All the details on our painted basement ceiling, why we decided to leave it exposed, and why we love it!
We started finishing our basement last October, and I’m so thrilled that we completed it this week! We did a lot of the work ourselves, and so it’s taken us awhile to get it done, but now that it is, we absolutely love it. There’s a play room, game room, exercise room, movie theater, and bathroom–plus a large storage room and workshop that remain unfinished.
One of the things we decided on was a painted basement ceiling, instead of finishing it with drywall, or adding a drop ceiling. We love love the way it turned out, and I thought I’d share all the reasons we did it with you!
Before:
Reasons we decided on an exposed, painted basement ceiling…
- Budget
We did framing and electrical ourselves, but we hired out the drywall. Our quote for the ceiling alone was thousands of dollars. Neither a finished drywall ceiling nor a drop ceiling were in our overall budget for the basement. The cost of painting it instead was much, much smaller.
- Ceiling Height
Honestly, this was just as important of a reasons as the budget, perhaps even a little more. The ceilings in our basement are 8 feet, but the metal vents and beams hang down at least a foot. If we finished the ceiling, it would be way too low, and with a husband that’s 6 ft. 4 in., it just wasn’t a possibility. Now that it’s painted, we get the full 8 feet, plus it seems like it’s even more, because of the open beams to the first floor.
- Aesthetic
Granted, this did not play a major role (or even a minor one) in our decision to have a painted basement ceiling, but if it was going to look terrible, it would have been hard. I love love the way it looks–so industrial, and it really matches the whole vibe of the basement. I’m so happy with the whole look, and the painted ceiling plays a big part in it.
I decided on white for our painted basement ceiling because there’s only one window down there, and I wanted it to be as light and open as possible. It’s not a true white, because it would show everything, so it’s tinted slightly gray. The movie theater ceiling is done in black, and the walls are a dark gray–it looks so cool!
I chose pendant light fixtures that would hang down, making sure the light was even distributed, rather than up higher in between the beams. We put in quite a few (10) lights, and all of that also helps keep the whole space really light and bright, which I love.
We saved a ton of money, the ceilings are higher, and it looks awesome–can’t beat that!
Someone asked me for a picture of that the junction boxes look like for the lighting, and I thought I’d post it here, in case anyone else was curious and looking for that same information.
Affiliate links are included below. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
SOURCE LIST:
- Lighting (IKEA wasn’t shipping the 9 inch size, and we don’t live close to a store–plus we needed more than the stores stocked individually–so I ordered them here instead.)
- Black Striped Play Tent
- Barn Door Hardware
- Gray & White Buffalo Check Couch Slipcovers
PAINT COLORS:
- Walls: Simply White, Benjamin Moore
- Trim/Shelving/Doors: White, semi-gloss trim paint
- Ceiling: White ceiling paint with a bit of gray
TRIM:
- 3.5 inch MDF
Other posts you might like…
- Easy DIY $15 Wooden Blanket Ladder
- Simple Farmhouse Summer Porch
- Linen Closet Organization: Pretty & Practical
- Buffalo Check Boys’ Bedroom
Lori says
Where did you get that cute buffalo couch cover? I’d love to get one for an oversized chair I have!
Simply Kierste Design Co. says
It’s from Amazon!! https://amzn.to/2ud5ZXo (affiliate link)
Gabriella says
I am told by many (even a decorator) that I will regret painting it light and should go for a more saturated color. Our ceiling has many nails etc sticking out and they say it will show every crack etc. I see how that is in your pictures but I think it just looks rustic. Do you have any regrets? Any saturated color you would recommend that is not black?
Simply Kierste Design Co. says
I don’t regret it all. I like the rustic look, and it fits in with the rest of my home, so it works! I agree in theory, but the trade off is that you have to go with a darker color, and that ultimately makes the rest of your basement darker–unless you have a ton of windows and natural light to compensate. Choosing between those options, I decided to lighten my space (we only have one large window), and I’m so glad I did. We did a black ceiling in the theater, and it’s amazing the light difference in just neighboring rooms! If I was going to go with a saturated color, I’d go with a gray–you can make it as dark or as light as you want it to be, and it’s neutral. Good luck!!!
Gabriella says
Thank you for the reply! What color is the light ceiling and walls? Do you have a picture of the theater room?
Simply Kierste Design Co. says
The wall color is Simply White, by Benjamin Moore. The ceiling is a custom color—white with some gray in it. I don’t have a picture of the theater room yet…working on it. Because it’s SO dark in there (dark gray walls, black ceiling, no window light) it’s really tricky to capture it! But I will…:)
Gabriella says
Last question as I am headed out to buy the paint. Did you use matte or satin on the ceiling and walls? Did you prime first and finally when you say a bit of gray what do I instruct the paint mixer to add? What is a bit? :) Yes, I am paint challenged:)
Thanks again!
Simply Kierste Design Co. says
The ceiling paint is flat paint. No priming—just three coats of paint. I didn’t get the paint mixed, so I’m not sure how much gray–I’m sorry! But it’s not so much that it doesn’t look white anymore. I hope that helps!!
Sam says
Hello! I may have missed it. I see you used ceiling paint but how did you paint it? Did you have a sprayer?
Old Salt Farm says
Yes, a sprayer was used. However, because we were finishing our entire basement at the same time, we had the painters do it along with the walls.
Terri says
Working on my basement right now! Did you use a sprayer to paint your ceiling? It looks so good!!!!
Simply Kierste Design Co. says
We actually had painters do the ceiling, and they did use a paint sprayer!
Kelly says
Do you notice that sound is an issue? I want to do this with our basement but am worried you’ll hear everything upstairs
Old Salt Farm says
We’ve had zero issues with sound. I totally thought we would, but I was ready to just deal with it. Before we finished the basement, we heard every little thing. However, now we don’t! We put carpet in down there, and I think it absorbs the sound. The only place we hear anything is in the theater, and our bedroom is above it. I can hear a movie up in my room if the sound is turned up really loud, but you can’t hear it anywhere else in the house. I am super happy with it!
Carrie says
Now that it’s been a few months, do you notice if your basement has a dust or noise problem from having open beams? I have a finished ceiling that I’m exploring my options. (My bathroom had a leak and ruined part of the drywall ceiling.) So I’m trying to decide between an open ceiling or just repairing the drywall.
Thanks.
Simply Kierste Design Co. says
Hi, Carrie! Actually, I’ve been surprised (happily) at how little I do hear from the basement. We’ve had zero noise issues or complaints. Before we finished the basement, it was so noisy, but since we put in the carpet down there, it absorbs so much of the noise that it’s happily been a non-issue. I thought we’d give it a try and see what happens–we could always finish the ceiling later if we really needed or wanted to. But we will be leaving it as is! Hope this helps. So sorry about your ruined ceiling. :(
Zasa says
Question. What is the size Moulding you use for the top of the walls. Is that 3 inch or 2 inch?
Old Salt Farm says
It’s 3 inch!
Cherry says
Hi!kierste!!i love ur basement !!im planing to do the same ..in my house..did u use any kind of insulation in the ceiling before painting..and 2 ? Did u paint the electric wire? Or did u cover them?
Old Salt Farm says
Hello! We didn’t put any insulation in the ceiling, and we did paint all wires!! Hope that helps. Let me know if you have any other questions! xoxo
Carly says
Do you still love your white basement ceiling? I’m really torn between black or white. I’m worried black will make it too dark. Do you have a lot of floor dust from above that shows on the basement ceiling? Are you still happy with your choice?
Old Salt Farm says
Hello! Yes, I still love my white basement ceiling, and I would definitely do it again. I didn’t want it to be too dark either, which is exactly why I went with white. One of our rooms, the theater, has a black ceiling, so I can really compare the difference, and it’s huge. We have carpet in the basement, which I think has cut down on the dust, and I’ve not noticed it being dirty. It’s been about 9 months, so not a super long time, but so far, so good!
Keke Hammonds says
HI. I love your pictures and especially the ceiling. Did you paint the silver HVAC ducts? or replace them ? I’m concerned the paint wont cover well.
Old Salt Farm says
Hello! We painted everything up there, even the silver ducts. There are a couple of coats on the ceiling for coverage (plus a primer), and a year later, it’s still totally fine.
Mark Chaves says
Love the white painted ductwork! Any idea what type of paint/primer you used to coat them?
Old Salt Farm says
I’m not positive, I’m so sorry! If I had to guess, it would be a Kilz primer.
Bridy says
This is very inspirational. My basement is finished except for the ceiling and I really don’t want to put a lot of money into it. Why did you paint it with a hint of grey and not pure white? Did you also paint out the lighting cords or leave them black?
Old Salt Farm says
Adding the tint of grey makes it just a tad darker, and not as likely to yellow or show dirt. Are you asking about the electrical cords for the lighting? Anything on the ceiling–ducts and cords–we also painted white. Then we hung lighting from the ceiling, and left it as is. It saved a ton of money, and we love it!
Hannah says
I love this post! I want to do our basement ceiling the same way. Our contractor has said she’s not sure if an inspector will be okay with painted wires. Was that an issue for your team?
Old Salt Farm says
Hi, Hannah! No, that was not an issue for us, but I’m sure the rules can differ from area to area. I’d reach out to your city or town inspection office and ask if there is something prohibiting it. We didn’t have any wires that would have been affected by external paint. Good lucK!
Hannah says
Thank you so much!! :)
Janet says
We painted our exposed basement ceiling white about five years ago. It still looks great. No dirt, no mold. Our basement just has those tiny basement windows so I didn’t want to go dark. We had an electrician install white IKEA track lights all over and painted the walls a pale happy yellow. We love it.
Old Salt Farm says
YAY! SO glad you love it still after 5 years!! xoxo
Michelle says
We are in the process of painting our basement ceiling. We finished the first coat of Kilz and will be painting white over the weekend. The ends have insulation showing, did you paint that white or make something to hide it from below. We haven’t put up the sheetrock yet so anything could be done easily at this stage. Thought?? Ideas?,
Old Salt Farm says
Hi, Michelle! The ends of what? Where the ceiling meets the walls? I just want to make sure I understand before I answer!
Randy says
I’m guessing she is talking about the Rim joist. Between the joists, above the block.concrete wall. I’m curious about this as well. I don’t know if painting fiberglass insulation is a good idea or not.
Old Salt Farm says
I’m so sorry, what is your question? I couldn’t find what this was referring to. We didn’t paint insulation–just the drywall and trim at the top of the wall.
Emily says
I actually was looking thru this post because I have the same question! I wish I could send a picture to help explain! Let me take a stab at it… we have drywall on the walls, it obviously stops at the bottom of the floor joist. So above the drywall and in between the floor joists there is exposed insulation… we dont know how to finish that… do we just paint it the ceiling color?
Old Salt Farm says
Hmmmm…I think I know what you’re asking! So we do have exposed insulation at the top of the basement wall where the drywall meets the floor joists. However, it’s pushed back quite far, and I can barely see it. I had to go downstairs and look at it, because it’s just not noticeable. We didn’t paint ours at all. With the drywall and then trim above that, and the fact that it meets the floor joists going across the basement ceiling, it’s just a non-issue for us. If you email me, I’ll send you a picture of the top of the wall, so you can see what I’m talking about. So I would suppose it depends on how far forward your insulation is.
Brittany says
Hello! At what stage was the ceiling painted? After drywall installation and before flooring/carpet? Thanks :)
Old Salt Farm says
Yes, exactly! After drywall, but before flooring.
Anita says
Hi. I am doing the same with my basement. Wondering
How you installed the lights. Are they hardwired to the light box fixture? I just have bare bulbs and don’t know what type of light fixture to use. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks!
Old Salt Farm says
Hello! They are hard wired lights. We originally had bare bulbs as well–we removed those bulbs, and put these in their place. Email me if you have more questions!! [email protected]
Savio says
Your industrial look ceiling looks really good? Do you remember how much paint was required (gallons/ sq feet)?
Old Salt Farm says
I don’t remember exactly, I’m so sorry!
Mike says
This looks awesome! Would you be able to share pictures of your movie theater done in black???
Old Salt Farm says
I’ll try!!! It’s so hard to get a good picture when the walls and ceiling are so dark. It’s been on my list, so hopefully soon!!
Wendy says
Love your basement! We painted our ceiling white too and I came across your lighting and wanted to try the same. My question is what kind of light bulbs did you use? We are trying LEDs 16W soft white but it doesn’t seems to be very bright or crisp looking. Any help in this would be great!
Old Salt Farm says
I will see if I can hunt that info down!! Would you mind emailing me in case I forget? [email protected]
Jeff Engel says
I saw on the thread that you have exposed wires. Is all of your electircal exposed or did you run some of it through conduit prior to paint? I’m worried if each individual wire is exposed it may look sloppy (especially if the wiring is not super crisp). Wondering what your recommendation would be here to achieve the right look.
Thanks,
Jeff
Old Salt Farm says
Hi, Jeff! Most of it is exposed, yes, But ours is pretty crisp and straight–and isn’t hanging loose at all. I’m pretty particular, and it’s never bothered me. Ours is also up in between the boards, so you can’t see it as much. We’ve been happy with it!
Diana says
Hello, I was curious if you could share how much you paid to get the ceiling painted? Did you have any help prepping the ceiling? The ceiling looks very neat so that is why I am asking. Did you have someone cut down nail heads in the ceiling or make sure all of your cords were pulled together with zip ties and holes drilled to string them through? Did you have to wrap your pipes in advance or just sprayed directly?
Your ceiling looks fantastic. I would love to be able to recreate.
Old Salt Farm says
Hello! We actually hired painters to paint the entire basement, so our quote included not only the ceiling, but also the doors, and our movie theater wall. I’m not quite sure what it would have been if the ceiling is all we hired out. Our ceiling was actually pretty neat before we even started. There weren’t a ton of nail heads to begin with, and our builder had actually already put most of the cords together that go across the rooms. The cords along the sides of the room we put together. We made things a little neater, and then the painter sprayed over everything. It worked really well!
Diana says
Thank you so much for such a quick reply! Were the pipes wrapped or was the paint applied directly?
Old Salt Farm says
You’re so welcome! What do you mean by wrapped? Are you asking if we wrapped them in something additional?
MollyH says
We are looking into doing the same thing with our exposed basement ceiling. However the house is older and we do need to clean the exposed wood in the ceiling first (to rid of cobwebs and what not.) Did you and your hubby do this and if so how did you prep the ceiling before painting?
Old Salt Farm says
We did clean the exposed wood, but our house was only 2 years old, so there wasn’t as much to do. We just used a damp cloth to wipe down cobwebs, and clean any dirt.
Meg says
Hi, so super invasive question. What was your total budget for finishing the basement. We are about to ours but not even sure the amount it cost to finish. Ours is around 1550 sq. Even just a ball park would be greatly appreciated! Love love love yours!
Old Salt Farm says
I don’t mind at all! We finished 900 square feet of the basement. We did our own framing and electrical work. We spent about $2000 on lumber, and $1000 on electrical. We subbed out the drywall, which was about $5000, painting (they did the walls and ceilings) for $3000, and bathroom plumbing and fixtures…no shower… for $2000. Carpet was $3000. Doors (5) and lighting (10) was $1500. Barn doors and hardware around $300. So a total of around $18k. Building supplies are higher now, so that’s something to keep in mind. If you have any more questions, let me know! I’m happy to help!
Jillian says
Hi there,
We are in the process of finishing our basement and we are very inspired your work! The basement you did looks great!
We have a couple of questions for you.
We have a bathroom in our basement, and wanted to know how you would transition the ceiling from the bathroom to the main area. I would think for privacy and sounds control you would want to drywall in the bathroom?? We don’t know what to do to be honest with you.
Would you recommend putting a sand element to the paint to give it some texture?
Old Salt Farm says
We actually didn’t have to worry about this at all, because we put our bathroom under the stairs! It already had a “ceiling” on it, so it was a non-issue for us. I can see where you’re coming from though. I’m thinking if it’s just the bathroom space, the transition would be fine, because it’s separated by a door. If I didn’t know the ceilings weren’t finished in the rooms off of our basement main area weren’t finished I would never know–and I think it would be the other way around as well. Hope that helps a little! If you have any other questions, please let me know!
Cassara says
Your basement is beautiful (it’s actually our inspiration for doing it ourselves!) We are wondering if the junction boxes are exposed above the lights: if not, how? and if so, did you paint them to blend better? Can you share a photo? Thank you!!
Old Salt Farm says
Hello! I’m emailing you a photo now!
Lela says
Love the storage closet with the barn door. Do you know the Dimensions of the storage closet? Do you feel it is the right depth or would you go bigger? I would like to be able to store a step stool on the interior wall. Is there anything you would do different like adding more shelves. My husband wants to put closets on each end for Winter jackets.
Old Salt Farm says
Hi, Lela! The closet is 4 feet in depth, and 16 feet in width. The depth is perfect for what we need it for. Even with the shelving, I can walk inside the closet to either end. You would have room to store a step stool on the ground, but you wouldn’t have a lot of room in front of you or behind you if you wanted to walk in the closet to stand on it. I’ve used a stool in ours, and it’s been fine, but if you want it to be roomier, then I’d probably make it deeper. If you have any other questions, please let me know!
Sierra says
Love your basement! What kind of carpet do you have? Is it indoor/outdoor?
Old Salt Farm says
Thank you!! It’s indoor carpet! We got it for a great deal at Home Depot in their 7 day section (meaning that it could arrive within 7 days). We LOVE it!!!