Are you looking into renovating your basement, but want to ensure it’s as aesthetically pleasing as the rest of your home? Often, when finishing your basement, you’ll find that it’s darker and less inviting than your upstairs space. If you are considering basement remodeling, it’s important to consider how natural light can penetrate your new space. Here are some ways to brighten your basement in a way that it can be harmonious with the rest of your home.
Add or Modify Windows:
In order to meet fire code requirements, a minimum of one egress window must be installed in the basement. However, additional windows can facilitate the integration of more natural light into the basement.
Modifying existing windows can also help to brighten your basement. This includes extending existing windows as well as changing out any frosted glass on windows for clear glass to let in more natural light. Basement windows can also be illuminated by removing grates and security bars that are obstructing the view.
Intensify Natural Light with Reflection
Adding mirrors to your space can create a reflection of natural light throughout your basement. Mirrors can also create the illusion of a larger area, which is another attractive feature that many homeowners find appealing during a basement renovation.
Paint Choice: Light & Glossy Colors
When remodeling your basement, the glossier the paint, the better. Not only do glossy paints have a reflective quality like mirrors, but they are also easier to clean. Clean walls throughout your space will create a brighter feel in your basement.
The choice of paint color can have a significant impact on the amount of natural light that penetrates a basement. Selecting a light color, such as white or an off-white hue, can help to maximize the brightness of the space.
Flooring Choice: Brightening with Light Colors
Dark floors will absorb any natural light that is coming into your basement. This is why it’s important to select lighter-colored flooring during your basement refinishing. Light-colored vinyl flooring or light-colored concrete epoxy will add a lot of vibrancy to your space.
Eliminate Light-Absorbing Clutter
Basement clutter, such as dark storage bins, or darker-fabric furniture will absorb light just like dark paint and flooring colors. To eliminate clutter, create a dedicated storage room for unused items. This provides for a more open-space living area, which is more inviting to natural light.
Try putting furniture up against walls instead of in the middle of the room. That way, more natural light can penetrate your space. Light-colored furniture rather than darker fabrics can also create an illusion of more light in your basement.
If you are in the market for basement remodeling, we are happy to help.
Contact Spartacus Construction Inc. today to set up a free estimate with our team of contractors!