If you are redoing the basement then do not forget to include the ceiling as well because you can decorate it in a lot of ways to add character to the room. Before you decide how to finish the ceiling it is important to ask yourself what the purpose of the room will be. Once you know what the basement is going to be used for then it will be easier to decide upon a ceiling type. Some people dedicate this room to laundry, others turn it into a wine cellar and then there are those who want a home entertainment center in the extra space. Listed below is a list of ceiling ideas for your basement.
Types of Ceilings
Suspended Ceiling
Suspended ceilings are very popular for basements because they are made up of a simple grid of lightweight panels and tiles. These ceilings cover all exposed ducts, beams, wiring while still allowing easy access for repair work.
The suspended ceilings of today have become more sophisticated and while the classic white ceiling never goes out of style, they come in black 3-D profiles as well. However, make sure you choose white panels if you are going to need the room to be well-lit. A white ceiling will help reflect more light and maximize reflectance. This applies for office spaces, art studios, study rooms and other work spaces.
Coffered Ceilings
For those who want to add a home theatre or band practice room inside their basement, a coffered ceiling would work best. These rooms require minimum light reflectance to keep the room dark. This also applies to wine cellars and photography studios as well. The coffered ceiling can also be textured to add to the visual appeal of the room. The coffered ceiling is also known as a sunken ceiling because it lowers the roof of the room and creates a more intimate environment too.
The tiles also block the noise which is essential for a home theatre since the audio speakers are usually surround sound. These tiles will not only block the sound going out but also block outside noise from coming in. It will feel like an actual cinema and create a perfect media room for your entertainment.
Exposed Ceilings
If there are pipes and ducts on the ceiling they can be incorporated into the décor. If the color does not go with the theme of the room, then they can be spray-painted. A cool industrial ceiling adds a rustic feel to the room space.
Another style of exposed ceiling is wood beams which again create a rustic but are a contemporary architectural feature.
Tin Ceilings
An idea borrowed from old-school pubs is using tin as the material for ceilings. Tin ceilings add charm and reflect light and sound for a closed environment. The room becomes lively if tin tiles are used for the ceiling.
Corrugated Ceilings
If the ceiling of the basement is too low the room can feel claustrophobic and cramped. To overcome this drawback of a basement’s design there is the need for an element that bounces off light. Why not use something that looks decorative and adds texture to the space as well? A corrugated ceiling will not only do that but also reflect the light in the room. Corrugated metal is not bulky and you would never guess that a material that is used for temporary fixes can help decorate the room. The ceiling then becomes the star of the show since it creates an artistic aesthetic without taking up too much space.
Painted Ceiling
The ceiling of a basement almost always contains hanging beams, ducts, wires and pipes which could make it look unappealing. If you want a low-cost solution to this then the paint over everything using a dark color. It is important that you cover each and every corner of the ceiling with matte paint. The beauty of it will be visible once the job is completed.
Stretch Ceiling
A truly unique ceiling you can add to the basement is the stretch ceiling. They come in a variety of shapes and colors so you can match them to the interior of the basement. There are many lighting options which would not be possible with a simple painted ceiling. You can use the material to create domes, arches and any other design. The light source can be hidden out of plain sight to make your basement the envy of everyone. Stretch ceilings are also sound-proof so they can be added to home theatres or work spaces too.
Beadboard Ceiling
Another type of wood paneling is the beadboard which is a popular architectural design for beach homes. Beadboard is applied on vertical walls but they can be used for ceilings as well. There are individual boards as well as sheeted ones that can be bought from the market. Beadboard may be more time consuming to install than the other wooden panels since the boards are put up one by one but the result is worth it. The ceiling can be varnished or painted according to the taste of the homeowner.
The ceiling of the basement is one issue that prevents families from turning the rooms into living spaces but now there are many different ways to solve that problem. The finishing touches to a basement whether it is low-lying or standard will add character to the room. The entire ambiance changes as well.
When you are ready to renovate your basement, discuss the ceiling options with your contractor to find out which would work best for your home.
