20 Best Basement Ceiling Ideas

Before now, a basement used to be a room for storage. It was a catchall of all the stuff that was either useless or rarely used. But now more and more people are converting their basements into second living rooms. Basements also function as game rooms, home offices, home theatres, and home gyms. Due to this, the exposed ceilings of basements can look a bit off. But there are so many methods to cover your basement ceiling to turn it into another beautiful living place for you and your family. There are tons of basement ceiling ideas to suit your specific apartment. They include the low basement ceiling ideas, unfinished basement ceiling ideas, exposed basement ceiling ideas and the cheap basement ceiling ideas if you’re on a low budget. However you want it, you will find the best basement ceiling idea for you in this article. Let’s get started!

Rustic Basement Ceiling with Exposed Wood Beams

In some homes, there are wood beams already in the basement. So, you can embrace them. Paint the ceiling white. Re-varnish the wood beams. Replace the old lighting, and your basement will look gorgeous. If your basement ceiling has no wood beams, then you can add them. You might need to consult a home construction specialist. Ask them about the best strategy. Choose the type of wood. Paint the ceiling. Add lighting if you want, and get the wood beams installed. Wood beams will add a perfect rustic appeal to your basement.

Here is a cool idea to install faux wood beams on a budget

Some More Versions of Exposed Wood Beams

If you are willing to make the wooden bars noticeable, then you can do two more things. The first way is to install planks of wood before the beams. This way, you will have a completely rustic cover. An all-wood ceiling can cost you more. So, you can do it in a smaller area. And yet enjoy your favorite type of topside covering. The second way is to make coffers of the exposed wood beams. You can install LED recessed lights at the intersection of the coffers. We would suggest keeping the varnish on the wood coffers dark. Dark stained coffers will accentuate the fifth wall.

Cottage Themed Beadboard Ceilings

If your basement has a painted plain or a popcorn texture ceiling, then it is time to give it a new look. A basement with a beadboard ceiling looks good for many reasons. If the height of the basement ceiling is low, beadboard can give it visual expanse. It also makes the room appear brighter. Less light is absorbed by a white beadboard ceiling paneling. Beadboard adds texture to the ceiling, as well. Moreover, if you have a thing for cottage style decor, then beadboard is meant for you. It’s not too complicated to install a beadboard on the ceiling.

 

There are many ways to enhance the bedboard. You can add beams or coffers to the beadboard. Beadboard can be painted too. So, a pale shade with white coffers will look fabulous. Usually, beadboard is painted muted mint green, pale gray, or powder blue. A light-colored paint on the beadboard will prevent the basement from looking cramped. The good thing about a beadboard ceiling is that it blends well. You can have it in any room in your basement. It looks equally good in a basement living room, home office, kitchen, or a bonus room. All types of decor themes will look good under a beadboard ceiling. It complements contemporary, rustic, coastal, traditional, bohemian, zen, eclectic, you name it.

Here is a tutorial to cover a popcorn ceiling with coffered beadboards

Corrugated Perforated Metal Ceiling

A corrugated perforated metal ceiling provides an industrial look to a basement. It also absorbs sound and thus makes it even more functional. The holes or perforations are in many shapes in such metal sheets. This can help to control the amount of sound they absorb. If you live in a noisy neighborhood, perforated ceiling panels can be useful. Your basement can become a cozy get away from all the noise. These perforated metal sheets are available in steel, copper, zinc, and aluminum. If you don’t mind the exposed fasteners used to install these ceilings, then this is an economical option. If the look is too industrial, balance it with wood beams. Soften the hardness of the metal with warm lights. Decoration in neutral colors will look good with such a ceiling.

You can Use Recycled Corrugated Tin as Well

If you want an industrial ceiling that is cheap, then use recycled tin sheets. You can find a bunch at a barn that is reselling them. You don’t even have to refurbish the corrugated tin sheets. Just make sure they are good enough to stand the test of time. Hire a professional installer. And you can have an industrial man cave in your basement. You might need some power tools for cutting. So, your best bet is to hire a professional. Get all the sheets cut to the desired size. Team up the corrugated tin ceiling with reclaimed lumber walls. You can do just one accent wall too. A corrugated tin ceiling will look fun in a basement game room. Be your own interior designer, and do what your heart goes for.

Here is a guide for corrugated metal ceiling installation

PVC Basement Ceiling Tiles

If you live in a humid area, then swelling and mildew of the ceiling will be a common phenomenon. But PVC tile panels like these are a be-all and end-all solution for humidity. You can install them once and stay worry-free for years to come. These ceiling tiles are available in many forms. If you like a minimalist look, then go for the plain ceiling tiles. If you want some texture and ornate design on your ceiling, you can install embossed PVC tiles. Since these tiles are waterproof, you can use them in a basement bathroom as well. They can sustain humidity. Even after years of use, they will stay as good as new. Though PVC ceilings look a bit cheap. You might want something else for aesthetic purposes. After some years, PVC can release free chlorine. So, it might pose some health risk for the residents. But for a couple of years’ use and the low cost, it’s not at all a bad deal.

You might like to view this PVC ceiling cladding installation tutorial

Basement Ceiling with Recessed Panels

If you want a high-end topside cover, then you can get recessed panels. Hire a constructor. Discuss the number of recessed panels you want with your builder. But if you go for only recessed panels, they might lack some life. There are ways to enhance the recesses. You can paint the trim around them. If you install LED rope lights along with the border of the niches, they will look charming. Lighting can make or break a space. The same is true for a ceiling, as well. If you want, you can leave out the contrasting color trim. Instead, you can paint the surface of the recess one shade darker than the ceiling paint. Such a ceiling will look good in a basement gaming room or a home theatre. If you choose a fifth wall like this in a dining room, it will look striking with chandeliers.

Geometric Molding Basement Ceiling

You can work with molding on the ceiling conveniently. It is a low-cost way to achieve a textured fifth wall. Make geometric designs if you want to give a modern feel to your basement. There are ways to enhance the look of this type of ceiling even more. You can add LED lighting along the borders of the geometric pattern. If you paint the surrounding walls in a darker color, the fifth wall will look even better. This home office has a lot of character added because of the geometric molding lattice. The white furniture is in unity with the color of the textured ceiling. Despite ornate work on the fifth wall, nothing seems overwhelming. You can try so many different geometric shapes. You can also change the scale of the patterns. Large rooms will look better with larger shapes. And small rooms will look better with smaller geometric shapes.

Here is a tutorial for installing indirect lighting (LED light ropes)

Industrial Exposed Basement Ceiling

Quite commonly, basements have ceilings with exposed rafters and joists. So, what to do in that case? One little repair of the pipes or wires, and you will have to pull apart the drywall. Well, the solution is easy. Why not welcome it? Don’t think of the exposed beams, pipes, and wires as ugly. You can include them in the basement. There is one easy strategy to include the structure. Paint the exposed ceiling and all its components. If you choose a paint that is deep and dark, nothing will be too obvious. Paint everything charcoal gray or even black. Install flush mount lights. This way, the pipes, and beams won’t draw eyes toward them. You can experiment with white paint as well. Though the pipes and plumbing will be a bit visible. But it will still look good.

Drop Basement Ceiling

A drop ceiling is a false ceiling. It is suspended below the original fifth wall. It is suspended with steel wires over a frame. You can install drop ceiling tiles and lighting fixtures. Usually, the drop ceiling tiles are made of vinyl. They are water-resistant. These tiles do not sag or develop mildew, even for twenty years. Some drop ceiling tiles also come with premade crown molding borders. They look expensive when brought together. While white is a conventional choice, you can choose other colors too. You have to choose such colors that will complement the decor of the basement.

Ways to Improve the Appearance of a Drop Basement Ceiling

Does your basement already have a drop ceiling? Do you think it is boring? If yes, then spruce it up. You can do that by painting the ceiling tiles. But instead of covering all the tiles in a single paint, you can use more colors. Just head over to your nearby paint store. Tell them the type of drop ceiling you have. Choose the type of paint that suits the ceiling. And then ask for the available colors. Consult a color expert and decide the color combo you will get. It sounds like a fun idea, right? By doing this, you can save on the complete overhaul of the ceiling. Your basement will look cheerful. To add more glamor, you can change the lights of the basement. With a lively basement, it will be everyone’s favorite hangout spot.

Wood Plank Basement Ceiling

Wood planks look beautiful on a basement ceiling. If you don’t want to invest in too costly wood, you can use reclaimed wood. Barn wood looks perfect in a basement. The changing shades of barn wood add a unique character. You can make patterns with wood planks. Cut all the planks according to the ceiling size. And make chevron patterns from the boards. Use beams to support the wood paneling. Shiplap walls with this type of ceiling cladding look amazing. Even if the walls are just painted, the ceiling is a showstopper on its own. If the wood hasn’t got much character of its own, you can paint it too.

Wallpapered Basement Ceiling

 

One of the easiest ways to do a basement ceiling is the use of wallpaper. Wallpaper can add patterns to your basement. Fake a wooden fifth wall with a faux wood wallpaper. If you don’t want to use an extensive amount of wallpaper, then we have another idea. You can use any solid colored wallpaper for it. Cut a colored wallpaper in strips. Then use those strips to create a pattern on the ceiling. Just like we make patterns on walls with washi tapes. Wallpapers these days are available on a budget too. You don’t need to spend a fortune to wallpaper your ceiling. Make sure if you choose a patterned wallpaper, it should not be too loud. Bold prints will become too much for your basement.

Tin Tiles Ceilings

 

Another very easy option is the tin ceiling. Tin tiles ceilings have been around for some time, and they’re the favorite of some persons in diverse parts of the world. There are about three different styles of using the tin tiles ceiling: the snap-together style which may be a little more costly than the others, the drop ceiling style or the traditional style that requires plywood as the base. Each of the last two would cost you around $4 to $7 per sheet, depending on where you got them from. Whereas many people hold the opinion that the tin ceiling would fester heat, its thin nature actually brings less heat.

Painted Pipes and Beams

 

This inexpensive pipes and beams style is especially for exposed ceiling. It is designed to be painted, and you can do this in two ways: paint the exposed surface or simply polish it for some nice feel on the eyes. This is the ceiling style used commonly in public places such as coffee shops. Apart from the little cost you would spend on one or two pints of paint, this basement ceiling style does not require much investment.

Drywall

You can never get it wrong with the drywall basement ceiling idea. It is one of the most inexpensive and common basement ceiling ideas out there. It is also easy to make and very reliable for a good outlook and decorative appearance. All you need to do is to simply apply a coat of primer and finish it with your favorite paint color. You might also want to add fancy lighting to perfect the outcome. However, drywall is not a friend of moisture. It is recommendable especially if you have very little to do with water in your basement area.

Stretch Ceiling

 

Talk of a basement ceiling that gives off the appearance of luxury, it is the stretch ceiling. Its reflective and shiny outlook makes it look really appealing and keeps you coming back to your basement just for the feel. Perhaps the best thing is that you don’t have to break the bank to set it up. It remains one of the affordable exquisite options for standard basement ceiling decorations.

Home Theatres and Media Rooms

 

An ingenious way to maximize space in your apartment is to convert your basement to a home theatre or media room. To complete the outlook, you could top it with a ceiling design and give it a perfect look. A very recommendable ceiling idea is the soundproof ceiling panels. The color is left to your discretion but since it’s a theatre room, black panels (or any other dark colors) are the most suitable options. Add a couple comfy cushion chairs to make it comfortable to sit for long.  With the entire setup and the reflective ceiling panels, you will have for yourself a comfy cinema atmosphere!

Home Offices and Hobby Rooms

Your home basement could be a suitable home office. All you have to do is set it up to your taste. After all the necessary office furniture you need, a basement ceiling to cap it up is the next project. Ceiling tiles are highly recommendable here since they have a way of muffling sounds from outside so that you are able to work without distractions. They aslo reflect light that keeps you focused and productive. Using a bright color gives off a cool office atmosphere. The same applies to hobby rooms where you stroll down to unwind with a couple of drinks with your family and friends.

Living Spaces, “Man Caves,” and Bedrooms

If you’d like to go back in time to theme your basement, the man cave design is the perfect option for you especially if your basement is low and small. Using this basement ceiling style gives you a compact feeling of being with yourself. If you paint the ceiling in a bright illuminated color such as wine or white, it will help you connect deeply to yourself and feel relaxed. More so, you could furnish it into any room of your choice — a small living space, bedroom, study room, etc. to give you all the privacy and calmness you want. The atmosphere of the man cave ceiling style makes you enjoy your personal time and meditation.

Guest Quarters and Multi-purpose Rooms

No space for guests in your living room? Try making one at the basement. This is a way to maximize space in your apartment. To spice up your basement guest quarters, you could try your hands on coffered ceiling panels. A cool glistering color like black, cream, or any color of your choice will do. The space just has to be attractive and comfortable enough for you and your guests. Perfect the entire setup by applying a fine coat of paint on the wall as much as the ceiling. The appearance of your basement guest quarters and multi-purpose room will keep you glued and relaxed. It does the same to your guests and makes them feel welcome in your apartment.

Home Gyms and Playrooms

Using your unfinished basement as a home gym and playroom is great, but designing the basement ceiling for this purpose would make it look greater and keep you fit in mind and body. The suspended ceiling tiles are perfect for your exercises and workouts. It is advisable to use a bright panel color and keep it illuminated to shine all round. The ceiling type used here is very close to the drywall celling in terms of outlook but it offers more!

Nail-Up Faux Ceiling Tile

A good way to end this list is the nail-up ceiling tile which were used in the previous century and are still very much in use till date. It pays respect to the traditional style of basement ceiling without losing out touches of modernity. The nail-up faux ceiling tile helps you to cover all the construction details in your basement that you would rather not want to see and it still leaves room for leaks repairs. The ceiling tiles are easy to install even for novices and they are quite inexpensive, compared to other ceiling types. You could get them within $12 and $15 on online stores.

Basement Ceiling FAQs

1.How can I cover my basement ceiling cheaply?

There are quite a number of ideas to help you cover up you ceiling basement. In addition to all the inexpensive basement ceiling ideas discussed above, you could try out the following:

Painting

Painting is one of the cheap ways to cover your basement ceiling without sacrificing beauty. With a perfect color or combination of colors, you’ll have for yourself a very beautiful outcome.

Paneling

Paneling might be a little demanding but it is certainly a cheap way to cover your basement ceiling. With your tools in place such as the adhesive, screws and wood strips, etc., you will have a great basement for other purposes.

Area Rugs

Are area rugs less expensive than drywall? The answer is an emphatic yes! Just select one that fits your purpose well and hang them over your ceiling, and you’re good to go!

Drop Ceiling

Finally, drop ceiling are also cheap to install. They are one of the best unfinished basement ceiling ideas out there. All you have to do is run them alongside your basement ceiling. There are diverse options in terms of type and colors out there for you to select from.

2.Should you drywall a basement ceiling?

Absolutely yes! There are several reasons you should drywall your basement ceiling. There are tons of styles and options available for you to choose. Drywall affords you all the beauty and style you want. It reflects well and adds extra illumination to your basement.

3.How much does it cost to install a basement ceiling?

The cost of installing a basement ceiling depends heavily on the type or ceiling in question. Some are much cheaper than others but the average price as of 2020 ranges from $1.5 per square foot to $3 per square foot.

This is the 21st century. Nobody leaves their basement haggard anymore. You can own and personalize your basement to function optimally for you. This is where the basement ceiling comes in. To perfect the basement, you need to finish it with an amazing basement ceiling and there are lots of inexpensive low basement ceiling ideas and unfinished basement ceiling available to you. There are the drop ceiling style, the drywall, coffered ceiling, wood plank basement ceiling, pipes and beams ceiling style, and so on. Select whichever works for you and design it to your taste, and you have extra space for literally any tasks at all for yourself and your family. Enjoy your basement ceiling outlook!