Unusual Ideas for Finishing a Basement Ceiling
No matter how much time and money you've put into finishing your basement, an unfinished ceiling can make the whole space seem unfinished. All those electrical wires, cables, boxes and pipes will need to be accessed, but they also may need to be covered up so the basement seems more like a living space.
Paint
Sometimes painting everything up there - joists, pipes, wires and all - can hide everything so the eye is not drawn in the direction of the ceiling. You have probably seen this done in stores and other commercial buildings with good success. Black, gray or white are usually the colors chosen but they don't have to be. Dark blues, browns, deep reds and plenty of other colors that match your style and decorating concept will also work fine. Even an existing drop ceiling in a basement can be painted for a whole new look.
Tin
Tin panels have been made lighter and easier to hang and they can be painted, stained for an aged patina look or left bare. Panels can be hung from plywood mounted to the ceiling or from furring strips that allow greater access to the unsightly mess above them should repairs ever be needed.
