Finishing with fabric basement ceiling covers is a great way to save money. In addition to being an affordable choice, it creates a great aesthetic appeal to your living space. A fabric ceiling is a great way to show off your bohemian side of style sense. You can simply pick your preferred fabric or create a unique design by clipping some different pieces together. It hides the mess above while bringing a dramatic effect to the set.
Why Fabric Ceiling for Basement?
The fabric has many benefits over other types of ceiling covers. It is easy to clean, and you just need to vacuum or wash the cloth. You can even install lighting over the fabric to bring a different aesthetic appeal. The fabric basement ceiling allows air into the utilities on the ceiling, which prevents them from heating up. Stretchy fabric is also a good choice when fixing it around the frame installed around the room.
How to Hang Fabric on Ceiling?
You can get a friend or family member to help you with this task. Always make sure to wear the necessary safety equipment to prevent any injuries. You will need the following tools to hang the fabric from the basement ceiling.
- The fabric
- A ladder
- A tape measure
- Blue painting tape
- Hanging screws or hooks
- Double-sided tape
To get started, carefully follow the steps indicated below.
- The first step is to measure the dimension of your basement. This is important to determine how much fabric and other material you need to use. You will have to fix a few pieces of fabric if the room is oddly shaped.
- Then select a fabric that you like to hang on the ceiling. You can pick a popular choice such as denim or plain color or go for something unique like camouflage or tie-dye.
- Then order the fabric to suit the dimensions you measured. You can also cut it yourself, but make sure to measure twice before you cut. Do not rush this step; take time to cut the cloth according to the requirement.
- Lay the fabric on the floor right below the ceiling you plan to hang it on. This makes it easier for you to figure out how you are going to hang it.
- The final part is to get your ladder and place it stably on the ground. Then use it to lift the fabric to the ceiling. You can stick it to the ceiling using double-sided tape if the fabric is light. If you have a steel basement ceiling, you can safely hook it over the drywall. Fix it firmly by gently stretching the fabric so that it covers the whole area.
9 Basement Ceiling Ideas
There are always limitless options when choosing fabric designs. Here are a few designs with which you can cover your unfinished basement ceiling. The choice depends on your mood, personal liking, and the nature of using the space.
Black or White Cloth
Hanging a plain cloth is the simplest way to cover the ceiling with a proper finish. You can hang a black or white cloth from the ceiling to add a finished look to the basement. A white-colored cloth is a wiser choice since it reflects more light, and your basement will be brighter. A black ceiling will make the room dull and dark. But you can choose either color for the fabric depending on your personal taste. You can easily remove the fabric if you need to change the design afterward.
Summer Beach Theme
If you are using the basement as a playroom or nursery, you can go with this idea. Decorate the ceiling with different fabric items to create a summer or beach vibe. Pick some beach towels, including images of the seashore, sun, and matching scenes. This creates a more appealing environment with warmth for the kids to play in the basement often.
Tie Dye Design
This is a pattern created by tying pieces of clothes when dying so that the dye spreads unevenly on the cloth. This brings a unique appearance to the cloth. You can try a tie dye cloth or simply make one yourself at home. Either way, it adds up to the customized design of your basement.
Denim
Denim cloth is usually thick enough to add extra insulation that can keep your basement warm during cold seasons. It is a cost-effective way to cover your unfinished basement stylishly. You can purchase blue denim material from sales to save some money.
Camouflage
Camouflage designs allow you to choose from various color combinations. You can try various fabric stores to find the best camouflage design as they always have unique designs. Pick your favorite color and a suitable design to give a proper finished look to your basement ceiling.
Sparkles
If you are more into glossy appearances, you can try some sparkling fabric for the basement ceiling. The high reflectivity of these shiny fabrics will add a sparkly nature to the room. This is the best choice if you are planning to hold some special events or film in your basement.
Night Sky
This may appear quite similar to the previously discussed sparkles. But it depends on the type of night sky you want to have in your basement ceiling. Get a fabric with a night sky design on your preference that has prints of stars, planets, and constellations.
Rusty Theme
If you prefer your basement to have a rusty, countryside vibe, you can choose a suitable fabric. A fabric with a woody print will bring a cabin-like look to the ceiling. You can also try some prints of creepers, animal footprints, or countryside scenery for this.
Soundproof Cloths
This is a great idea if you are using the basement for practicing musical instruments or to use loud noise-generating equipment. Add a soundproof fabric as a ceiling cover in the basement. This reduces the sounds from leaking out, and you can continue your work without disturbing your family upstairs.
What Are the Other Basement Ceiling Options?
In addition to the common idea of using fabric to cover the ceiling, there are a few other basement ceiling cover ideas that you can try out. The following are different types of basement unfinished ceiling ideas with various materials.
Corrugated Metal
If you have some old metal sheets sitting in a storeroom, use them to create a suitable ceiling cover. But be careful when working with the metal pieces and wear protective gloves and glasses. Seal the metal sheets with a clear coat to prevent them from rusting further.
Paint
If the ceiling is concrete, you can simply paint it to get a finished look. White paint is the best option as it gives an illusion of a higher ceiling and a spacious room. Painting the plumbing and ductwork in a different color helps disguise the utility lines above.
Ceiling Panels
Ceiling panels come in different colors, designs, and materials. Tin ceiling panels have similar properties to fire retardant fabric for basement ceilings as they are light in weight. You can simply nail the panels to a plywood substructure or install it as a drop ceiling with a grid.
Ceiling Tiles
Glue-on tiles are easy to install since its simple glue and stick on a plywood foundation. They come in a variety of colors, sizes, and styles. These ceiling tiles are paintable, giving you another option for styling. Drop ceilings, on the other hand, are a bit more complicated since it requires a metal grid system. But it allows you to access the utilities below the first floor easily.
Beadboard
Beadboard ceiling planks are a stylish and inexpensive way to bring a finished look to the basement ceiling. They come in different colors, and the installation brings an exposed beam look.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost to Finish a Ceiling in a Basement?
An average basement ceiling installation costs from $3.50 to $4.30 per square foot. It also depends on the type of ceiling cover material and labor charges.
What is the Cheapest Way to Cover a Ceiling?
Covering the basement ceiling with white linen is the cheapest way if you need to use fabric. If you look for a different option, the most cost-effective way to cover the ceiling is to use ceiling tiles or planks. Install an array of 1×2 inch furring strips on the ceiling. The nail planks to the strips that hold them in place. This is the cheapest way since furring strips cost about $1 per strip.
What Fabric is Used for Ceiling Decorations?
Satin, silk, and chiffon are the most commonly used materials for ceiling draping. Lightweight fabrics are used in these decorations since long lengths are combined together. If not, the mass of the fabric could cause structural concerns in the ceiling.
Conclusion
Fixing fabric basement ceiling covers is a budget-friendly option in renovating your basement. You can easily pick a suitable fabric to suit your home and style. But check out for fire code violations in your region because some local authorities don’t allow you to hang fabric on a drywall ceiling. This is to prevent any potential fire risks. Checking out these local codes is important in renovations and installing sump pumps in the basement.