Best Recessed Lighting For Basement This Year – Lighting Reviews
Our winners of the Best Recessed Lighting For Basement this year are:
BEST OVERALL
Sunco Lighting 12 Pack LED Recessed Downlight
- Dimmable
- 13W LED (equivalent to 75W)
- 5000K Daylight
- Simple installation
- IC-rated
Introduction
Finding the best recessed lighting for your basement can make a significant difference in transforming a dark and gloomy space into a bright and welcoming area. Whether you are setting up a home theater, a game room, or simply need better lighting for storage, recessed lighting is a versatile solution. This guide will help you understand what to look for in recessed lighting and review some of the top products available on Amazon.
Recessed lighting, also known as can lights or downlights, is installed into the ceiling, providing a clean and modern look. It is especially useful for basements where headroom might be limited. Read on to discover our top picks for basement recessed lighting and everything you need to know to make an informed purchase.
Reviews & Comparisons
1. Sunco Lighting 12 Pack LED Recessed Downlight
The Sunco Lighting 12 Pack LED Recessed Downlight offers energy-efficient lighting with a sleek, modern design. Perfect for basements, these lights provide excellent brightness and are easy to install.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Sunco Lighting Downlight for its high lumens and energy efficiency, making it an excellent choice for illuminating large basement areas.
Features
- Dimmable
- 13W LED (equivalent to 75W)
- 5000K Daylight
- Simple installation
- IC-rated
Pros
- Energy-efficient
- Bright daylight output
- Easy to install
- Comes in a 12 pack
- IC-rated for safety
Cons
- Not suitable for very low ceilings
- May require a dimmer switch
- Fixed color temperature
- Higher upfront cost
- Limited color options
Our Verdict
The Sunco Lighting 12 Pack LED Recessed Downlight is a reliable and bright option for any basement, offering both energy efficiency and ease of installation.
2. Amico 6 Pack Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Ceiling Light
The Amico Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Ceiling Light is designed for spaces with low ceilings. Its slim profile ensures minimal intrusion, making it an excellent choice for basements.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We appreciate the ultra-thin design, which is perfect for basements with limited ceiling space, and the versatility of the color temperature options.
Features
- Ultra-thin design
- 5000K Daylight
- 10W LED (equivalent to 100W)
- IC-rated
- ETL certified
Pros
- Slim profile
- Bright and efficient
- Multiple color temperatures
- IC-rated for safety
- Easy installation
Cons
- May not be as bright as some options
- Requires precise installation
- Limited to 6 pack
- Higher cost per unit
- Fixed brightness level
Our Verdict
The Amico 6 Pack Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Ceiling Light is ideal for basements with low ceilings, offering a sleek and efficient lighting solution.
3. Spectrum LED 8-Pack Recessed Lighting
The Spectrum LED 8-Pack Recessed Lighting provides a balanced and energy-efficient lighting solution for basements, with a focus on easy installation and dimmability.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Spectrum LED lights for their dimmable feature and balanced brightness, making them versatile for various basement uses.
Features
- Dimmable
- 5000K Daylight
- 12W LED (equivalent to 75W)
- IC-rated
- ETL certified
Pros
- Dimmable feature
- Energy-efficient
- Easy to install
- Balanced brightness
- IC-rated for safety
Cons
- Fixed color temperature
- Higher upfront cost
- Limited to 8 pack
- May require a compatible dimmer
- Not ideal for very large spaces
Our Verdict
The Spectrum LED 8-Pack Recessed Lighting is a versatile and efficient option for any basement, offering both dimmability and easy installation.
4. TORCHSTAR Basic Series 12 Pack LED Recessed Lighting
The TORCHSTAR Basic Series offers a cost-effective solution for basement lighting with its 12 pack LED recessed lights, ideal for large areas.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like these lights for their affordability and reliability, providing ample lighting for large basement spaces at a reasonable price.
Features
- Dimmable
- 5000K Daylight
- 9W LED (equivalent to 60W)
- IC-rated
- Energy Star certified
Pros
- Affordable
- Dimmable
- Energy-efficient
- IC-rated for safety
- Comes in a 12 pack
Cons
- Lower brightness compared to others
- Fixed color temperature
- Plastic housing
- May require a dimmer switch
- Limited warranty
Our Verdict
The TORCHSTAR Basic Series 12 Pack LED Recessed Lighting is an affordable and reliable choice for illuminating large basement areas.
5. Hykolity 6 Inch 12 Pack LED Recessed Lighting
The Hykolity 6 Inch LED Recessed Lighting offers a straightforward and efficient lighting solution for basements, with a focus on energy efficiency and ease of installation.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We appreciate the Hykolity lights for their straightforward installation and energy-efficient design, making them a practical choice for any basement.
Features
- Dimmable
- 3000K Warm White
- 12W LED (equivalent to 75W)
- IC-rated
- Energy Star certified
Pros
- Energy-efficient
- Dimmable
- Easy installation
- IC-rated for safety
- Warm white light
Cons
- Fixed color temperature
- Not as bright as some options
- Limited to warm white
- Higher upfront cost
- Requires a compatible dimmer
Our Verdict
The Hykolity 6 Inch LED Recessed Lighting is a practical and efficient choice for any basement, offering both ease of installation and energy efficiency.
6. Lithonia Lighting 4 Inch Gimbal LED Recessed Light
The Lithonia Lighting 4 Inch Gimbal LED Recessed Light offers adjustable lighting for basements, allowing you to direct the light where it’s needed most.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the adjustable gimbal design, which provides flexibility in lighting direction and is ideal for highlighting specific areas in the basement.
Features
- Adjustable gimbal
- 3000K Warm White
- 8W LED (equivalent to 60W)
- IC-rated
- Energy Star certified
Pros
- Adjustable lighting direction
- Energy-efficient
- IC-rated for safety
- Warm white light
- Easy installation
Cons
- Lower brightness
- Fixed color temperature
- Higher cost per unit
- Limited to 4 inch size
- Requires precise installation
Our Verdict
The Lithonia Lighting 4 Inch Gimbal LED Recessed Light is ideal for those who need adjustable lighting in their basement, offering both flexibility and energy efficiency.
7. Ensenior 12 Pack Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Ceiling Light
The Ensenior Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Ceiling Light offers a sleek and modern design, perfect for basements with limited ceiling space.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We appreciate the ultra-thin design and the variety of color temperatures, making it a versatile choice for any basement lighting needs.
Features
- Ultra-thin design
- 5000K Daylight
- 12W LED (equivalent to 75W)
- IC-rated
- ETL certified
Pros
- Slim profile
- Bright and efficient
- Multiple color temperatures
- IC-rated for safety
- Easy installation
Cons
- Higher cost per unit
- Fixed brightness level
- Limited to 12 pack
- Requires precise installation
- Not ideal for very large spaces
Our Verdict
The Ensenior 12 Pack Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Ceiling Light is an excellent choice for basements with low ceilings, offering both brightness and a sleek design.
8. Globe Electric 10 Pack Slim LED Recessed Lighting Kit
The Globe Electric Slim LED Recessed Lighting Kit offers an ultra-slim design with energy-efficient LED technology, ideal for modern basement lighting.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the slim design and energy efficiency, making it a great choice for basements with limited ceiling space and a need for modern lighting solutions.
Features
- Ultra-slim design
- 5000K Daylight
- 12W LED (equivalent to 75W)
- IC-rated
- Energy Star certified
Pros
- Slim profile
- Energy-efficient
- Bright daylight output
- IC-rated for safety
- Easy installation
Cons
- Higher cost per unit
- Fixed color temperature
- Limited to 10 pack
- Requires precise installation
- Not as bright as some options
Our Verdict
The Globe Electric Slim LED Recessed Lighting Kit is a modern and efficient choice for basement lighting, offering both a sleek design and bright output.
9. JULLISON 12 Pack Dimmable LED Recessed Downlight
The JULLISON LED Recessed Downlight provides a versatile and energy-efficient lighting solution for basements, with a focus on dimmability and ease of installation.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We appreciate the dimmable feature and balanced brightness, making it suitable for various basement activities and moods.
Features
- Dimmable
- 5000K Daylight
- 12W LED (equivalent to 75W)
- IC-rated
- ETL certified
Pros
- Dimmable feature
- Energy-efficient
- Easy to install
- Balanced brightness
- IC-rated for safety
Cons
- Higher upfront cost
- Fixed color temperature
- Limited to 12 pack
- May require a compatible dimmer
- Not ideal for very large spaces
Our Verdict
The JULLISON 12 Pack Dimmable LED Recessed Downlight is a versatile and efficient option for basement lighting, offering both dimmability and ease of installation.
10. LE 12 Pack Dimmable LED Recessed Ceiling Light
The LE Dimmable LED Recessed Ceiling Light offers a straightforward and efficient lighting solution for basements, with a focus on energy efficiency and ease of installation.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the LE lights for their straightforward installation and energy-efficient design, making them a practical choice for any basement.
Features
- Dimmable
- 3000K Warm White
- 9W LED (equivalent to 60W)
- IC-rated
- ETL certified
Pros
- Energy-efficient
- Dimmable
- Easy installation
- IC-rated for safety
- Warm white light
Cons
- Fixed color temperature
- Not as bright as some options
- Limited to warm white
- Higher upfront cost
- Requires a compatible dimmer
Our Verdict
The LE 12 Pack Dimmable LED Recessed Ceiling Light is a practical and efficient choice for any basement, offering both ease of installation and energy efficiency.
Buying Guide
When shopping for recessed lighting for your basement, consider the following key points to ensure you get the best product for your needs:
- Brightness: Basement areas usually require brighter lighting due to the lack of natural light. Look for fixtures with higher lumens. Learn more about lumens.
- Color Temperature: Choose a color temperature that suits the ambiance you want. Warm white (2700K-3000K) creates a cozy feel, while cool white (4000K-5000K) is more energizing. Read about color temperatures.
- Type of Bulb: LED bulbs are energy-efficient and long-lasting, making them an excellent choice for recessed lighting.
- Installation: Consider whether you need IC-rated fixtures for insulation contact and if you prefer new construction or remodel housings.
- Dimmability: If you want to control the lighting mood, look for fixtures that are compatible with dimmer switches.
FAQs
What is the difference between IC-rated and non-IC-rated recessed lighting?
IC-rated fixtures are designed for direct contact with insulation, which is often necessary for basements. Non-IC-rated fixtures require a gap between the fixture and insulation to prevent overheating.
Can I install recessed lighting in a finished basement ceiling?
Yes, you can install recessed lighting in a finished ceiling. Remodel housings are designed for this purpose and can be installed without removing the entire ceiling.
How many recessed lights do I need for my basement?
The number of recessed lights depends on the size of your basement and the level of brightness you desire. A general guideline is to space lights about 4-6 feet apart.
Are LED recessed lights better than traditional bulbs?
LED recessed lights are more energy-efficient, longer-lasting, and produce less heat compared to traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs. They are a superior choice for most applications.
Can I use recessed lighting in a basement with a low ceiling?
Yes, recessed lighting is ideal for basements with low ceilings because the fixtures are flush with the ceiling, maximizing headroom and creating a cleaner look.
Conclusion
Recessed lighting is an excellent choice for brightening up a basement. By considering factors such as brightness, color temperature, bulb type, installation, and dimmability, you can find the perfect lighting solution. Our product reviews will further assist you in selecting the best recessed lighting for your needs.