The basement is often the last part of a house to get a new coat of paint. And yet, basements are an integral part of the home, often used for entertaining or as an additional living space. Making it all the more important that you paint with care! To help you bring your vision to life, we’re sharing the need-to-know basement painting tips and tricks. Including some of the best tried and true colors to paint your basement!
How to Pick a Basement Paint Color
Selecting basement wall paint is no easy feat. If you haven’t already, you’ll probably sample and swatch way more paint colors than you would care to. But we understand! When choosing colors to paint your basement, you want to complement the overall theme of the house and lend to the space. Whether it has less than ideal lighting, low ceilings, or another unique element. Without further ado, here are some of the best colors for basement painting!
Gray – Easily one of the most popular basement paint colors is gray. This color is a great option for a soothing and relaxing space, like if your basement will function
as an additional living space. The best gray paint for basements are those with cool undertones, such as blue, which are calming. In addition, go a shade darker than you would assume. Too light and you risk a vibe reminiscent of a sterile hospital setting. You might consider Agreeable Gray SW 7029 by Sherwin-Williams, one of the most popular Gray paint colors.
Blue – As mentioned, blue is a color that exudes calm. But if you punch up the saturation, then you have a color that is both cozy and dramatic. Why go wish a saturated paint color? People are quick to use light colors in a basement that lacks light. However lighter colors are only visible when light is present. So opt for a rich color like Storm or Navy, that doesn’t require light to look beautiful. If a highly saturated color scares you, create an accent wall as a test run!
Green – A color that has picked up traction in recent years is green. To be more specific, earthy greens like Sage or Moss. Note however that these are comparatively light colors. They are most suitable for spaces that already appear large and light. Like if there are ample windows or a high ceiling. Green is a homely color that lends a sense of cleanliness that is perfect for a minimalistic layout. Take a look at some of the trending shades of green paint, both light and dark, over at Benjamin Moore.
Bright White – So you want a white basement, but are worried about that sterile feel we mentioned? The trick to pulling off white is the careful and tactical use of color. White is a great choice, especially if you want a crisp vibe. We recommend combating this cleanliness with warm and inviting neutrals, like rich browns and industrial blacks. You can then add in a smattering of non-neutrals, for that vibrant and homely feel. As much as you want to avoid ‘hospital’, you should also avoid ‘hotel’.
A final note: Use color with caution! Interior designers often use a 60-30-10 rule, to prevent the use of too much color. To achieve this, 60% of the room should be the main color, 30% should be the secondary color, and 10% should consist of accent color(s).
Painting Basement Ceilings
Don’t forget to paint your basement ceiling, which is also a wall. An unfinished ceiling can make an otherwise beautiful room feel lackluster. For expansive, high or vaulted ceilings, you can’t go wrong with white. It will lend to the already present bright and airy feel, and contrast darker walls. Should you have a lower ceiling, consider black. While this may seem counterintuitive, it can actually give the illusion of height or depth. If you have an exposed ceiling, black or charcoal can also help to hide imperfections.
Choosing a Basement Paint Finish
As with any room, you need to choose the right basement wall paint. Depending on your location, your basement may be a little damp. Even if it isn’t regularly damp, it’s best that you prepare for the worst. Otherwise you risk having to repaint much sooner than you would like. For basement painting, we most often recommend a glossy finish. Glossy paint is often better at resisting both moisture and stains. Note however that glossy paint is more prone to showing off imperfections present on a wall. So for the best final product, take the time to prep and smooth every surface.
Hire a Professional
Want to achieve the basement of your dreams on the first go round? Hire a professional! Basement painting is not as easy, or as fun, as it sounds. It takes a lot of research and preparation to get the job done right. At Helix Painting we can assist you in choosing the best basement wall paint, and ensure a mess-free application process. Contact us today to schedule a free estimate, or view our photo gallery for ideas and inspiration!
