Skip to main content

How to Spruce up an Ugly Basement - on a Budget!

ZenWall basement paneling system offers thermal protection and a finished look.

Our ZenWall panels give you the look of a finished basement for a fraction of the cost.

Are you looking to upgrade your basement without breaking the bank? Maybe it's not the right time to tackle that dream basement finishing project. Would you like to expand your use of the basement for more than off-season storage or a place for the furnace? If the basement walls and floors weren't damp and dingy, what would you use your basement for?

5 Popular Reasons to Upgrade Your Basement

  • Additional storage space
  • Rainy-day playroom
  • At-home office
  • Exercise room
  • Craft room
  • Gaming or media watching space

Remodeling your basement doesn't have to be expensive! Here are some affordable, easy steps that you can take to spruce up your ugly basement and make better use of the space without complete basement finishing.

Declutter

Basement storage has a way of growing in a messy, unorganized way. At least annually, it's a good idea to evaluate your storage and decide if some of it is, in fact, "clutter" and no longer needed. Reorganizing the space can make a huge amount of difference in how your basement looks and feels, for only the cost of some shelves, a labeling device, storage boxes, and other organizational aids.

Get creative with your storage to get the most out of every area. Do you have space under your basement stairs? Use it! If you have or hope to have a play area, consider easy, colorful toy storage. 

Upgrade your basement walls

Before you get started on installing shelves or expanding your storage, take a close look at your basement walls. If they are damp, stained, or moldy, that moisture will quickly spread to belongings, furnishings, and other organic materials in the basement. If you've tried to apply waterproofing paints or other basement wall coating from a big-box hardware store, check to see if it has started peeling off. 

At Basement Systems, Inc., we have pioneered more permanent basement wall solutions that will solve your ugly basement wall problem without straining your budget. Whether your basement was designed with concrete blocks, poured concrete, or stone, we have solutions to make your walls look better, keep your basement dry, and even lower your energy bills!

Beautify your basement ceiling

Nothing is more oppressive than a dark, ugly, unfinished basement ceiling. Something as simple as hanging some patio lights can make a difference in brightening the space and giving your basement a more spacious, open feeling.

If you're looking for a more permanent solution, our basement ceiling tiles are a smart investment that will make your basement more attractive while providing lasting insulation. Our dropped ceiling system will hide your unsightly, unfinished ceiling and help create a comfortable space.

Pick a theme

A great way to spruce up your basement is to pick a theme for the room, creating a sense of cohesion. Choose Maybe you need the space for a home office, home gym, or a playroom for your children. Or maybe you're looking to have some fun with a basement theater, man cave, or basement bar. The trick is to accessorize accordingly.

If you don't want to confine yourself to a single theme or you need your basement as a multi-purpose room, it's inexpensive and easy to set up curtains or partitions to divide up the space. Light colors will make the space feel bigger and brighter.

You don't need to spend a lot of money to have a drier, better looking, more comfortable, and even more energy-efficient basement. With these simple steps, you can make the space suitable for storage and usable as a laundry room, a workshop, or other use. Dealers in the Basement Systems network have expertise and experience installing dry basement solutions for just about any need or budget. Find your local dealer today for a free quote and design consultation!

get a free estimate
Find Your Local Contractor

All products and services are provided exclusively by local contractors within the Basement Systems Network.

To ensure professional installation and superior service we carefully created an international network of over 350 trusted basement contractors.

Featured States: Alabama, Georgia, Kansas & Michigan

  • Or select a state or province to get started
  • USA
  • Canada
ALAKAZARCACOCTDEDCFLGAHIIDILINIAKSKYLAMEMDMAMIMNMSMOMTNENVNHNJNMNYNCNDOHOKORPARISCSDTNTXUTVTVAWAWVWIWY
Find Local Dealer
Free Quote