Many years ago, basements were mainly used for storage and sump pumps but today many things have changed. In the 21st century, people utilize their basement space for many different things.
Your basement can be a great place to entertain, relax, work, or create your own DIY hobby shop. But unfortunately, there are still many basements that are often neglected. Homeowners are unable to imagine the awesome space their basement can be with a little elbow grease and a great painting company like CertaPro painters.
With CertaPro, you can plan out your dream basement with our experts. They can help you with small carpentry projects if that is what your basement needs prior to painting. We even have color consultants that can help you create the perfect color palette to make your basement look like a brand new addition to your home.
One of the easiest ways to perk up your basement is with a coat of fresh paint and a little elbow grease. Use the following tips to help revive and brighten up your basement and make it a place everyone in your home loves to enjoy.
Consider a Rich, Deep Color
Using rich colors (not light colors) will help open up the room. Explore using colors that don’t need a whole lot of light to reach their full potential. They don’t have to be bright colors either. A richly saturated dark blue may bring more life to a room than a poorly saturated yellow.
Use Light Colors in Naturally Lit Areas
If you are lucky enough to have windows and natural light in your basement, you can use lighter paint colors for these areas. Lighter paint colors are best used in areas that receive plenty of artificial light. It is always best to keep light colors out of dark places, as a general rule.
Use Additional Lighting for Dark Areas
Most basements are dimly lit places. So to use this space for daily living, consider adding lots of extra lighting.
You can add special lamps or you can add recessed lighting to your basement ceilings. Another great idea for dark basements is hanging mirrors on the walls to help bounce around light and give your basement the illusion of being a much larger space.
Don’t Use Too Many Colors
When decorating darker spaces it is important to remember not to add too much color. Don’t overpopulate a room with too many colors. Many interior designers suggest applying the 60-30-10 rule. This rule states that sixty percent of the room should be the dominant color, 30 percent should be dedicated to a secondary color, and 10 percent should be used for accents. This allows the colors to complement each other and not be too overbearing.
Complementary Colors are Best
Use complementary colors. Complementary colors are placed directly across from each other on the color wheel (so if you don’t know anything about paint, they’re easy to find). You can also use analogous colors, which sit right beside each other on the color wheel, if you prefer to create a bold contrast. But, you do need to keep in mind that using analogous colors could add tension to the small and busy space of a basement.
Use a Glossy Paint Finish
Choosing paint finishes is difficult. The professionals say that when painting a basement, you should opt for paint with a glossier finish. Basements usually attract water and glossier finishes resist stains very well. They also reflect light better than matte finishes do.
Also, it is very important to make sure that the painting surface area is smooth and clean before you start painting. Glossy paint finishes show surface imperfections easily so make sure the area is prepped and ready for paint before you begin.
Painting Concrete Walls
Most basements have concrete walls. If you have concrete walls, use concrete paint. But before you paint, you will want to make sure your basement walls are sealed correctly to prevent leaks. If you have cracks or leaks, you will want to seal your basement prior to painting. You may need to wait several days before painting, but this will ensure your new room stays nice and dry.
After the sealant is dry, you will want to apply primer before painting. This will allow your new color to go smooth and not show any damage. After waiting approximately 48 hours for the primer to dry, then you can start the final step of applying your chosen paint. Or you can call your CertaPro painters to handle the whole process. We love helping our customers create their dream spaces.
Conclusion
Many people have basements that are just used for storage space and wishful thinking but it doesn’t have to be this way. You can give your basement a complete makeover with a little rearranging and the right painting techniques. Give yourself a place to enjoy, an in-home office, a basement gym, or create a space for the entire family to enjoy. With the right paint scheme, you can turn your basement into a valuable asset to your home.
