 of 20READ 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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11. Backlit Screen
11/2011. Backlit Screen
11/20Photo 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.Basements20 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark Basement11. Backlit Screen
PHOTO 11 of 20READ 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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12. Pictures of the Great Outdoors
12/2012. Pictures of the Great Outdoors
12/20Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
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.Basements20 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark Basement12. Pictures of the Great Outdoors
PHOTO 12 of 20READ 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 Kolyn
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13. Splashes of Colour
13/2013. Splashes of Colour
13/20Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
Drive away the gloom with splashes of bright colour. You can use anything: furniture, pillows, paintings, vases, lamps, even a bunch a flowers. Strong colours such as red, bright blue and yellow will instantly transform your basement into a happy place.Basements20 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark Basement13. Splashes of Colour
PHOTO 13 of 20READ LESS -Drive away the gloom with splashes of bright colour. You can use anything: furniture, pillows, paintings, vases, lamps, 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 Kolyn
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14. Bookshelves
14/2014. Bookshelves
14/20Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
Bookshelves will make your basement feel cosier 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.Basements20 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark Basement14. Bookshelves
PHOTO 14 of 20READ LESS -Bookshelves will make your basement feel cosier 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.Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
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15. A Fireplace
15/2015. A Fireplace
15/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
A fireplace 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.Basements20 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark Basement15. A Fireplace
PHOTO 15 of 20READ LESS -A fireplace 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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16. Large Area Rugs
16/2016. Large Area Rugs
16/20Photo 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 <a href="https://www.greatcanadianhomes.ca/photos/the-dreamiest-basement-apartment-youll-ever-see-1902050/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">this dreamy basement apartment</a>.Basements20 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark Basement16. Large Area Rugs
PHOTO 16 of 20READ 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 <a href="https://www.greatcanadianhomes.ca/photos/the-dreamiest-basement-apartment-youll-ever-see-1902050/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">this dreamy basement apartment</a>.Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
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17. Avoid Clutter
17/2017. Avoid Clutter
17/20Photo 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!Basements20 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark Basement17. Avoid Clutter
PHOTO 17 of 20READ 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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18. Built-in Storage
18/2018. Built-in Storage
18/20Photo 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.Basements20 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark Basement18. Built-in Storage
PHOTO 18 of 20READ 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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19. Vignettes with Candles
19/2019. Vignettes with Candles
19/20Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay
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.Basements20 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark Basement19. Vignettes with Candles
PHOTO 19 of 20READ 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 Nicolay
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20. Long Drapes
20/2020. Long Drapes
20/20Photo 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.Basements20 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark Basement20. Long Drapes
PHOTO 20 of 20READ 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
