Guest Blog Post by Indiana Lee

Many people have basements, especially in the Midwest, and they wish that they could turn them into a cozy place to relax and entertain guests. However, sometimes that’s easier said than done, especially if you have a basement with a lower ceiling.

Yes, taller ceilings are the fad these days, but just because a space has low ceilings doesn’t mean all is lost. In fact, there are many ways that you can get creative with your basement to open it up and create the illusion of a larger space.

Here are some tips to consider perfecting your bottom floor.

Get Creative with Light

One trick that almost always makes a room appear larger is adding light, and both natural and artificial light can do wonders for your basement.

• Darker spaces tend to feel more confined and can even make it feel like the walls are closing in. A dark room is also less inviting in general.

• Natural light can instantly make a room appear larger, and the more lighting tricks you try, the better.

If you have windows in your basement, remove the clutter in front of them, open the drapes, and let the light in.

Many basements have egress windows, which are mostly glass, which means you let a lot of light into the room. If you don’t have them yet, and part of your basement is above ground, consider installing them. In addition to lighting the area, they’re also used as an emergency exit, so you can ensure your family will be safe.

Most basements will likely have limited sources of natural light, but you can use tricks to bounce that light around and make the basement appear larger.

• Putting up mirrors is a great way to do this.

• So is adding light-colored wallpaper to the walls or painting the walls white or another bright color.

Add Light Fixtures

Installing fixtures is another way to make the room appear brighter and complement the natural light.

You want to avoid big bulky lighting that will take up space and make it evident that the ceilings are not as high as you’d like.

• Instead, opt for recessed lighting, which sits inside the ceiling, so all you see coming out and shining down is bright light.

• Use smart technology to your advantage and hook up your lights so you can control them with your phone or tablet.

When you head down into the basement, you can turn the lights on ahead of time, so you never feel claustrophobic.

You can use AI-enabled tech all around your house and control everything remotely.

• Hook up your smart thermostat to your phone and then you can set the temperature in the basement ahead of time, so it never feels damp or cold.

• You can also monitor your security system while you’re relaxing down there so you always know that your home is protected.

While there may be a cost associated with these updates, it’s well worth it for the convenience and security you’ll feel.

Properly Designing the Walls Is Key

When it comes to your walls, there are a lot of smart choices you can try to make your basement appear more spacious.

Start at the ceiling by modifying your trim.

If your room has trim that’s more than four inches wide, it will automatically make the space feel cramped and small.

• Instead, paint the trim the same color as the wall, and you’ll automatically “add” four or more inches to the space.

• Another option is to add a focal wall that is a different color than the other walls in the room, which will break up the monotony and add more intrigue to the room.

Instead of being a small room with limited potential, it will appear to be a larger area with unlimited possibilities.

You can also get creative with your wall art and decor. Hang paintings and pictures higher up on the walls to make the room appear taller.

Make It Safe And Comfortable

Another way to make your basement welcoming is to make the space as safe and comfortable as possible so you and your guests don’t even think about the height of the ceiling.

Think about safety from step one of your renovations.

Perform the proper tests to search for hazards such as radon and mold. Radon is a radioactive gas that’s caused by the decay of uranium in soil. Exposure can lead to cancer and other ailments.

• Radon is often found in cracked house foundations, which could be near your basement.

While you’re remodeling your space, get an expert to perform the proper tests so you know you’re safe.

• Mold can be found in the walls and around leaky pipes that are often located in basements.

To prevent mold, keep your house well-ventilated and watch for water damage so it doesn’t get out of hand.

Now that your basement is free of health hazards, you should also make the space comfortable so guests can relax and not worry about the height of the walls.

Start with the furniture because if you have too many couches and chairs, it will look cramped.

Also, most standard furniture is taller, making it obvious how much space is left on top.

• Instead, you’ll want to find couches and chairs that have lower backs and those that are longer instead of taller.

That way there's plenty of room to sit, and you’ll get the illusion that the ceiling is higher up.

Modify The Ceiling

Finally, if you don’t like your low ceiling, and you have the budget and the availability to make a big change, see how you can add more room up top or at least create the illusion.

Raising the actual ceiling in a basement is a daunting task because you need to maintain the structure of your home.

• However, one thing you can do is remove the drywall on the ceiling so that the floor joists and pipes above are exposed.

• Then, paint all that stuff white. You’ll have more headroom, and it will have the appearance of a standard ceiling.

• Another option is to paint the ceiling blue and create a sky illusion.

• If the floor joists above your head are already exposed, install drywall or plywood, and then paint that.

• A more inexpensive idea is to install sky-colored wallpaper on the ceiling.

Conclusion

You can add many different design elements to your low-hanging basement to make it appear larger and more appealing.

Consider one or several of these tactics and create a space you and your guests can enjoy.

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I write about small space design and decorating, sustainable furniture options, positive self care and a variety of do-it-yourself home décor.

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Indiana Lee is a passionate writer and avid puzzle enthusiast hailing from the serene landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. With a deep appreciation for aesthetics and a strong preference for designs that seamlessly blend comfort and functionality, she brings a unique perspective to the world of interior decor. Connect with her on LinkedIn.