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OTHER LIGHTING CHOICES- Aside form the standard recessed lighting, there are quite a few alternatives for the overall lighting scheme of your finished area.

If your ceiling is high enough, you can put in a nice ceiling mount fixture. Many times, basement ceilings are only 7' or so high and installing a surface mounted fixture can be a problem. Since it breaks the smoothness and flow of the ceiling, it can make the room seem lower.

SCONCES - Often overlooked, but an attractive solution to your lighting needs, is the wall sconce. If you're doing a home theater room or using the area for your television viewing, wall sconces can provide a dim lighting suitable for this type of environment.

Like other lighting, sconces can be installed on a dimmer switch. There are fixtures to suit any style and room design. The sconce shown is manufactured by Sea Gull Lighting.

SPECIALTY LIGHTING - To add a flair to your finished area, consider throwing in some specialty lighting. Track lighting made today goes from the traditional to the wild, ultra modern. When installing track lighting, follow the same rules as a surface mount ceiling fixture. Make sure your ceiling is high enough.

Uplighting gives an entire different perspective of lighting your room. It can wash a wall or be used to light up a silk tree tucked in the corner of the room.

Does your room have a theme? Manufactures today are making residential neon lighting for a variety of themes. These include baseball and football teams and logos of various, popular companies.

BULBS - Without going into details, here is a list of the types of lighting bulbs available in today's residential marketplace.

Incandescent: Standard bulb we've known for years. Steady, warm light. Comes in clear or frosted for diffusing the light.

Halogen: Provides a bright, pure light color. Last longer and produce more light. Available for under cabinet light, outdoor lighting, as well as spotlights for recessed lighting. Will get very hot to the touch.

FLUORESCENT: Can alter the color of the room. The color produced has often been an issue. Manufacturers today produce a variety of tones produced. Requires a ballast to work. Cannot dim a standard fluorescent bulb, requires a special bulb.

FULL SPECTRUM: This is a marketing term for the type of lighting. Provides a light that mimics the sun, providing a full spectrum of colors to be seen. Emulates north sunlight. Said to improve one's mood and ability to learn.