Wondering how to install lights in a basement with a low ceiling and shallow clearance? We found a great affordable light fixture for low ceilings! This thin LED light requires only 3/4″ clearance and is easy to install.
See more about our basement remodel updates here, including the exposed ceiling in the rest of the space.
Our Shallow Clearance, Low Ceiling Light Fixture Solution
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As I mentioned in our last basement reno vlog, our 1960’s home has a low ceiling in the basement. Lower than average, and we’re both a bit taller than average — so it’s tight.
We chose to open the ceiling and expose the rough wood floor joists to add a bit of height and character in the main areas.
In this storage room, we’ll drywall the ceiling next. But first, we needed to figure out the lighting.
Because of the configuration of everything else in the ceiling and the tight fit of the framing, we needed a really shallow ceiling light that didn’t require a large junction box clearance.
Need to install recessed lights without attic access? Here’s a great solution!
So we searched, and searched some more, and finally we found a solution we are really happy with — and of course, we’ll share and save you some time searching!
We chose these lights: 6 inch 3000K/ 4000K/ 5000K Three Color Temperature Selectable, Dimmable 15W CRI90+, Ultra Thin LED Recessed Light with Junction Box
What we like about these thin ceiling lights:
- Require only 3/4″ clearance — perfect for our shallow framing clearance.
- Easy to install (see the general setup in the video)
- Adjustable color temperature between 3000K (warm white), 4000K (cool white), and 5000K (daylight).
- Fit in a 6 1/4 hole, which is easily cut with an adjustable hole saw like this.
- Affordable! Well under $10 per light felt nice for our budget (and you can save even more if you click the 20% off coupon that’s available right now!)
Now that we’ve found and installed these great lights for our low ceiling in the basement storage room, we’re ready to finish up drywall before we install carpet!
Be sure to subscribe to our channel to see what’s coming next…. slow and steady, we’ll get there!
Update: I’ve had some questions about 4″ vs 6″ lights, which I answered in this vlog here (where you can also see the lights installed with the finished ceiling drywall). In summary: we like plenty of light, so we chose 6″ lights and will install a dimmer switch so we can reduce the amount of light as needed.
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