- 1). Take advantage of any natural light in the basement. Clean the windows and cover them with light window coverings. Heavy drapes block out the light darken the room overall. Open the curtains during daylight hours.
- 2). Replace light bulbs in the light fixtures with the highest wattage the fixture can hold. Replace frosted globes on the light fixture with clear glass to allow more light into the room.
- 3). Replace old light fixtures that don't provide an adequate basement light source. Choose a fixture with multiple lights to brighten the basement. Consider adding track lighting or recessed lighting to spread out the light source.
- 4). Consider adding extra light fixtures if the electrical circuit can handle it. Determine where to place the fixtures by noting the darker areas of the room at night.
- 5). Add lamps around the room for additional task lighting without wiring. The more light in the room, the brighter it will appear.
- 6). Paint the walls and ceiling a bright color. Paint makes a big impact on the appearance of a room. Choose a bright color that complements the basement furnishings.
- 7). Cover dark furniture with light slip covers or throw pillows. Paint dark wood furniture white or another bright color.
- 8). Add splashes of color through accents in the room. Find bright, cheerful colors for the accents that complement the overall design.
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