Even if you only use the basement for laundry and storage, it can look much better if you take the time to paint the ceiling. A painted, but otherwise unfinished, ceiling takes on the look of an industrial space and can turn an eyesore into a cool, hip area.
Correspondingly, how can I make my unfinished basement look better?
Here’s how:
- Stop the Moisture. The biggest anti-cozy factor in most unfinished basements is moisture.
- Add Some Area Rugs. Now that your basement is moisture-free, you can cozy up that concrete floor.
- Throw Down Some Pillows. When in doubt, add throw pillows.
- Add Tasteful Lighting.
- Hide Unsightly Spots.
- Paint the Ceiling.
Also, can you paint an unfinished basement ceiling? Painting an Exposed Basement Ceiling After priming, it’s time to paint. The wood rafters and beams soaked up a lot of primer, so you will need a lot less paint.
People also ask, what color should I paint my unfinished basement?
In general, we recommend painting finished basements in bright whites or very light cool greys or blues. These lighter colors (along with great interior lighting) can help your finished basement space feel airy and spacious, even without windows.
Can you live in an unfinished basement?
For numerous reasons, including for the collection of taxes, it is considered illegal to allow someone to receive RENT for allowing someone to stay in an unfinished basement apartment. You are generally required to obtain a permit from the local city/town to rent out the area.
14 Related Question Answers Found
How do I make my basement usable?
Simple Ways to Make Your Basement More Livable Seal the Walls. Basements often feel damp and chilly and sometimes contain an unpleasant smell. Improve the Floor. The hard concrete floor in most basements makes the space uncomfortable, but you may not want to spend the money necessary to install nice carpeting. Brighten Things Up. Put in Furniture.
Why is basement so cold in summer?
Cause #2: Humidity During the hot, humid months of the year, condensation can also form on the walls and floor of your basement, adding to the indoor humidity. Humidity combined with cold temperatures makes you feel colder.
How do you finish an unfinished basement?
Here are the steps to take to finish your basement walls: Step 1: Install Insulation. One of the easiest and most effective ways to insulate a basement’s exterior walls is adding polystyrene foam insulation directly to your foundation walls. Step 2: Frame Your Walls. Step 3: Install Drywall.
How do you cover unfinished basement walls?
Fortunately, you can cover basement foundation walls quickly and inexpensively. Attach wood furring strips, Z-shape channels, or 2×4 studs to flat, dry masonry walls, then add insulation and cover the strips or studs with drywall.
How do you clean unfinished basement walls?
Pour a quarter cup into a bucket of water and use your nylon-bristled brush to scrub the basement floor with it. Rinse when done, and use a wet/dry vacuum to pick up excess water. Whatever you do, don’t ever mix bleach and ammonia.
Is it OK to paint basement walls?
DO NOT PAINT YOUR WALLS, even with Drylok or waterproofing paint. Also, do not attach insulation directly to the foundation walls. It behaves as a moisture trap and can also hide structural problems and cracks in the foundation. Bottom line: basement walls need to breathe too.
How much does it cost to finish a 1000 sq ft basement?
The cost of a basement is between 10 and 35 dollars per square feet. Let’s say an average basement is 1,000 square feet of finished space. So the cost of a basement is between $10,000 and $35,000. 10k if you’re doing most of the work yourself and up to $35,000 if you’re hiring a contractor to finish your basement.
What is the cheapest way to finish a basement floor?
Cheap Basement Flooring Ideas Epoxy and Concrete Paint. Paint is generally your cheapest basement floor option. Concrete Stain and Sealer. Concrete stain is another inexpensive option. Linoleum or Vinyl. Ceramic Tile Flooring. Rubber and Foam Mats. Traditional Carpet Flooring. Laminate or Engineered Hardwood.
What colors brighten up a basement?
The 10 Best Colors for a Brighter Basement Bright White. 1/11. Crisp, clean white is a natural choice to brighten light-deprived spaces like basements. Sky Blue. 2/11. Red. 3/11. Purple. 4/11. Gray. 5/11. Cream. 6/11. Navy Blue. 7/11. Green. 8/11.
Should I paint my basement ceiling white or black?
A great option for a basement with lower ceiling heights can be painting the ceilings! Leaving your basement ceiling exposed and simply painting it black or white can give you the height needed for a comfortable space as well as giving the basement a more industrial, loft like feel.
What kind of paint do you use in a basement?
You can use matte or flat paint if you’ve never had any issues with water in your basement. Semi-gloss paint will be easier to clean and will do a better job of protecting your walls though. Use standard paint on stucco or plaster walls as well.
Can you seal a basement from the inside?
DO apply a masonry waterproofing product to bare interior basement walls. If your foil test showed that water is soaking through your basement walls and leaving them wet, seal the interior of the walls with a high-quality waterproof paint, such as DRYLOK White Extreme Waterproofer (available from Home Depot).
What is the best color to paint a cement basement floor?
Basement Floor Paint A green or beige color can really warm up a basement. If you plan on using your basement for storage and laundry, a soft ivory can give your basement a nice clean feel.
What makes a basement finished?
A basement is finished when the entire level is complete and similar to the upstairs living areas. It generally includes an electrical system, heat, finished floors, an accessible entrance/stairway, level ceilings, and finished walls.