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Once just an afterthought, basement ceiling ideas are coming into their own. No longer thought of as just a blackhole for storage boxes, basement ideas are becoming more and more exciting, from home theaters and gyms to games rooms and bars.
With that in mind, it’s worth giving a little extra thought to your basement ceiling; it can make all the difference to the look and feel of the finished room. In some cases, you can use it to visually increase square footage, too – perfect if you’re working with a small space.
Basement ceiling ideas to impress
Refining your basement ceiling doesn’t have to cost the earth – there are plenty of ceiling ideas to try which will give you a stylish look on a budget, with minimum effort. Especially if yours is in good shape and if you’re a fan of a loft-like look.
On the other hand, if you can afford (literally and figuratively) to go a little bolder, we say go for it. Similarly to a powder room, basements offer the perfect opportunity to have fun and be a bit adventurous with your design scheme; ‘you can make statements with color and pattern without worrying about how it will coincide with the rest of your home’s interior’, says Megan Dufresne, Principal Designer at MC Design (opens in new tab).
So, if you’re planning your basement conversion, check out our roundup of best basement ceiling ideas, as well as practical advice, to ensure you get the best out of your fifth wall.
1. Keep it simple
(Image credit: SACW)
Sometimes the simplest solution is the most stylish as proved here by The Stone & Ceramic Warehouse (opens in new tab). In this case, you don’t need to do anything at all to your basement ceiling – exposed metal pipes bring a seriously cool industrial vibe. If there are certain fixtures that you’re not keen on, consider hiding them behind strategically placed oversized lighting, or paint over with a matching gray paint.
2. Follow the curve
(Image credit: SACW)
Basements come in all shapes and sizes, and to make the most of the available space, sometimes the ceiling must follow suit. This basement kitchen is an example of just how beautifully – and cleverly – this can be done. By bringing walls and ceiling together in a smooth curve, you can create the illusion of infinite space despite no extra square footage added.
3. Make the right lighting choices
(Image credit: SACW)
Basements aren’t often blessed with a lot of natural light, so factoring adequate lighting into your ceiling design is essential. The key is to install fixtures that don’t dominate the space, (particularly if you’ve opted for a drop ceiling) making recessed lighting a popular choice.
‘Spotlights are always a great place to start; they’re low profile and, paired with a dimmer, will allow for full control depending on the time of day or activity’, explains Jen & Mar from Interior Fox (opens in new tab).
4. Stay traditional
(Image credit: SACW)
If you’re converting the basement of a traditional period property, consider installing features such as ceiling roses and crown molding to match the rest of the home.
‘Crown molding is a great way to lift a room – just adding this architectural detail can transform an area into a space that’s rich and brimming with character’, says Thomas Vibe, interior designer and founder of Stone Wizards (opens in new tab).
Paint them in a coordinating shade for understated style or choose a bold contrast color for a modern twist.
5. Get creative with color
(Image credit: Crown Paints)
Why should walls have all the fun? Taking your feature paint color up and painting a ceiling not only creates the spacious illusion of a ‘fifth wall’, it’s also a lovely way of adding a bit of sunshine (quite literally, in this room’s case) to a basement, particularly if there’s no windows. Get the color look by Crown Paints (opens in new tab).
6. Embrace existing wooden beams
(Image credit: The Stone & Ceramic Warehouse. )
Leaving original wooden beams exposed is an easy way of bringing natural warmth, texture and rustic authenticity to a basement ceiling, and involves next to no DIY on your part – bonus! The vertical lines exaggerate the feeling of height and length, too. If the wood’s a little too rustic for your taste, give it a coat of paint – white creates an airy feel and allows the natural grain to show through.
‘For a really striking design statement, you may want to think about something unexpected like wood ceiling planks or cladding to give your basement more texture and dimension’, adds Jo Oliver, Director of The Stone & Ceramic Warehouse.
7. Consider adding new ones
(Image credit: Decorilla)
If your original wooden beams weren’t up to par, consider adding decorative ones (faux wood makes for a more affordable option) to dress up a white ceiling. Be sure to consult a home construction specialist first to ensure you’re positioning them correctly.
‘Adding beams to your basement ceiling can give it a more homely feel, especially if you’re converting it into a living or sitting room for the family’, says interior design blogger, Gina Kay Daniel (opens in new tab). ‘Opt for lighter wood and a neutral color scheme to avoid making the space feel smaller than it is’.
Basement by Decorilla (opens in new tab).
8. Mix up materials
(Image credit: Decorilla)
The types of materials you choose will have a huge impact on the overall look and feel of your basement – not to mention your wallet. Opting for an inset ceiling allows you to incorporate high-quality materials into your design without using them across the whole ceiling – a neat way of finishing a basement on a budget without compromising on the result.
‘Drywall is available in an array of thicknesses and can be cut to size, making it a versatile material choice if you’re planning a ceiling inset’, says Laura A, Interior designer at Decorilla. ‘Here, the contemporary spin on a coffered style ceiling allows for wood beams to easily attach with construction adhesives'.
9. Disguise features you don’t like
(Image credit: Decorilla)
The loft-style look isn’t for everyone, but there’s an easy solution if you’re not a fan of exposed pipework – paint it all the same color. Here, a moody coat of dark black paint transforms this room’s utilitarian features into unimposing sculptural elements, cleverly mirrored by an ornate lighting fixture.
This technique allows you to conceal any ductwork or pipes in the space while still enabling you to be artistic with your design choices’, says Michael Simons, real estate broker and owner of Tres Amigos Realty Group (opens in new tab).
Look created by Decorilla (opens in new tab).
10. Keep it cozy with a drop ceiling
(Image credit: Decorilla)
If you’re looking to create a cozy feel, a drop ceiling might be for you. Sometimes referred to as a suspended ceiling, they consist of a metal grid hung on joists by a frame and wires. Tiles or panels (available in a range of shapes, sizes, styles and materials) are then placed inside the openings. Unsurprisingly given its name, you do sacrifice on ceiling height, but they’re one of the best choices if you want your ceiling to look truly finished.
Leonard Aug, CEO of iProperty Management (opens in new tab) says: ‘If your basement ceiling is quite low already, a dropped ceiling is likely to mean tall guests will have to crouch a little if they want to see your lovely basement! Interlocking tiles that connect directly to the bottom of joists is a good alternative’.
11. Let white paint work its magic
(Image credit: SACW)
If you have windows in your basement, chances are they’ll be positioned at the very top of the wall, which doesn’t exactly flood the room with natural light. However, painting your ceiling bright white is a great way of ensuring what light you do have is as maximized as possible.
12. Add artistic flair with wallpaper
(Image credit: Rebel Wallis)
Who needs paintings on the wall when your entire ceiling can become a work of art? Ok, so a sky mural might not be for everyone, but the concept remains the same – simply choose a wallpaper pattern that works for you. We suggest you stick to neutral shades throughout the rest of the scheme – this allows the ceiling to take center stage.
Look byRebel Walls (opens in new tab).
13. Let in natural light
(Image credit: Future)
Consider positioning light wells within the ceiling. They bring in maximum light and look stylish, to boot. If you’ve extended your basement out underneath your yard, installing an external window made from walk-on glass is an option – and makes for a bit of a talking point! Simple tricks such as painting the walls of any lightwells in bright white and keeping foliage above neatly trimmed will help natural daylight travel down into your basement space, too.
If you’ve got no natural light sources available, consider adding an internal window at the ground-floor level to bring light from the room above into the basement below.
14. Choose a two tone look
(Image credit: Emily Henderson)
Embrace the trend for monochromatic color schemes by painting your ceiling black and your walls white. A timeless classic, this color combination lends itself to a traditional décor scheme or contributes towards a more modern, cutting-edge look, as demonstrated here in this high-contrast basement design. Original rafters coasted in slate gray paint echoes the concrete flooring, while exposed wires and pipes add to the industrial feel.
Photography by Emily Henderson (opens in new tab).
How do I make my basement ceiling look good?
When deciding on what looks good in a basement ceiling, it’s important to take the room you’re decorating into account. An industrial-style unfinished ceiling may look good in a kitchen, bathroom or games room, but wouldn’t suit a bedroom, for example.
If you have existing ceiling features in place, such as wooden beams, rafters or pipework, consider leaving them exposed as a stylish focal point within the room. If there are certain fixtures that you’re not keen on, you can hide them behind strategically placed oversized lighting, or paint over with a darker paint shade.
Drop ceilings suit cozier spaces, such as bedrooms, snugs and home theaters, and allow for personal style, with a range of tile options to choose from. Probably the most flexible of ceiling choices, a drywall ceiling suits any room type, and lends itself to easily updated transformation in the form of wallpaper, paint or paneling.
How can I cover my basement ceiling cheaply?
You don’t have to spend a ton of money to achieve a stylish basement ceiling, there’s plenty of options available. In fact, if you like the loft-style look, you can get away with doing absolutely nothing – can’t get much cheaper than that!
A drywall basement ceiling is inexpensive and leaves you with a smooth, clean surface to do with as you please. Leaving it white reflects light well, but it’s easy to add color; ‘if you have a modest renovation budget consider painting your basement ceiling. It’s arguably the most cost-effective way to create a pleasing update’, says Michael Simons, real estate broker and owner of Tres Amigos Realty Group (opens in new tab).
Drop ceilings are also cheap to install, plus it’s one of the best choices if you want your ceiling to look truly finished. You can also adjust overall cost depending on your budget by choosing from tiles or panels in a range of shapes, sizes, styles and materials.
FAQs
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 can I cover my basement ceiling cheap? ›A super easy DIY option for your basement ceiling is glue-on tiles. Typically made of polystyrene or fiberboard, these tiles come in a variety of colors, sizes, and styles, and are also paintable. You'll need to install a foundation, like plywood, to glue them to. But after that, it's as simple as glue and stick.
Can you finish a basement with low ceiling? ›We get this question a lot, especially from homeowners in older homes with low ceilings. You can still finish your basement, but your remodeling partner will have to bring your basement up to code by getting your ceiling to the required height. This step will often require a dig down if your basement is low.
What is the best ceiling height for a basement? ›If you intend to make it habitable space, then 7 feet is usually the minimum for new builds. If it isn't habitable space, 6 feet 8 inches could be the minimum, though ductwork, beams, and similar obstructions can reduce the functional height down to 6 feet 4 inches.
What is a basement ceiling called? ›Suspended Ceiling
Suspended ceilings are one of the most common options that you will see in finished basements.
Believe it or not, there are two methods to increase a basement ceiling's height. The first method is to dig the basement down deeper. The second method is to lift the house and build the basement walls higher.
Should I drywall my basement ceiling? ›A big advantage of having a drywall/sheetrock ceiling in a basement is that loss of headroom will be minimal. Drywall uses less space so it is a good choice when you have low ceilings and need to take advantage of all the headroom possible. Drywall will not sag.
What can I put on my ceiling instead of drywall? ›Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard is an alternative to drywall for ceilings. An eight-foot length of Wall&CeilingBoard weighs in at under eight pounds, which means it can be installed by just one person. There's no taping, no mudding, no sanding, no painting.
What can I cover basement ceiling insulation with? ›Foil is ideal for unfinished basements because it reflects heat. Homeowners can use foil to weatherproof the basement ceiling. Foil is rather expensive. Due to foil insulation's high R-value, it does a superb job repelling moisture.
What is the cheapest ceiling to install? ›Drywall is the most inexpensive ceiling to install at $2 to $3 per square foot. Tray ceilings are equally affordable at $2 to $4 per square foot and so are tongue and groove designs.
Can you finish a 7 foot basement? ›
In most towns, building codes require that finished basement ceilings be at least seven feet high. But don't be fooled—a seven-foot ceiling will not make for an enjoyable space. Anything below seven feet, nine inches may feel cramped—and that figure refers to the height of the finished space.
How tall is the average basement? ›The standard basement wall height has been eight feet for many years. Once the concrete slab is poured, the actual headroom height is only about 7'-9”. Basement ceilings are usually strewn with pipes and ductwork that serve the floor above. These intrusions further lower the basement ceiling height.
What is the minimum height for basement? ›i) Every basement shall be in every part at least 2.5 m. in height from the floor to underside of the roof slab or ceiling and with maximum height not more than 4.5 m. ii) Adequate ventilation shall be provided for the basement.
How tall is a 12 course basement? ›A 12-course basement ceiling should be 96 inches, or 8 feet high, according to most standard building specifications. The height is of an unfinished basement. It's ideal as it has enough headroom from vents, ducts, and plumbing.
How deep is a basement foundation? ›A full basement
Basements have footings, and typically 8-foot walls built on a 4-inch concrete slab. The slab will serve as the floor of a room underground, where you can store your home's mechanical and HVAC system or make use of it as storage.
Drywall: It costs around $1.50 per square foot to hang drywall in your basement. Ceiling: Basic ceiling installation can cost as little as $1-2 per square foot. But, if the project is complex, it can cost around $6 per square foot.
How do you frame a basement ceiling? ›How to Frame a Basement Ceiling - YouTube
Should I remove basement ceiling insulation? ›The insulation has become infested: If the insulation in your basement has become infested with rodents, bugs, or other critters, it is important to remove it. Not only are these animals unsanitary, but insulation can become a breeding ground for them to multiply and spread throughout your house.
What color makes ceiling look higher? ›The lightest and whitest colors work best at making a low ceiling appear taller. A bright white or a slightly gray white color are the optimal ceiling colors. Avoid using a color in a different hue on the ceiling if possible, as it will appear darker on the ceiling and not reflect as much light.
Can you fix low ceilings? ›Absolutely. All you have to do is reduce the depth of the beam or timber and you can have a similar result. On an 8′ ceiling, we can drop a 6″ beam, and put crown molding around it. There, we're careful to use a smaller crown so we're only expressing 3″ of beam.
Are 7 foot ceilings too low? ›
Lots of people think 8 feet is the minimum ceiling height because that's a common height in most homes, but it's actually 7 feet according to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z765). Technically ANSI says it's okay to have a ceiling height at 6'4″ under beams though.
How do I raise the height of my ceiling? ›It typically involves removing horizontal beams called joists and installing a new ceiling. If you don't have sufficient space above the room, then a contractor has to raise the roof in order to elevate the ceiling. They make the surrounding walls taller, often by adding taller support beams.
Is it possible to increase basement height? ›To raise your basement ceiling, raise the height of the joists by 3 millimetres or 1/8 of an inch per day to gradually increase the basement height. Raising the ceiling of your basement is the cheapest method to increase its height because most homeowners can do this themselves.
Whats the most expensive part of finishing a basement? ›Breaking down the cost to finish a basement
Flooring and wall coverings like paneling are the biggest expenses, making up approximately 15% of the total cost to finish a 1,200 square-foot basement, Sebring says.
Drywall can be fixed directly to the joists, so you only lose a half an inch of headroom -- the thickness of the material. With suspended systems, you can lose about three to five inches. If you have a new home, the basement usually is deep enough and ceiling height usually isn't a concern, so you have your choice.
Can you put drywall directly on basement ceiling joists? ›Yes you can, but it is not always easy to do. The joists may not be perfectly spaced and you only have a 1-1/2 inch target for attaching two edges of the drywall.
Should I drywall my basement ceiling? ›A big advantage of having a drywall/sheetrock ceiling in a basement is that loss of headroom will be minimal. Drywall uses less space so it is a good choice when you have low ceilings and need to take advantage of all the headroom possible. Drywall will not sag.
Should my basement ceiling be insulated? ›Yes. Faced insulation is actually recommended on basement ceilings and ceilings in general. The covering or "face" of the insulation prevents it from falling out and trickling down into the basement air. This is especially advantageous if the insulation is made of fiberglass, which can harmful if it's ingested.
How much does it cost to put a ceiling in a basement? ›Average costs to finish a basement could run between $2,000 to $11,200 if you install a 400-square-foot drop ceiling. This includes $1,200 to $9,200 in materials for a large area. Labor also increases with the square footage and lands in the $800 to $2,000 range.
What is the ceiling of a basement made of? ›Basement ceilings typically fall into one of two general categories: suspended ceilings or hard ceilings. Suspended ceilings use acoustical panels or tiles placed into a frame on the ceiling. Hard ceilings include those made of wood, plaster and drywall.
How much height is lost with a drywall ceiling? ›
Drywall can be fixed directly to the joists, so you only lose a half an inch of headroom -- the thickness of the material. With suspended systems, you can lose about three to five inches. If you have a new home, the basement usually is deep enough and ceiling height usually isn't a concern, so you have your choice.
Can you put drywall directly on basement ceiling joists? ›Yes you can, but it is not always easy to do. The joists may not be perfectly spaced and you only have a 1-1/2 inch target for attaching two edges of the drywall.
Should I put a vapor barrier on my basement ceiling? ›If the basement is finished and has no moisture issues, the vapor barrier is not needed. If it has moisture issues, the vapor barrier is probably a problem.
What insulation is best for basement walls? ›Rigid foam sheets are best for DIYers who are insulating basements prior to framing the walls. Rigid foam also works well when the concrete or block walls are smooth and flat. Rigid foam insulation is easy to use.
What should I use to insulate my basement ceiling? ›Your best option is insulating your exposed foundation walls. Start with getting any moisture issues under control, then use water-resistant insulation like closed-cell spray foam or XPS foam board. Most homeowners opt for fiberglass, but fiberglass has the chance of trapping moisture.
Whats the most expensive part of finishing a basement? ›Breaking down the cost to finish a basement
Flooring and wall coverings like paneling are the biggest expenses, making up approximately 15% of the total cost to finish a 1,200 square-foot basement, Sebring says.
| Size (Square Feet) | Average Price |
|---|---|
| 800 | $12,000 |
| 1,000 | $15,000 |
| 1,200 | $18,000 |
| 1,500 | $21,350 |
Drywall: It costs around $1.50 per square foot to hang drywall in your basement. Ceiling: Basic ceiling installation can cost as little as $1-2 per square foot. But, if the project is complex, it can cost around $6 per square foot.
How do I make my basement ceiling higher? ›Believe it or not, there are two methods to increase a basement ceiling's height. The first method is to dig the basement down deeper. The second method is to lift the house and build the basement walls higher.
How do you cover basement ceiling pipes? ›Fabric Water Pipe Cover
Like painting, fabric offers a quick, inexpensive way to conceal pipes in your basement ceiling. Staple the fabric to your ceiling's joists, and drape it across the ceiling in soft folds to create a canopy of sorts.
How do you frame a basement ceiling? ›
How to Frame a Basement Ceiling - YouTube