Electrical – Best Lighting options for Long Basement

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I have a half basement that I'm keeping open and its 45'x12'. I had always planned on doing a drop ceiling with recessed lights but I'm wondering if there is a better option considering the length of the room. My plan as of now is to install 8-10 lights total in 2 rows.

Has anyone done a living space with other lighting options so I could cut down on the amount of lights needed?

Best Answer

Number of fixtures is easily reduced by using long fixtures:

  • 4 or even 8 foot fluorescent tubes, for instance.
  • 45 foot long LED strip lights appear to be available, on a casual search.
  • Strings of small lights on cords (fairy lights, Christmas lights) hung from hooks.

Whether that's the lighting you want is a whole different question and mostly off-topic as decorating advice. But I would personally suggest worrying more about getting the light you (or your spouse, if applicable) want(s) than the number of fixtures required to do so. That may depend on what you plan to use the space for - 4 foot shop lights hung from chains or bare bulbs in ceiling sockets are typically fine for "storage" but not quite the thing in "living" space.