Ideas & Advice > Lighting Ideas > Low Ceiling Basement Lighting Ideas

12 of the best Low Ceiling Basement Lighting Ideas

Have a dark basement with low ceilings? No problem! There are many great lighting solutions that can brighten your subterranean space and make into a beautiful area in which you’ll want to hang out. Read on to learn some lighting ideas.

Design by Deborah Bettcher of Deborah Bettcher Decorating Den Interiors

Exposed Wood

Deborah Bettcher of Decorating Den Interiors made the most of this cozy basement space. The dark wood beamed ceiling is interspersed with recessed fixtures. Neutral grays with pops of bright green lend visual interest.

Design by Kelly Sohigian of kellydesigns

Movie Night

Kelly Designs created a cozy basement perfect for watching a movie. Bright pops of color enliven the space. Recessed lighting provides all the light needed without taking up valuable space. A shag rug grounds the seating area and adds softness to the space.

Making a Chandelier Work

If you have a space with a low ceiling in your basement, you can still hang a chandelier. Just be sure to position it above a piece of furniture or millwork so that it doesn’t cut into head clearance. Here we see a sparkling chandelier above a kitchen island.

Bring the Sparkle

Semi-flush fixtures are a great solution for low-ceilinged spaces. And they can have just as much sparkle and make just as much of a statement as a suspended chandelier. This sculptural option quickly becomes the focal point of a basement room.

Low Profile Fan

This low ceiling space sticks to the basics: a modern fan features wood tones that coordinate with the millwork, doors and stairs. The fan is also low profile. Recessed lights are a great complement and preserve ceiling height while adding some much-needed light.

Design by Jill Shevlin of Jill Shevlin Design

Light and Neutral

Sublime Homes brightened up this basement space but painting all the walls and ceiling white. Recessed lights keep things clean, and table and floor lamps round out the lighting scheme. A neutral palette makes the space feel as expansive as possible.

Made a Bold Statement

This semi-flush fixture may hug the ceiling but it still manages to make a bold statement. Positioned above a coffee table, it works well in this low-ceiling basement space. Perimeter recessed fixtures provide additional light where needed.

Finishing Touch

A wood beamed ceiling creates a warm look in this cozy space. Rounded furnishings in soft fabrics and plenty of wood tones contribute to the vibe. Brass wall sconces’ floor lamp and an intricate pendant are like jewelry that adds the finishing touch.

Smoke and Mirrors

To make a dramatic statement in your basement space, try grouping a trio of eye-catching chandeliers above your coffee table. Adding a floor length mirror will reflect the light and make the space feel larger. Floor lamps are also a great addition to lower, darker spaces.

Concealed and Revealed

You’d never know this well-lit space was located in a basement. Concealed perimeter lighting makes the ceiling appear to float and look taller. Artful wall sconces frame the TV and add interest. A modern fireplace adds a touch of warmth to the space.

Get the Blues

MC Design infused this space with plenty of color and pattern. Blue sofas are accented with bold pillows, artwork and lamp shades. Above hangs a midcentury style wooden fixture that relates to the architectural details of the space.

Light Your Coffee Table

Just because you have a space with a low ceiling doesn’t mean you can’t hang a chandelier. Here, a chandelier is used to light above a coffee table, where you don’t have to worry about head clearance. A slim profile fixture is a great choice for a basement space and still looks very elegant.

Design by Megan Dufresne of MC Design Shop

We hope these creative basement lighting ideas will help you transform your space into one that is unique and inviting. Low ceilings present a challenge for lighting, but there are plenty of options that work and still preserve head room. Now you are armed with the knowledge to choose the best fixtures for your basement room.

Shop Low Profile Ceiling Lights