For many homeowners, a ceiling is considered the "fifth wall" of a space and requires special attention. If you're in a design rut, looking for a new way to showcase or conceal an existing ceiling, there are several options besides painted drywall. Consider applying bamboo, cloth, rattan or burlap to overhaul a ceiling in any room of the home, including the basement.
Bamboo
Bamboo provides a tropical feel to a space. It's installed in large slats, much in the same way bamboo is used to create wall coverings and fences. A bamboo covering is ideal for use around most of the home, but avoid using it in the basement, as the basement's elevated amounts of moisture can damage the fragile material. Attach bamboo material to the existing drywall ceiling using a specialized epoxy, small framing nails or a combination or both products to provide the most support. Lay the slats one next to the other or in a pattern that mimics the ceiling's corners -- which requires several precision cuts before installation.
Burlap
Burlap is an inexpensive, versatile material that you can use throughout the home, including the basement, as an aesthetically pleasant alternative to drywall or a durable product to cover unsightly plumbing. Drape the burlap material over a basement ceiling and attach it to the floor joists with small nails or staples. Once the burlap is attached, cut holes into the material to accommodate any light fixtures. On ceilings in finished rooms, you might want to dye, gild or stencil the burlap before attaching to the ceiling between wooden beams.
Cloth
There are several cloth options -- including felt, hessian, grass cloth and silk -- that you'll either attach flush to the ceiling or drape to create a more dramatic effect. The type of cloth you use as a ceiling cover is dependent on the space. For instance, choose grass cloth or a backed fabric in the basement. Almost any type of fabric is suitable for the upper floors, and the choice is dependent on your budget and the look you desire. Attach the cloth to the wall with an adhesive, much the same way you'd hang wallpaper. Then lay the fabric on the ceiling and use a roller to remove air bubbles or wrinkles. Once again, cut holes into the fabric to accommodate any ceiling fixtures. Draping cloth is another way to conceal plumbing or duct work.
Rattan
Rattan is derived from several varieties of palm trees native to areas in Africa, Australia and Asia. The product is woven, dyed or sealed and used to create ceiling tiles. The tiles adhere directly to the ceiling or seat in suspended ceiling framework. Suspended ceilings are constructed from a grid of metal bars that are fitted with the ceiling tiles and generally used as an alternative to drywall when hiding pipes, plumbing and duct work.
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