What can I put on my unfinished basement ceiling?

11 Doable Ways to DIY a Basement Ceiling

1. Painted Rafters. 1/11.
2. Natural Wooden Planks. 2/11.
3. Painted Wooden Planks. 3/11.
4. Painted Pipes and Beams. 4/11.
5. Tin Ceiling. 5/11.
6. Corrugated Metal Ceiling. 6/11.
7. Decorative Ceiling Tile. 7/11.
8. Contrasting Paint Colors. 8/11.

What is the best lighting for an unfinished basement?

Since unfinished basements are often damp and cold, fluorescent tube lights should probably be avoided. The Build Direct blog advises you steer clear of bare incandescent bulbs. They provide a harsh, yellow light that isn’t welcoming. Instead, opt for soft white bulbs that provide a warmer light.

How can I make my unfinished basement ceiling look better?

For a truly beautiful, rustic basement ceiling, try simply peeling back the layers of other materials and leave the beams exposed. Then, paint the woode slats between the beams with simple white paint. The simple look is elegant and easy – a winning option all around.

How do you lighten an unfinished basement?

12 Finishing Touches for Your Unfinished Basement

1. Lay Down Foam Mats. 1/13. Most unfinished basements have a poured concrete floor.
2. String Some Lighting. 2/13.
3. Throw Down Area Rugs. 3/13.
4. Install Storage. 4/13.
5. Paint Your Cinder Block. 5/13.
6. Hang Curtains. 6/13.
7. Create an Art Studio. 7/13.
8. Craft a Canopy for Your Ceiling. 8/13.

What is the cheapest way to cover a basement ceiling?

Install Drywall or Paneling Thin wood paneling — typically 1/8- to 1/4-inch thick — can cover an exposed ceiling, and it’s available in a variety of designs. Fir plywood, hardboard, even oriented-strand-board (OSB) are even more affordable. These cheaper options typically require paint or sealant.

How do you deal with low basement ceilings?

How do you make a room look bigger with low ceilings?

1. Recessed lighting is a great start! Switching from outdated incandescent lighting to recessed lighting can make a huge visual impact on your space.
2. Skip the hanging ceiling lights, such as pendant lighting.
3. Keep your paint colors light and bright.

How bright should basement lights be?

Not only is every basement different, but each type of bulb (LED, CFL, and halogen) offers a different lumens-to-watts ratio, so there is no hard-and-fast rule as to how many lumens you need. As basements tend to be pretty dark, look for a fixture or bulb with enough lumens to produce an equivalent of 75 watts or more.

Can lighting unfinished basement?

Recessed lighting can still look amazing in an unfinished basement. It has a cool industrial look. Recessed lighting is installed between the ceiling joists using recessed lighting housing. The trim type determines the amount of light put out.

What type of ceiling is best for a basement?

Suspended ceilings are one of the most popular basement ceilings. Consisting of a simple grid and lightweight tiles or panels, a suspended ceiling covers exposed beams, ductwork, and electrical wiring, while allowing easy access for repairs or leaks.

How do you make an unfinished basement less creepy?

Delightfully Dry The signature characteristic of an unfinished basement is that it’s musty and damp. A dehumidifier (like this one from Amazon) is the quick fix here. Run it regularly, especially during the summer months, to keep the temperature comfortable and to protect against creepy-crawly bugs.

Can you sleep in an unfinished basement?

Sleeping in an unfinished basement can harm your health and lead to respiratory problems and cancer due to the lack of natural light and air, and exposure to harmful things like radon gas, molds, dust, and chemicals. Therefore, it’s advised that you do not sleep in an unfinished basement as a rule.

Is it worth finishing a low ceiling basement?

Having a lower ceiling height does not mean you cannot finish your basement. You may just need to be a little creative to create a design that works best for your specific space. Working with a dedicated basement finishing company will be your best bet in achieving the desired look and feel you want for your space.

What kind of lighting should be used in a unfinished basement?

Selecting lighting for an unfinished basement ceiling takes a lot of thought. Here are some things to consider when choosing light fixtures for a basement. Amount of Natural Light. Some basements are blessed with walkout doors and giant windows.

What should the ceiling look like in the basement?

Paired with a wood-look floor and classic wallpaper, the basement looks like a lived-in room instead of a recent renovation. This exuberant basement ceiling idea includes a mix of colors layered over each other to create a unique basement ceiling, which pulls together all the colors in the room: warm browns, reds, and oranges scattered throughout.

What should I do with my unfinished basement ceiling?

2. Sheet Paneling If you have a completely unfinished basement ceiling and you need to make some upgrades, you can consider sheet paneling. This is a very efficient option, especially if you don’t care as much about the look of your basement. If having seams in your ceilings don’t bother you, this is a solution for you.

What do tin tiles look like on ceiling?

One of the great things about tin tiles is that they look like real, thick, intricate pieces of metal work and no one would know how thin they are until you actually touch them. If you are updating the ceiling in an older home, it is important that you pay close attention to insulating the ceiling first. Even if the basement isn’t heated.