What color should I paint my basement?

Light colors diffuse more light and will make your basement feel bigger. White is an obvious choice when you want to create the impression of a larger space, while light yellow can bring warmth and lift your spirits.

Should you paint basement walls?

DO NOT PAINT YOUR WALLS, even with Drylok or waterproofing paint. Concrete does not support fungal (mold) growth. … Also, do not attach insulation directly to the foundation walls. It behaves as a moisture trap and can also hide structural problems and breaks in the foundation.

Should you paint a basement white?

Choosing the color for your finished basement is an important decision. Determine how much light the basement gets. If you have very small windows or no windows, you will want to choose bright tones. Whites are always a good choice.

How can I make my concrete basement walls look better?

If your concrete-block basement walls are dry and free of efflorescence or mold, you can seal them with a masonry sealer or all-purpose water-base primer-sealer and paint with a high-quality latex paint. Paint is an easy way to make the basement feel warmer, brighter, and more welcoming.

What kind of paint do you use on concrete basement walls?

Masonry paint (also called elastomeric paint or elastomeric wall coating) is a good choice for concrete painting because it contains binders that contract and expand with the concrete. Exterior house paint can break and peel on concrete.

How do you lighten a dark basement?

Ways to Brighten Up a Dark Basement
  1. Repaint the Walls. One of the easiest, most affordable ways to lighten a room is by painting the walls and trim in brighter colors. …
  2. Use Reflective Surfaces. …
  3. Add Light Fixtures. …
  4. Introduce More Natural Lighting. …
  5. Raise the Ceiling.

What color light is best for basement?

Cool white bulbs give off a friendly and inviting light that is perfectly suited for high-traffic areas of the home including living rooms, kitchens, basements and playrooms. Cool white light is also ideal for reading and completing tasks.

What color is creamy Sherwin Williams?

Creamy is warm paint color, and it tends to go well with other warm paint colors. Sherwin Williams pairs Creamy with Reynard, an orangey red paint color that is reminiscent of fall. Additionally, Studio Taupe, a warm neutral paint shade, is a lovely accent to Creamy.

How can I make my basement not look like poop?

8 Tips to Brighten Any Dark Basement
  1. Use Light Colors. This one probably seems obvious. …
  2. Don’t Use Too Many Colors. …
  3. Add a Glossy Finish to Your Ceiling. …
  4. Choose a Light Flooring. …
  5. Add a Larger Mirror. …
  6. Move Anything That Blocks Your Windows. …
  7. Keep Your Windows Clean. …
  8. Strategically Place Your Lights.

How do you make a small basement look bigger?

Select bright colors

Use light colors to decorate your small basement. Dark shades absorb light, making the room appear small. White, cream, and other bright colors reflect light to expand the look of the room. Complement your basement color scheme with light trim.

How can I finish my basement cheaply?

You can save on the cost to finish a basement by doing things not bound by codes: installing trim or doors, painting walls and woodwork, and installing flooring, says Buckeye Basements’ Jon Smith. Beyond that, count on using some pros.

How do I get the best lighting in my basement?

For a basement, ambient lighting is often best achieved through recessed ceiling lights (aka — can lights, high-hats or downlights). Track lighting is an alternative to recessed lights, and it can be more budget-friendly especially if you are trying to fit ambient lighting in a finished space.

What makes a basement cozy?

Keep Things Proportionate. Because basements tend to have lower ceilings than other rooms in your home, scale is important when choosing furniture and lighting. … Low-slung sofas and chairs and dark or rich colors draw the eye away from the low ceiling, and soft textures like suede provide a warm, cozy feel.

What should I put on my basement walls?

Attach wood furring strips, Z-shape channels, or 2×4 studs to flat, dry masonry walls, then add insulation and cover the strips or studs with drywall. Such treatments give basement walls a smooth, even surface that accepts finish materials such as paint, wallpaper, or paneling.

Is it worth the money to finish a basement?

Finishing Your Basement Adds Value to Your Home

According to NerdWallet, a finished basement with an entertainment area and basement bath raises a home’s value at an average of $50,000. Also, according to Zillow, homeowners see an average of 70 percent return on investment with a basement remodel.

How can I make my basement room brighter?

Ways to Brighten Up a Dark Basement
  1. Repaint the Walls. One of the easiest, most affordable ways to lighten a room is by painting the walls and trim in brighter colors. …
  2. Use Reflective Surfaces. …
  3. Add Light Fixtures. …
  4. Introduce More Natural Lighting. …
  5. Raise the Ceiling.

How do I make my unfinished basement brighter?

Basement walls of cinder block, brick, or even poured concrete can be transformed pretty quickly and simply with a coat of paint. Go for a solid color, or get wild and design a mural to brighten up that subterranean space of yours.

Does heating your basement keep your house warmer?

You should heat your unfinished basement. If you have cold floors, then insulating the basement ceiling will help the most. Once insulated, heating an unfinished basement will help warm your whole home. … Heating a drafty uninsulated basement is the same as burning money for warmth!