How To Brighten Your Basement

Adding egress windows to your basement is an ideal way to comply with residential building codes and refresh the atmosphere of your lower level with increased natural light.

In many homes, the basement was designed as a place for storage and not as a family room, home office, or entertainment space. As a result, many basements are dark and dingy with little natural light. If you'd like to make your basement more comfortable and attractive, continue reading about egress window options.

Convert an Existing Window into an Egress Window

Converting a small, old basement window into an egress-compliant window with a proper window well is a cost-effective way to increase your home's value and gain a nicer lower-level living space. An egress window will allow for improved ventilation and natural light to enter your space.

Click here to use our handy window calculator. Once you have determined the size of the egress opening, you can select the window size that best suits your needs. We offer a modern style that you can shop online:

Egress Window With Hinges Side Hung

A product photo of The Great Egress Co egress window with hinges side hung.

Our egress windows with side-hung hinges swing inwards, the same way a door would swing inwards. These windows will allow for more light than other windows, and are a great option for a basement bedroom, laundry room, or bathroom.

Install Additional Basement Lighting

A photo of a modern finished basement with pot lights in the ceiling.

A well-lit basement is a safer and more inviting space. Add additional light to your basement with the installation of one or more artificial light sources:

Floor Lamps

These lamps usually have adjustable shades that let you control how much light comes out. This makes them ideal for any room in your home where you want extra lighting. A floor lamp can act as a general light source for the room or a nice reading lamp.

Ceiling Pot Lighting

If you’re looking for a way to make your basement feel more like a finished room, adding pot lighting is a great option. Pot lights are also known as recessed lights or drop lights, and they are recessed into the ceiling and covered by a decorative cover. They are available in a variety of styles, and can often be dimmable so you can control how much light you want to add.

Add Mirrors and Light Colors

You can further brighten your basement area by adding mirrors and light-colored fabrics. Mirrors reflect light and make any room appear larger, so they’re an excellent option for basement rooms that are on the smaller side. You could also consider adding white paint or wallpaper to brighten the area. Incorporating a rug with light colors can also give the appearance of a brighter space, while keeping your basement cozy.


Now that you have a few ideas about how to brighten and refresh your basement, it’s time to get started. If you have any questions or need help regarding egress windows, be sure to contact us. We would be happy to assist you and answer any questions you may have.

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