Cheap Basement Ceiling Ideas

Cheap Basement Ceiling Ideas

Finishing a basement is the easiest, most inexpensive way to increase the usable square footage of your home. However, being one of the least expensive options doesn't mean it is cheap. The ceiling alone can cost thousands of dollars to finish. Left unfinished, though, it can be the biggest eyesore, with plumbing, air ducts and the like running every which-way. But there are other less-expensive alternatives to the traditional drywall and drop ceiling options most people choose.

Paint

You've seen this in many department stores and restaurants. It's become very stylish to have your mechanicals visible for the world to see. If you're not too particular, you can save even more money by looking for "oops paint," which was mixed and subsequently not purchased, and is available at a reduced cost. Multicoloring adds a bit of whimsy to the room and lets you really exploit the power of "oops paint."

Fabric

Tacking up fabric can be very effective in saving money, especially if you can find closeout patterns you like. One idea for a child's playroom would be to have a "circus" theme: run 4-foot-wide strips of fabric side by side across the entire ceiling (hanging loose) and then run wires or string perpendicularly every few feet to create a draping scallop. Use your imagination and have fun. The best part is you can put it up and take it down until it works for you.

Blinds

Blinds can act as "ceiling panels"-just hang, adjust the length and then tack up the bottom. They can be pulled tight or allowed to sag. You can also play with patterns, such as installing them in a checkerboard (leaving open spaces in lieu of another color). Again, closeouts are a good way to go if possible. Look for season-specific styles for end-of-season closeouts, such as bamboo blinds (which are popular spring and summer styles).

Tags: Basement Ceiling, Basement Ceiling Ideas, Ceiling Ideas, Cheap Basement, Cheap Basement Ceiling, oops paint