Image by Addi Gibson from Pixabay
Full-blown basement renovations may be rather expensive. Still, with a loan from online lenders such as Alpine Credits, you can easily upgrade the look of this extra space without tearing through your budget too much. Here are some ideas that could bring your basement to the next level.
- Add Drop Ceiling Tiles
If you already have drop ceiling tiles in your basement, you might want to remove them and add new ones. The chances are that, by now, they are already very dusty and moldy. You might use the paint method of the ceiling if you do not have the budget, but it is time-consuming and it might not look its best. However, by using drywall on the basement ceiling, it will look more professional, and add more value to your house.
- Use Vinyl Planks on the Floor
You probably thought of using wood in order to make the floors look nice. However, the problem with this is that hardwood (the kind that often works best for basements) is very expensive. A more budget-friendly idea here is to use vinyl planks instead. You can get something that imitates wood, and no one will know better. Plus, vinyl is moisture-resistant, making it a great match for the humidity usually present in the basement.
- Create a Pallet Wall
If you are into DIY work and want to make your basement look nice and comfy without breaking the bank too much, then you might want to try making a pallet wall. Pallets are very cheap, and with just some paint and something to screw the pallets on the wall with, you can make the basement look like a comfy haven. These types of inviting elements will also create a great atmosphere, leading to a better basement.
- Install Storage Shelving
Whether you are using the basement as living quarters or simply want it to be more appropriate for storage, you might want to consider installing some storage shelves and hooks. This way, you will not have things lying down on the floor. Plus, you may use those shelves to store any other items to decorate the basement. You may easily find shelving at your local home depot and install it yourself.
- Use Curtain Dividers
Many people have a basement as large as their whole house, but it only looks like one big space without any actual dividing walls. To give the impression of more room without going as far as building another wall, you may want to use some curtain dividers instead. All you have to do is install some tracks on the ceiling where you want the “walls” to be and hang some thick curtains. Bonus points, with the right curtains, it will look like you just entered an oriental room.
- Paint the Walls and Doors
There is nothing cheaper that you can use in your basement than paint. Use the moisture-resistant kind so that you can bring some life into the quarters. If your basement has no windows or barely lets any light in as it is, you might want to use white paint. It will bring some extra light into the room, making the place seem bigger and less gloomy.
- Install a Dehumidifier
The nasty thing about basements is that they can be rather humid since they go partway into the ground. A good way to ensure the basement stays warm and cozy is to install a dehumidifier. Not only will it prevent the walls from developing mold, but it will also remove that musky feeling and make the room feel warmer. Very often, the coldness of a basement is a direct result of too much moisture in the air.
- Add a Wet Bar
Wet bars are not that difficult to install, and if your basement is already partially finished, just waiting for some “life,” then you may add one of those in there. This will turn your basement into a “party area,” and you can bring your friends there to have a good time without having to wreak havoc throughout your whole house.
- Make a Canopy Ceiling
If the classic ceiling in your basement makes the entire place feel too industrial and cold, you might want to create a canopy out of fabric. This will soften the look of the place, while somehow insulating the room. Consider adding some whimsical pendant lighting as well, some that perhaps resemble clouds, to make the place seem even comfier – especially if you also plan on adding a bedroom area in the basement.
- Add LED Strip Lighting
If there is one thing that we know about basements, it’s that they tend to be rather dark – particularly since most of them don’t even have a window (or if they do, it is a small one). To make the place seem brighter, you may want to consider adding LED light strips underneath any floating shelves or cabinets. It adds additional light, and together with the basement’s main lighting, it will make the place seem warmer and more inviting.
The Bottom Line
You do not have to spend too much in order to make your basement look nice and dandy. Indeed, you will need an initial small budget, but it is usually nothing that can’t be handled with a small loan or credit. You just need to use the best, creative ideas to make the most out of your resources, adding more overall value to your home. So, put your creativity on the line and turn your basement into more than just a storage room.
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