Tips and Tricks
Thanks to our
contractors and tutors for their favorite tips.
In days gone by, a
suspended ceiling, a bit of paneling on the walls, and a portable television on
a TV stand could turn a basement into a finished recreation room.
When it comes to creating a modern lower level worth using regularly, however,
most homeowners demand a higher-quality product.
When considering your ceiling choices keep in mind that suspended ceilings
always make a basement look even more like a basement. Drywall looks better and
is more cost effective. Consider tray ceilings as an alternative. Although
they're more expensive, they're high-quality and better-looking.
Widen doorways as much as possible, and employ arches and columns to dress them
up. Consider French doors with lots of glass for offices or solid doors for any
other room requiring complete privacy. For partial separation, a door with
decorative glass brings elegance to the room.
Paneling may be simple, but the refined look of drywall makes it the material
of choice for finished spaces. Paneling looks dated and doesn't last long, so
it's cheaper in the long run to spend more up front on long-lasting drywall.
Light-color paint on the walls can make a big difference in the room's
ambience. It's always better to go a couple of shades lighter than your
upstairs rooms because it opens and brightens what's naturally a darker area.
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