Basement Ceiling Ideas for Every Situation

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 usable 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 basement upgrade 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.