There was once a time when basements were often left dank, dark and cold. Fortunately, people began seeing this valuable space as something more than just storage area for stuff nobody wanted to see. Although many people have already converted their homes’ underground spaces into something more lively and livable, one question still remains. And that would be: what do you do with the basement ceiling? For starters, it would be best to choose a ceiling type that will allow easy access to house pipes and wires. This would allow any kind of repairs to be made without the need to break down the outer surface. You can choose to either drywall the ceiling or install a suspended ceiling instead. Whatever your choice may be, make sure that everything is suited to fire code and other safety regulations. Once you have that installed, here are a couple of unique and creative basement ceiling ideas you may want to consider.
1. Deck the halls – or make that: the ceiling with lights. Most basements do not have windows, and those that do barely have enough illumination coming in through them. Instead of having a couple of large but unsightly overhead light fixtures installed, why not go for multiple pin lights instead. This will work especially great with low ceilings. However, in case you are blessed with rather high head space, try a combination of pin lights, overhanging lanterns and maybe other hanging décor to spruce up the room. Try not to overdo the lanterns and the hanging décor though. You want something that balances both form and functionality.
Likewise, a combination of overhead pin lights and some strategically placed wall light fixtures can enhance the aura of the room, especially if the fixtures match. If you want to go for broke then you might even want to install moving or different colored lights. However, it would be best to leave the disco light ball where it belongs … back in the ‘70s and not in your modern home.
2. Install ceiling mirrors. It is said that installing mirrors in the room will give it an illusion of more space. And that is a pretty good idea especially if you have a very small basement. You can choose to install large paneled mirrors for that uniformed look. For a more interesting appeal, try to choose different sized and shaped mirrors fitted like a jigsaw puzzle on the ceiling surface. This will give onlookers a different mirror perspective every time they look up. For something more quirky (and fun,) try installing an alternating pattern of regular, concave and convex mirrors. Assuredly so, if you make the panels wide enough, you will see a lot of your guests walking with their heads held high… probably checking their changing reflections on the ceiling. Etched mirrors or smoky mirrors would also look great if you choose the proper designs that suit the rest of the basement’s motif or theme.
However, it should be noted that, installing ceiling mirrors are best for basements with light colored walls and floors. Of course, you can work with darker colors, but the mirrors will only reflect these dark shades and may cast a rather gloomy aura to the space.