Best Ways to Add More Natural Light to a Basement

A basement with no windows is often dark and chilly, so most people use this space for storage purposes only. However, adding natural light to this room enhances its overall “feel” and aesthetic. With such a simple change, you can transform your basement into a bright, inviting space that is perfect for a variety of uses, such as an office space, a media or game room, or a playroom for children.

Adding natural light to a basement improves the functionality of the room. This includes reducing the need for artificial lighting, improving the mood, and increasing the value of your property. It accentuates the beautiful features of your interiors and makes any room livelier in an instant. 

Are you curious to learn about the best ways to add more natural light to your basement? Keep scrolling for the answers!

4 Basement Window Ideas

Adding windows to a basement is perhaps the best strategy to introduce an abundance of natural light to this part of your home. Beyond brightening up your space, basement windows can also be used to control indoor temperature and promote natural ventilation. They can also potentially lower your heating or air conditioning use and reduce your energy bills as a result.

To that end, here are some ideas for basement windows that you can incorporate into your home:  

• Awning Windows

Awning windows looks almost identical to another one on this list—hopper windows—except they are hinged at the top and fully open outward or away from the house.

The most significant advantage of adding awning windows to your basement is that they can remain open even while it rains outside. Thus, it will continue to let natural light in and allow air to circulate while protecting the room from getting wet. Awning windows also have a higher energy efficiency rating compared to other types of basement windows.

2. Sliding Windows

Next on our list of ideas for basement windows, we have sliding windows, which can be opened effortlessly by gliding one window pane open so it is parallel to the other. This lets in the morning light and cool breeze. The right size of sliding windows can make great egress windows as well.

3. Casement Windows

Casement windows open outwards on a hinge the same way that doors do. Having casement windows is a great way to increase sunlight and ventilation in your basement.

4. Hopper Windows

A hopper window is the quintessential basement window. This is ideal for basements that are partially above the ground. Hopper windows are usually hinged at the bottom and fully open inward or into the house using an easy-to-operate pull-over lever.

Build an Egress Window

If you want to increase your property’s value or make the most out of your basement by converting it into a guest room or rentable living space, then you need to have an egress window as required by the National Building Code of Canada.

Egress windows are large openings that serve as a secondary exit in case of emergencies, such as house fires. Basement bedrooms should have a minimum of one egress window, measuring at least 5.7 sq. ft., 20 in. wide by 24 in. high, and with an opening no higher than 44 in. from the floor.

In some cases, you might also need to install an egress window well. These are U-shaped or rectangle-shaped linings either fitted with ribbed metal or plastic or fixed into place by concrete. Egress window wells are designed to protect your basement from possible soil erosion and are also equipped with drainage systems to prevent puddles and flooding. Transparent covers for window wells are also available to prevent debris and rain from getting inside.

More Basement Lighting Ideas

Aside from these ideas for basement windows, you can experiment with other creative ways to increase more light in your space. Here are a few examples:

Use Mirrors

Putting mirrors in strategic places reflects light inside your basement. For example, hanging a large mirror on a wall opposite your basement window doubles the natural light streaming from it.

Shopping for decor and furniture with glass, chrome, or mirrored features in their design will also work wonders in maximizing natural or artificial light while enhancing the room’s overall aesthetic.

Paint the Walls White

Painting your basement with a crisp white colour is the most straightforward design technique to make it appear bigger, brighter, and more inviting.

Pristine white walls are great at reflecting or bouncing back both natural and artificial light. It also serves as a neutral but stylish backdrop for various motifs you might want to explore for your basement.

Maintain an Open Floor Plan

Keep an open floor plan that allows both natural light and artificial light to spread throughout the entire space. Building wall partitions will be constricting for a basement, and it can also block out sunlight shining through your basement windows.

Install a Sun Pipe or Solar Tube

Sun pipes, also known as solar tubes or sun tunnels, are designed to literally channel natural light into the house. The pipe is fitted with a series of reflective mirrors, facilitating light to travel toward the interior space. Sun pipes are typically installed on the roof or an exterior wall. For basements, sun pipes can be placed on the portion of the wall that is above ground.

Glass Doors

Choosing large glass doors can boost the amount of natural light entering your basement. As previously mentioned, glass has a shiny and reflective quality that magnifies light. Besides making your basement appear brighter, stylish glass sliding doors also add modern flair to your interior design.

Install a Light Well

A light well, sometimes also called an air shaft, is an architectural feature utilized to channel natural light from an unroofed space. It brings in vertical light that can powerfully illuminate your basement. Exterior light wells are commonly carved out of the garden, while interior light wells dig one or more floors inside the house.

Upgrade Your Basement Windows and Doors With Burano

Every part of your home deserves to get plenty of natural light—including basements. Adding and selecting the appropriate basement windows for your home can transform a dimly lit space into an aesthetically pleasing one.

Burano Doors is one of Canada’s most trusted providers of high-quality windows and beautiful exterior and interior doors. For over 42 years, we’ve provided homes with stylish, energy-efficient, and professionally installed windows and doors. We also offer a lifetime warranty at no extra cost to replace parts.

With our experts, you can easily turn your ideas for basement windows and ideas for window wells into reality. For a free home estimate, contact us today!