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by Robin
Along the way, we have become experts in basement ceiling ideas. We’re actually very proud of this.
It’s a great example of what we’re all about: taking a problem and figuring out an inexpensive and beautiful DIY way to fix it.
Like many people we had unfinished basement ceilings – and not much budget to make them look good.
So we harnessed our creativity and DIY skills to create a bunch of budget basement ceiling ideas – that actually look expensive and fabulous!
What do you do with low basement ceilings? What can I use instead of a drop ceiling?
It’s a dilemma. But luckily there are quite a few great choices.
Drywall
Drywall basement ceilings are always an option – you can read more about that here from Fine Homebuilding. We didn’t want to do drywall for a couple of reasons:
- It is so messy when you sand the joints.
- You need to have access to mechanicals above the ceiling – sheetrock makes that hard.
- It’s the expected choice – so for us, that’s pretty boring.
Drop Ceiling
Another common low basement ceiling idea is a drop ceiling. If you check out our before photos you’ll see we had this in some areas before. We weren’t fans. Mind you we had the cheap-as-chips ubiquitous cardboard squares.
They’ve come a long way since we put those sad cheap ceiling tiles up! Just stroll through Home Depot ceiling department and you’ll see there are so many more options.
If we wanted to go with ceiling tiles we’d consider some of these non-cheap, non-ugly versions:
- There are now drop ceiling tiles that look like a coffered panelled ceiling.
- They come in colours now – which is nice because I don’t think they would paint very nicely if you didn’t want the standard white.
- You can buy surface mounted ceiling tiles that aren’t bland or hideous.
- They glue up, or are stapled, which is pretty straightforward. It does leave you with the how-to access mechanicals problem – because usually they fit into each other and you need to take a bunch of them down to access stuff.
- You can also get them in different metallic finishes, which could look interesting – but I think that much pattern and sparkle so close to your head could be a bit unnerving. But that’s just me!
- You can also find faux wood ceiling tiles.
- Maybe they don’t photograph well? Because to my eye, they look a bit too faux. I would need to see these in person to assess.
- But – our real wood basement ceiling ideas below are actually cheaper than these faux ones!
How can I cover my basement ceiling cheaply?
You’ve come to the right place. Below are the 6 inexpensive basement ceiling ideas we did to cover our unfinished ceilings and make them look gorgeous. (Yes, we’re the best at being humble).
Low Basement Ceiling Ideas – 6 Beautiful and Inexpensive DIYs!
1. DIY Panelled Plywood Ceiling
Our DIY Panelled Plywood Ceiling was our first basement ceiling – if you don’t count the cardboard squares you see in the before photos. We did that 17 years ago to makeover our basement to free up a bedroom for our first baby. So back then our skill level and budget were close to nil. We’ve grown.
Our Plywood Basement Ceiling looks like expensive panelling and cost less than $150 for the whole room!
How to Make a Plywood Ceiling Look Expensive
Full tutorial here
2. Our DIY Herringbone Ceiling
Our herringbone ceiling is hands down my favourite! I love it!
It’s so interesting to look at – but admittedly also wasn’t the quickest or easiest project. Once you get in a groove to cut and install the planks you can knock it out in less time than it looks.
It doesn’t look it at all, but this herringbone was another cheap basement ceiling. This large room was about $200 in materials!
How to Make a Herringbone Wood Ceiling
Full tutorial here
3. Our Tongue and Groove Basement Ceiling
We figured out how to install tongue and groove ceiling planks in our basement powder room and it was such a perfect choice.
They are simple to install and look great. We painted ours, but a natural wood look is beautiful too.
AND that it was featured in an issue of Better Homes and Gardens? A dream come true!
How to Install a Tongue and Groove Ceiling
Full tutorial here
4. Our Exposed Basement Ceiling Painted Black
This painted black basement ceiling was the right choice for our pub and hobby room.
We were going for a more urban industrial look here.
Plus this room is right below our kitchen, so there are wires and pipes galore that we need to be able to access. A permanently covered ceiling wouldn’t work well – so exposed painted beams are right.
We painted this ceiling without a sprayer – and it wasn’t that hard at all! One of the benefits of low basement ceilings is that they’re easy to reach to paint.
The black we chose is so good! The room feels taller and looks pretty cool. It’s a great space to enjoy a drink with friends – or work on one of our many hobbies.
How to Paint a Exposed Basement Ceiling – and the Perfect Black Paint!
Full tutorial here
5. Our DIY Shiplap Ceiling is Perfect for Basements too
We did the DIY shiplap ceiling in the bunkie at our weekend place, but it would translate just as well to a basement ceiling.
It installs very similarly to the tongue and groove ceiling above, just with a wider plank, so it’s a simpler look.
Also, the material we chose has a smooth finished side, plus a more rough-cut side. So you can choose a more refined or more rustic look.
How to Install a DIY Shiplap Ceiling
Full tutorial here
6. Tongue and Groove Cedar Ceiling Planks
We installed these DIY Tongue and Groove Cedar Ceiling Planks in the bathroom at our weekend place. And while this isn’t a basement, this ceiling idea would work really well there. In fact, with exposed ceiling joists the install could be even easier.
We went from idea to cedar ceiling in just an afternoon – it’s just that easy. No painting is required!
Sure this ceiling looks spa-like and fabulous, but one of the nice bonuses of this simple project is the smell! The cedar gives off a great natural aroma. This could help stop those musty basement smells! It’s helping in our 70’s mobile home!
Tongue and Groove Cedar Ceiling Planks – How to Install this Simple, Beautiful Ceiling Idea
Full tutorial here
deb
Tuesday 19th of April 2022
what color black did you paint the ceiling
frugalfamilytimes
Friday 22nd of April 2022
Hi Deb! All the black ceiling details are here: https://www.frugalfamilytimes.com/2021/07/painted-basement-ceiling-the-perfect-black-paint/
Shannon
Saturday 27th of November 2021
Am I correct that all these ideas are not easily removable for when you need to get to plumbing, etc?
Angela
Thursday 17th of March 2022
@frugalfamilytimes, exactly how does the herringbone come down for access?
frugalfamilytimes
Sunday 28th of November 2021
Hi Shannon, it depends. The painted ceiling is easiest to access plumbing, etc, of course. The herringbone ceiling is the next easiest. The others are much more difficult. :)