BASEMENT FINISHING

1. Hang string lights 

Most basements do not have any electrical outlets and have a few bulb fixtures on the ceiling. If this is how your basement looks like, you can make use of string lights to illuminate the area. Bringing more light to your basement can transform it into a cozy, livable space for you and your family to enjoy. Of course, the best option would be to hire a professional basement finishing company to install more electrical wiring for your lighting. 

2. Soften the floor with foam floor mats 

You may often see these mats in children’s playgrounds or schools, but these mats can come in handy if you have a concrete basement floor. They come in different sizes and colors and join quickly like a puzzle. Another great thing is that they can easily be stored or moved to another location if necessary. If your basement is your workout area, foam floor mats are the perfect solution. 

3.  Throw down some rugs 

If you are going for a more classic look, area rugs can work just as well as foam floor mats. You can use one area rug or several small ones depending on the size of your basement and the look you are going for. This is another low-cost option that can help define different areas in your basement. 

4.  Hang some curtains to add dimension 

Installing walls in your unfinished basement can cost a lot of money, so another cheaper option is to use curtains. A curtain system is a fun and artistic way to divide space and add dimension to your basement.  Ideally, you should install a track on the ceiling, but if this is not possible, you can use wire taut stretched across the room and café hooks to attach your curtain.  

5.  Paint your cinder block 

If your walls are made of cinder block or even poured concrete, a dull coat of paint can do wonders. You can either go for a solid color or design a mural to brighten up that space of yours. With a splash of color, your basement will brighten up in no time. 

6. Create a canopy for your ceiling 

An unfinished ceiling can give a cold and industrial look that you may not like. To remedy this, cast a canopy of fabric on your roof. Even the most straightforward designs can add a beautiful touch to your ceiling. Add a couple of hanging lights, and you have an enchanting area to enjoy. 

7. Turn your basement into an art studio 

One of the great things about an unfinished basement is that you don’t have to worry about getting messy. With a cement floor and walls, you have the perfect space to unleash your hidden artistic side. If you are an artist by heart or have kids who love playing with paint, transforming your basement into an art studio is economical and practical. 

8.  Create a workshop 

For all those DIY fans, there is no better place to store your tools and work on your latest project than in your basement. The concrete floor makes cleaning up a lot easier while installing open rafters, and studs can give you a beautiful space to organize your tools. 

9. Paint the exposed beams of your basement 

If you don’t have the budget to get a proper ceiling installed, another option is to paint the exposed beams of your basement. A dull coat of paint can make the whole area feel finished without having to spend too much.  Another advantage of having exposed rafters is that all your utilities will remain accessible, which can come in handy when you need to make repairs in the future.  

10. Paint the floor of your basement 

If you use your basement as a laundry area or for some other functional space, using rugs or foam mats may not be practical. In this case, painting your concrete floor can make a big difference. This is a straightforward project to do, making it perfect for those on a tight budget. 

11. Add a temporary partition 

To help create privacy without requiring significant planning, a temporary wall can be a great idea. Using curtains is excellent if you don’t mind having your entire basement visible, but if you use your basement as a private hideout, you may want something more stable.   

12.  Use your basement for storage 

Using your basement as a storage room doesn’t mean it has to be messy and unkempt. You can still have a fantastic looking basement for storage if you use the right tools.  Shelves can be installed to store things like sporting gear, tools, off-season clothing, and much more. Remember to keep the place as neat as possible, so it still looks appealing