How do you disguise an unfinished basement?

Large spans of bare wall or empty areas beneath the stairs can make an unfinished basement feel dark and dreary. Promote a welcoming vibe (and conceal any unsettling nooks or crannies) by lining blank walls with inexpensive white bookcases or floating shelves. What can I put on my unfinished basement ceiling?
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.

How can I make my unfinished basement more comfortable?

The best way to make your unfinished basement feel complete is by adding accents and decor just as you would to any other room in your house. In addition to the basement ideas above, like hanging string lights and adding area rugs, bring in other details that will add warmth, texture, and ambiance. How can I cover my basement walls cheap?
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 update a suspended ceiling?

Just remove old ceiling panels from the grid, snap on EASY UP clips, and slide planks into place, securing them with the clips. Remember to stagger the planks to reduce waste and create a more natural finish. What does it cost to finish a basement?

The cost to finish a basement ranges from $2,800 to as much as $33,985 for a 400- to 1,500-square-foot basement. The average basement project costs around $18,400.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

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.

What is the easiest ceiling to install in a basement?

One of the best ceiling for basement options is the simple, inexpensive styrofoam ceiling tiles. They can save you a lot of money since they are easy to install and you’ll save money by installing them yourself. And even if they’re installed by you, they look like they’ve been installed by a pro.

What is the easiest ceiling to install?

Surface-mount ceiling tiles are easy to install. The grid for this system is much easier that the drop-ceiling grid, and the tiles attach directly to the grid. This is another project that can be done by one person, and in most cases, the tiles that go into place can be easily cut to size using scissors.

How do I make my unfinished basement warmer?

8 Tips for Warming Up a Cold Basement

1. Ensure that your basement is well-insulated. …
2. Invest in a cozy fireplace. …
3. Replace drafty windows. …
4. Seal air leaks. …
5. Eliminate crawl space drafts. …
6. Install an extra heating system. …
7. Use radiant in-floor heat. …
8. Don’t forget the visual aspect!

Can you sleep in an unfinished basement?

What can I use for basement walls instead of drywall?

• Wood Planks. Wood planks will be a fantastic option to consider for anyone who would like to achieve a rustic look. …
• Plastic Panels. …
• Plywood. …
• Veneer Plaster. …
• Pegboard. …
• Lath and Plaster. …
• Wahoo Walls. …
• Textured Wall Panels.

What is the cheapest way to finish a basement floor?

Cheap Basement Flooring Ideas

1. Epoxy and Concrete Paint. Paint is generally your cheapest basement floor option. …
2. Concrete Stain and Sealer. Concrete stain is another inexpensive option. …
3. Linoleum or Vinyl. …
4. Ceramic Tile Flooring. …
5. Rubber and Foam Mats. …
6. Traditional Carpet Flooring. …
7. Laminate or Engineered Hardwood.

How do you make a concrete basement wall look good?

If your concrete-block basement walls are dry and free of efflorescence or mold, you can seal them with a masonry sealer or all-purpose water-base primer-sealer and paint with a high-quality latex paint. Paint is an easy way to make the basement feel warmer, brighter, and more welcoming.

How can I save money to finish my basement?

7 ways to save on your basement remodel

1. Opt for an inexpensive, prefabricated egress window and well. …
2. Test exterior walls for moisture before finishing. …
3. Cut out some studs. …
4. Install drop ceilings. …
5. Skip the carpet and install luxury vinyl tile instead. …
6. Add a bathroom (or at least a half bath) near existing plumbing.

How do you make a drop down ceiling look good?

5 Drop Ceiling Makeover Ideas

1. Paint them. Using matte paint in a dark color can help your ceiling recede, which not only makes the tiles less noticeable but gives the impression of taller ceilings. …
2. Replace them with tin. …
3. Wallpaper them. …
4. Minimize the grid.

How do you paint a suspended ceiling grid?

Use a semi-gloss latex or oil paint on most ceilings, though in a home theater use a flat paint to avoid distracting reflections. Paint the outside edge of the grid with a brush and then spray or roll the rest of the ceiling. Let the paint dry and apply a second coat if the coverage seems uneven.

What can I use instead of a drop ceiling?

• Ceiling Tiles.
• Drywall.
• Beadboard.
• Wooden Planks.
• Plywood.
• Stained glass.
• Corrugated metal.

What is 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.

Is it worth finishing a basement?

A finished basement can increase your property’s value by 70%. While a basement does not add to the overall square footage of the house, that fact is usually beside the point for homeowners. Finished basements often function as an informal living room/family room, office, home classroom space, and guest rooms.

Does finishing a basement add value?

“When done well, a finished basement will add significant value to your property. On average, a finished basement will give you a 75% return on your investment. In areas where extra living space is in great demand, this will be even higher,” says Katie DeWeese, an interior design, remodel and redesign specialist.

What is the cheapest way to redo a ceiling?

Here are some affordable ways to beautify your home’s ceilings:

1. Paint. It’s a great way to change the perception of your space. …
2. Tin Tiles. Hide damage and uneven surfaces with tin ceiling tiles that introduce a vintage vibe. …
3. Moldings and More. …
4. Tiles or Planks.

Can paneling be used for ceiling?

Installing wood paneling on a ceiling is an excellent way to finish a room and add some subtle drama. Wood paneling is often used on a ceiling that is vaulted or has exposed beams, but this material can be installed in any room.

Is it cheaper to drywall or drop ceiling?

Drop ceilings are more expensive to install than drywall making drywall the cheaper option. However, if you can install a drop ceiling by yourself, you can save on labor costs. You should also factor in paint costs for a drywall ceiling and whether you are hiring a professional to install and paint for you.

How much does it cost to install a basement ceiling?

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.

Do you need insulation in basement ceiling?

Insulating the basement ceiling will keep most of the heat upstairs in the living space. As a result, the basement will be colder in the winter making it important to also insulate any water pipes or heating/cooling ducts in the basement.