Let’s be real, basements usually don’t get a lot of natural light, and that can make them feel a bit, well, gloomy. I’ve been there myself! When I started working in my basement, I quickly realized how important good lighting is. Whether it’s a family game room or a DIY workshop, the right LED basement lights can totally transform the space.
Not only does it brighten things up, but it makes the basement feel like an actual part of the house, cozy, welcoming, and functional. Plus, it can even boost your home’s resale value, which is always a bonus. Isn’t it?
The great news? There are so many budget-friendly LED basement lights out there that you can easily find the perfect option, no matter what your space looks like. I’ll walk you through the best LED basement lights I found while working on my own space, from soft ambient lights to bright task lighting.
Trust me, with the right lighting, your basement will go from ‘just storage’ to a room you actually want to spend time in! Plus, you will save a lot of time, effort, and energy on researching online; I bet your search will end here.
Very Important – What to Consider First?
First off, think about the type of basement you have. If it’s a rough, unfinished space mainly used for storage or DIY projects, you’ll want LED basement lights that provide bright, practical illumination like the Amico LED Garage Lights or the BBOUNDER 4 Pack Linkable LED on Amazon. These options ensure you can see every corner clearly. But if your basement is finished and part of your living space, you might prefer more stylish LED basement lights that complement your décor.
Next, consider the type of lighting that best suits your needs. Track lighting is a great choice if you want an easy installation with adjustable light placement. It’s perfect for spaces where you need flexible lighting without the hassle of installing individual fixtures.
Recessed LED basement lights offer a sleek, low-profile look, fitting neatly into the ceiling for a clean and modern appearance. They’re ideal if you prefer a minimalistic style.
Task lighting, on the other hand, is designed to spotlight specific areas, whether it’s a cozy reading nook or a game table. And don’t be fooled; task lights can be as stylish as they are functional, ranging from simple pendants to elaborate chandeliers.
Also, think about the installation process. Some LED basement lights just screw into existing bulb sockets or plug into your wall, while others might need to be hard-wired into your electrical system. If dealing with wiring isn’t your thing, it’s a good idea to hire a professional, although this can add to the overall cost of your basement lighting project.
Finally, consider the type of bulb you want. Some LED basement lights come with built-in chips that can’t be replaced, so if you’re set on having the option to change bulbs, make sure the fixtures you choose are compatible with CFL or incandescent bulbs.
How did we make the Selection?
We’ve had our fair share of experiences with both unfinished and finished basements, so we totally get how important it is to find the right LED basement lights. From installing to removing fixtures, we’ve been through it all. We used this hands-on experience, combined with a lot of online research, to put together a list that we genuinely believe will help you.
Our goal was to include a diverse range of LED basement lights that cater to different types of basements and styles. We made sure to cover various price points so you can find something that works for both your budget and your space. Whether you’re sprucing up a cozy nook or brightening up a DIY workspace, we’ve got you covered.
1.Ultra-Thin Recessed LED
If you’re on the hunt for a good deal on recessed LED basement lights, Ensenior Ultra-Thin Recessed LED set from Amazon might just be what you need. It comes with twelve 6-inch lights, each one complete with its own junction box, so connecting them to your existing wiring is a breeze.
If you’re comfortable with DIY projects or have an electrician on hand, you can easily daisy-chain these lights together for a straightforward installation process.
Each light features spring clips that fit snugly into the ceiling, giving you a sleek, flat look that blends seamlessly with your space. It’s a great way to brighten up your basement with a clean, modern touch.
Pros:
Includes 12 lights.
Bright.
Dimmable Operation available.
Cons:
May require professional help.
2.LED Dimmable Track Light
This CLOUDY BAY 30W 4-Head LED Dimmable Track Light Kit,3000K/4000K/5000K track lighting from Cloudy Bay available on Amazon, is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for versatility in your LED basement lights. It features four rotating LED heads mounted on an adjustable bracket, giving you the flexibility to direct light exactly where you need it. The LEDs emit a cozy, warm white light and can be dimmed down to just 10% brightness for those softer, relaxed moments.
The kit includes all the installation hardware you’ll need and is designed to work on sloped or vaulted ceilings. Plus, it comes with a reassuring five-year warranty and is built to last up to 25,000 hours. The white finish blends nicely with most ceilings, but if you’re after a more dramatic look, it’s also available in black.
Pros:
Versatile Design
Dimmable
Cons:
A bit expensive
3.Cool White LED Wraparound Light.
This Lithonia Lighting Cool White LED Wraparound basement light on Amazon is a great choice if you want something that packs a punch in terms of brightness while keeping a sleek profile. Its wraparound design delivers a generous amount of light both downward and outward, making sure your space is well-illuminated.
Even with its impressive high output, the light has a low-profile design, sitting just 2.6 inches off the ceiling. Its modern, minimalist look makes it a perfect fit for most finished basements.
Built for durability, this LED light is designed to last for about 22 years if you use it for six hours a day. If you’re looking for something a bit smaller, there’s also a two-foot version available.
Pros:
Long Lasting LED
Comes With Warranty
Cons:
Some reviewers said it’s difficult to attach the white lens cover after installation.
4.Mini Pendant With Steel Cage Shade.
If you’ve got a special spot in your basement that you want to highlight, like a countertop or wet bar, this Rustic State Adjustable Metal Wire Hanging Pendant Light Cage pendant LED basement light from Amazon could be just what you need. With its sleek matte black finish and stylish geometric cage, it brings a modern farmhouse vibe to your space. The base works with any E26 bulb, so you can easily customize the lighting to fit your needs.
The adjustable hanging cord lets you set the light at just the right height anywhere from 0 to 60 inches from the ceiling so you can perfectly spotlight your favorite area.
Pros:
Includes all mounting hardware
Can accept any E26 bulb
Cons:
Bulb not included
Might not match your existing décor
5.LED Garage Lights.
While these LED Garage Light 4 Pack, 120W Ultra Bright lights available on Amazon might not blend seamlessly with a finished basement, they’re absolutely ideal for a workshop where visibility is key. It is easily available on Amazon; the set comes with four units, each featuring three adjustable LED panels that can be angled up to 90 degrees.
This setup lets you direct light exactly where you need it, making these lights incredibly versatile. They’re also super easy to install. Just screw them into the existing base on your ceiling without any need for wiring. With a low-profile design that sits just 5.4 inches off the ceiling, they offer bright, effective lighting without being bulky.
Pros:
No wiring needed
Low price
Includes four units
Cons:
Not ideal for a finished basement
6.Linkable LED.
If you’re after powerful lighting with a simple installation, this set of BBOUNDER 4 Pack Linkable LED Utility Shop Lights four suspended LED basement lights available on Amazon, might be just what you need; these lights can cover a large area efficiently.
These LED basement lights plug directly into an outlet, so there’s no need for hard-wiring. Plus, you can easily connect all four lights together if you want to brighten up a bigger space.
Everything you need for mounting is included in the kit, wall anchors, chains, and hanging hooks. And at a very affordable cost, they’re light enough for a DIY installation, making it easy to get your basement lit up in no time.
Pros:
No hard-wiring needed
Easy to mount
Lights emit 4,000 lumens
Cons:
Not ideal for finished spaces
7.Humidity and Moisture-Proof LED Lights.
In areas like laundry rooms where humidity can be an issue, choosing the right moisture-proof LED lights is crucial. You have three options to consider: UL-dry, UL-damp, and UL-wet. The general rule is the closer your light is to water, the more protection it needs. So, for spaces with high moisture levels, UL-wet lights are your best bet. You may try LUXRITE 4 Pack LED PAR30 Flood Light Bulb, 75W Equivalent from Amazon.
- UL-Dry
- Pros:
- Ideal for dry indoor environments.
- Often the most affordable option.
- Suitable for rooms with minimal exposure to moisture.
- Cons:
- Not suitable for areas with high humidity or direct contact with water.
- Limited protection against moisture-related issues.
- UL-Damp
- Pros:
- Works well in areas with occasional moisture, like bathrooms or kitchens.
- Provides better protection than UL-dry lights.
- Generally, these are versatile and cost-effective.
- Cons:
- Not recommended for direct water exposure.
- May not offer enough protection for extremely humid environments.
- UL-Wet
- Pros:
- Designed for high moisture areas, including direct contact with water.
- Offers the highest level of protection against moisture and humidity.
- Ideal for laundry rooms, outdoor areas, and locations prone to water exposure.
- Cons
- Typically the most expensive option.
- Installation might require more considerations to ensure proper sealing.
Choose the moisture-proof LED lights that best match your needs to ensure a well-lit and safe environment in your space.
8.Light Pool Table Light Pendant.
If you’re aiming to spotlight your pool table, check out these hanging lights: Wellmet 3 Light Pool Table Light, Vintage Retro Kitchen Island Pendant Light at 43 inches long; available on Amazon it’s just the right size to evenly light up the entire table pool table. My favorite is Tiffany-style shade. It adds a classic touch that’s perfect for a traditional bar or man-cave game room.
You can use CFL, incandescent, or LED bulbs with this fixture, some lights have adjustable 4-foot chains that let you set the height just where you need it above the table.
While it’s on the pricier side, if you’re keen on recreating that authentic pool-hall vibe in your basement, this LED basement light might be a worthy investment.
Pros:
Can accept most bulbs
Colorful Tiffany-style shade
Cons:
Unique look may not match some basements
Expensive
9.LED Flush Mount Ceiling Light.
If you’re looking to brighten up your basement without breaking the bank, this 12-inch LED Flush Mount Ceiling Light Fixture LED basement light from Amazon is a fantastic option. Priced at a nominal rate, it offers great value and delivers powerful, flicker-free light.
While it does require hard-wiring, the installation is relatively straightforward: just twist the light into place once you’re done. Plus, it sits less than an inch off the ceiling, giving it a sleek, low-profile look that blends nicely with any décor.
Just a heads-up: this model is non-dimmable, so keep that in mind when planning your lighting setup.
Pros:
Large diameter produces a lot of light
Very thin design
Cons:
Non-dimmable operation
10.Gamer Neon Game-Room Large Neon Light.
While a neon wall light might not be as functional as some other LED basement lights, it can definitely add a fun, eye-catching element to a finished basement bar or game room. It can be powered by a handy USB cord, and it’s made from sturdy acrylic, so it’s less likely to shatter compared to traditional neon lights.
Installation is a breeze just stick the included adhesive hooks to your wall, let them dry for about 10 minutes, and then hang the light. Gamerneon Game Room Large Neon Signs 13.2″x14″ Colorful LED lights from Amazon offer a range of styles and colors, so you can find the perfect design to suit your space.
Pros:
USB plug
Easy to mount
Affordable price
Cons:
Not bright enough to be used as a functional light source.
As per the polls on the Internet.
Here are the top options for LED basement lights:
- Best Overall: Ensenior 12 Pack LED Recessed Ceiling Light
- Runner-Up: LIT-PaTH LED Flush Mount Ceiling Lighting Fixture
- Best Track Lighting: Globe Electric Kearney 6-Light Track Lighting
- Best Pendant Lighting: hykolity 4-Light Pendant Ceiling Fixture
- Best for Brightness: Lighting EVER Flush Mount Ceiling Light Fixture
If you want to experiment a little bit, You may also try:
11.Bold and Unexpected.
The basement is the perfect spot to make a bold statement with lighting. In this sleek, modern space by @dianabyrnedesign, a stunning wooden lightning bolt sconce backlit with LED basement lights takes center stage, adding a striking design element.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can create your own! Simply shape an LED rope light into a lightning bolt and attach it to the wall for that same eye-catching effect without breaking the bank.
TFCFL 1M/40inch LED Linear Wall Lamp available on Amazon.
12.Twinkle Lights.
What’s the secret to creating this cozy basement vibe from @ourbrickcottage? Twinkle lights! They’re affordable, super easy to install, and pack a big punch in transforming a space.
The soft glow from the lights instantly turns an exposed ceiling into something magical. Paired with the dark, moody paint and the additional light from a floor lamp, it transforms this basement into the perfect relaxing hangout spot. You could also swap the twinkles for subtle LED basement lights if you prefer something longer-lasting and low-maintenance. You can try these twinkle lights from Amazon; worked for me! Minetom USB Fairy Lights Plug-in, 33 ft 100 LED Twinkle String Lights with Remote and Timer from Amazon.
Bulbs and Wattage to Use.
When choosing basement lighting, it’s important to consider the bulb type and wattage. Most fixtures use one of four main types: LED, CFL, halogen, or the classic incandescent. You’ll often see brightness measured in watts (or lumens for LED bulbs). Since basements tend to be darker, picking a bulb with at least a 75-watt rating will help brighten things up. Each type of bulb has its own perks and drawbacks:
- LED bulbs are the go-to for most basement lighting, especially LED basement lights. They’re super energy-efficient, last a long time, and stay cool.
- CFL bulbs are also energy-efficient and don’t get too hot, but they can take a few seconds to fully brighten up.
- Halogen bulbs are a bit more efficient than CFLs, but they tend to get pretty hot.
- Incandescent bulbs are becoming harder to find—they’re not energy-efficient, don’t last long, and generate a lot of heat.
One thing to keep in mind is that while old incandescent bulbs were rated by wattage, many modern bulbs (like LEDs) are measured in lumens. Make sure to check the wattage equivalent when shopping, as the lumen-to-watt ratio can vary between bulb types.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: What kind of lighting works best for a basement?
LED Basement Lights are usually your best bet since they can light up the entire space while using less energy. Halogen and CFL bulbs are decent options, too, but they’re not as popular or as available as LED lights.
Q2: How many lumens do I need for basement lighting?
Each basement is different, and the lumens-to-watts ratio changes depending on the bulb type (like LED, CFL, or halogen). As a rule of thumb, basements are usually pretty dark, so you’ll want a fixture or bulb with enough lumens to give you at least 75 watts or more of brightness.
Q3: Where should I put recessed lights in the basement?
If recessed lights are your main lighting source, space them about 4 to 5 feet apart and keep them around 3 feet away from the walls. For extra lighting, think about adding a few above a bar or seating area to make those spots pop.