Basement Finishing Ideas

If you’re feeling that it’s time you need more space in your home and that the basement is an ideal way to do this, there a various things you need to do in order for this to become a reality.  Insulation, humidity and flooring are all very important along with your basement ceiling.  You might not feel that the ceiling is that important because it isn’t the focal point of the room, however it’s still very important that you attend to the ceiling so that your basement is finished off just right.  If you are looking for basement ceiling ideas, keep reading.

Suspended Ceilings – If you’re having your basement converted into a useable room, you will notice that it will be presented to you in an unfinished state.  What this means is that you’ll see studs and wiring showing under the floorboards of your rooms upstairs.  If you are looking for the simplest option then a suspended ceiling is what you’re after.  This is because they are not difficult to have installed and is a quick way of making your basement feel less like an industrial warehouse.  Another practical reason for having suspended ceilings installed is that you can easily get access to wiring or pipes if you find that there is a problem with these in future.  A suspended ceiling consists of ceiling tiles which are attached to a metal grid and is then suspended from the ceiling joists.  The reason people prefer to install this type of ceiling is because the metal frame is very lightweight and so this makes it easy to handle.  This is very important when installing a ceiling because it can be quite an awkward task to complete.

Drywall – This is not the easiest option to choose for your basement because it isn’t as light as a suspended ceiling.  However drywall isn’t expensive so if a sheet does get broken you won’t have wasted a ton of money.  The good thing about drywall is that the appearance is often preferable compared to drywall.  However you should make sure that the drywall is installed by a professional who is going to do a good job.  However if you are quite handy with the old DIY then you will be able to find instructions on how to install a drywall ceiling in books as well as some internet sites.  Once in place, the drywall can be painted any color you desire.

Acoustic Ceiling Tiles – Another very easy and simply option is to buy acoustic ceiling tiles as they are relatively small and light which makes them incredibly easy to handle and install.  All you have to do is staple them to the furring strips, remembering that pipes and wiring should be moved so that you can enjoy a flat ceiling.

Paint – Although paint isn’t a basement ceiling material in itself, giving your ceiling a good coat of paint will really have a strong effect on the décor of your room.  It’s important that you think seriously about paint color because if you choose a shade which is too dark, this will make you basement feel very dark.  Remember that basements don’t usually have much natural day light, if any, so using light colors will help brighten the space up and make it appear bigger.

Mirrors – You might think it a little cheesy to have mirrors installed on your ceiling however if you are very careful you can actually create a very classy look.  The great thing about mirrors is that they reflect light around the room and make the place feel bigger than it really is.  This is a great solution for very small basements and is a very effective optical illusion.  Just make sure that your ceiling isn’t so low that you could accidentally smash the mirrors.

Lighting – Due to the fact that basements are underground and typically are very dark places, thinking about what lighting you are going to have is crucial if you want to create a warm and friendly atmosphere.  By placing floor lamps in such a way that the light shines up to the ceiling will look amazing, alternatively you could use wall fitted uplighters.  Lighting is not only practical but it’s also fun so be playful with it.

Ceiling Art - If you have ever been to the Sistine Chapel you may have felt inspired to create some of your own ceiling art.  It would be a tad ambitious to try and recreate anything on this scale however you can think of fun and creative ways you can paint your ceiling.  Having a local artist carry out the work is often very affordable.

There are so many options when having your basement ceilings fitted, it is well worth spending some time looking for ideas in home décor magazines and other websites.  You should also have a local builder up to give you a quote and also make sure you ask them about the different options.

Having your own basement should really be seen as a privilege.  There are so many ways you can utilize a basement it makes you wonder why not more homes are built with them.  A lot of people will buy a property thinking that it meets their needs, not fully understanding how their lives are going to change over the coming years.  Most people will end up finding their current home to be too small due to the introduction of new family members, acquisition of new hobbies or even starting your own business from home.  If you aren’t lucky enough to have a basement you will probably end up having to move to a larger home or extend up into the loft area.  If you have a basement but simply are not sure what to do with it, you will be pleased to know that there are numerous uses for a basement.  Don’t be afraid of converting your basement, just because it is an underground room doesn’t mean it has to be ugly or uncomfortable.

Although one of the major difficulties with a basement is the lack of natural light, there are certain types of room which work really well down in a basement.  It’s certainly much easier to convert a basement than it is to move home which is one of the most stressful things you can do.

Wine Cellar:  Most people enjoy a glass or two of wine now and again, however there are some who like to take things that bit further.  For the real wine buff, having a wine cellar is the ultimate accessory for the home.  Basements are often the most ideal places to install a wine cellar however there are other considerations such as installing a wine cellar cooling system.

Games Room:  It’s not just the younger members of the family who enjoy playing games.  The adults can play pool, darts, table tennis or card games.  Having a dedicated games room can really encourage the whole family to get together and have some fun rather than be stuck in front of the TV all evening whilst being unsociable.

Cocktail Bar:  Your kids might already have a dedicated games room elsewhere in the house or you might not have any.  If this is the case then installing a cocktail bar is great for entertaining your friends.  One of the great things about being in a basement is that sound tends not to travel as much to your neighbors’ properties.  You can easily have some quiet or lively parties in your basement as long as you decorate it nicely and install different types of lighting.

Music or Theatre Room:  Some people are really keen on watching DVDs or listening to music in dedicated rooms so that they can enjoy the experience to the max.  For better sound insulation you should have an acoustic lining installed on the walls and ceilings.  People tend to like watching DVDs with the lights turned low or off so this is another reason why installing a home theatre room in your basement is such as great idea.

Photography Studio:  More and more people are choosing to work from home instead of for a larger company.  If you look in your local yellow pages you will see that there are a number of small photography studios in your area.  If you are a professional photographer and want to work from home then setting up your studio in the basement can work really well because you can control lighting much better.

Workshops:  If you enjoy making things or repairing things then having a workshop in your basement can work out really well.  The good thing about workshops is that they really just need to be functional and so you don’t need to spend a fortune decorating it to the highest standard.  The downside however is the lack of natural daylight so you might find it difficult to work properly.  You should also think about taking large and heavy items in and out of the basement and how easily you would be able to do this.

Home Gym:  People are very worried about their health nowadays so want to keep as fit and healthy as possible.  Some people who are currently overweight feel uncomfortable about joining a gym because they are worried that they’ll be surrounded by beautiful slim people.  Having your own home gym will allow you to exercise and sweat like a pig in privacy.  Ideal flooring for home gyms is rubber, plus you should also think about ventilation for quality air supply.

With so many basement decorating options you might be wondering why it has taken you so long to think about carrying out all the necessary work.  One you have decided what sort of room you want your basement to be, you can then get on with the work and start enjoying life more.