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Having space in your home never has any downsides.  You can use that space to create room for more living activities or to put extra storage. Many people don’t count basements as part of their home. They often forget about them. Generally speaking, basements are left unfinished – mainly used as a dumping ground. They are sometimes not used at all.

When you finish your basement you will see how much you have been missing out. It can serve as many things. But, to renovate that whole area typically it takes a lot of time and effort. But it doesn’t have to be that way. You can now know how to make an unfinished basement look finished in no time. You are now able to give your basement a makeover and turn it to be both attractive and functional.

This whole process doesn’t have to be expensive nor threatening.

You can use the unfinished aesthetic to improve the space. Trust us, your pockets won’t hurt. After you are done, you will be able to enjoy your time there. You can invite your friends and family and enjoy the commodity your home has to offer.

Create designated spaces

Total-Remodel-Smart-Home-by-Audio-Video-Specialists How to make an unfinished basement look finished easily
Image source: Audio Video Specialists

Plan first! You have to define the function the basement beforehand. Many basements have an open-concept plan. That is why they are so flexible when it comes do designing.  Its use can range from living spaces to storage rooms. There are many ways you are able to use it.

How to make an unfinished basement look finished with decluttering

Declutter How to make an unfinished basement look finished easily

Renovating your basement means that you have to get rid of all the unnecessary junk it has. Decluttering is one of the best things you could do. If your basement was a place where you had thrown your useless items, then it is crucial to remove everything you don’t need.

If you had recently bought the house, the person that has lived before you might have left trash there. That is why you have to do a cleanup. If the stuff that is there doesn’t serve you any purpose – throw it away. You can donate some things to the local charity and homeless center as well.

Stop the Moisture

stop-the-moisture How to make an unfinished basement look finished easily

One of the biggest downsides to living in a basement is the moisture. Many basements, because they are underground, absorb all of the external humidity. You can call a professional to take care of the wet and molded walls. Or, if the problem isn’t that sever, put a humidifier.

You can install a small ventilation area to let air get to the room.

Throw Down Area Rugs

Mitchells-Full-Basement-by-Northwest-Remodeling How to make an unfinished basement look finished easilyImage source: Northwest Remodeling

Many basements are cold by nature. No sun exposure means you will have to deal with cold floors. To solve this problem, you can put any kind of rug or carpet to warm it up. If you don’t want to spend so much money on carpeting, go for carpeting remnants. This is the best option. It is effective and cheap. This is how to make an unfinished basement look finished in no time.

Refresh the walls

Refresh-the-walls How to make an unfinished basement look finished easily

One of the best ways to add life to your basement is to repaint it.  A new coat of paint can make the whole room look fresh. Not only that but it can make it more comfortable to live in. it would be the best if you go for lighter shades and hues. These types of rooms are naturally dark, so a light color will make them brighter and more spacious. Pick colors that are contrasting to the darker ones. You can never go wrong with this.

Install Storage

Install-Storage How to make an unfinished basement look finished easily

If you want your basement to keep its function as a storage room, the best way to do that is to add more shelves. But add the shelves to the walls. This way you’ll create an illusion of a more organized room. And, it will make the room bigger and more accessible as well. After you have successfully installed the wall shelves, the next step is to add lots of lighting. You want to see where you’re going and what you’re getting, right?

Hide Unsightly Spots

Hide-Unsightly-Spots How to make an unfinished basement look finished easily

If your water heater is placed in the basement, it will be impossible to hide it. However, you can always add a curtain or some other furniture to mask it. If you don’t want to do this, leave it alone. Add other things that will divert the attention from the boiler.  You can also divide the room. Place some bookshelves or window frames.

Rafters

Dillon-by-Epique-Homes How to make an unfinished basement look finished easily
Image source: Epique Homes

If your flooring has joists, don’t rush to hide them. You make them look good on their own. You can make them stand out. You can achieve this by placing foam panels between them. It would be fantastic if you find panels that are painted light. You can paint them on your own, too.  Not only will they look incredible, but they will also add wall insulation. It will make the room warmer and cozier.

Keep the ceiling exposed 

Tall-Pine-Lake-Cabin-by-Aldo-Partners How to make an unfinished basement look finished easilyImage source: Aldo Partners

You can keep your ceiling exposed to the viewers. There are many trendy ceilings that have open joists. If your ceiling has them, leave them the way they are. Don’t hide them. Instead, paint them a color that will make them stand out. A bold color is typically the best.  The most amazing thing about this is that you don’t have to hide the wiring as well.

Install Ceiling Drapes

Install-Ceiling-Drapes How to make an unfinished basement look finished easily

If your ceiling is completely wrecked, and you don’t have the money to fix it, don’t worry. You can buy cheap ceiling drapes and install them. They can hide the ceiling while looking pretty. Many local discount stores sell these curtains. You can glue them or staple them to the roof.

This will give your basement a soft, ethereal look and still provide access to the vital systems of your house when they need work.

String Some Lighting

Orcas-by-UNIQUE How to make an unfinished basement look finished easilyImage source: UNIQUE

If your basement is unfinished, don’t be afraid to leave the mountings and light bulbs hang from the wall. You can add even more industrial lights to fit the aesthetic. This will create a soft yet rigid brutalist aesthetic. Adding more lights will make the room look bigger and brighter, as well.

Trim surrounding shrubs 

Landscapes-by-Maria-Hickey-Associates-Landscapes-1 How to make an unfinished basement look finished easilyImage source: Maria Hickey & Associates Landscapes

If your basement has a window or two, make sure you allow more light to come through them. Cut away the bushes or trees that dim and darken your room. That way you will have more access to natural light. You won’t have to stuff your room with so many artificial lights.

Finish the basement stairs 

Centerville-Finished-Basement-by-Synergy-Home-Improvements How to make an unfinished basement look finished easilyImage source: Synergy Home Improvements

One of the best ways to improve your basement’s look is to give your stairs a makeover. Invest a little in your stairs. Have them fixed or completely changed. You will instantly notice how better the room looks with one changed detail. You can cover your stairs in vinyl flooring to give a more dramatic look.

Install a Railing 

Contemporary-Railing-with-Curve-by-Rod-and-Forge How to make an unfinished basement look finished easilyImage source: Rod and Forge

Another thing you can add to your stairs is railing. Once you make the whole room more inviting and livable, you will have to go there more often. By adding a railing, you will make the whole access to the room much safer. By adding a safe and stable railing, you will know how to make an unfinished basement look finished.

When your basement is unfinished, you will waste a lot of useful space. Basements typically have the most potential to become living spaces. As you have seen so far, you don’t have to do a lot to know how to make an unfinished basement look finished.

If your basement does require more renovation, don’t be afraid to call professionals. They will help you create a much safer space you could live in.

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