Is it a trendy retreat or the kids’ stuffed animal sanctuary? Is it meant for boxes or bench presses? Is the focus of the room the TV or the racks of wine? Whatever purpose your basement fulfills, we know it can be a challenge to make it feel inviting, but never fear. Here at Brush Brothers, we have a few ideas on using paint to make your basement brighter.

Use Light Colors 

Of course this one has to be first. The paint in a room is the gel that holds it together, and the basement is no exception. Light hues can lend an airy feel to a closed off room or a sense of coziness to a space that is, by nature, usually cold. We’ve got a few palettes that we’re particularly fond of.

Bright whites

Using lots of white will not only reflect the light already present in the room, but it will also leave plenty of room to change up the theme of your basement. White walls are a blank canvas that give you liberty to play with accents and décor. Be deliberate when choosing your white paint and stick with hues with cool undertones. Stark whites won’t look dingy in the darkness of a basement. 

Sky blue or lavender

If you are looking for a way to make your basement brighter and more tranquil, opt for cool-toned pastels. Gentle blues are calming, and pale purples soothe. With light color on the walls, accents and furniture can be light as well or dark for more defined lines.

Soft gray or a cozy greige

Sophisticated. Classic yet modern. If you have used these terms to describe how you’d like your basement to look, consider working in light grays. Downy grays pose a triple threat: they can make a basement brighter and softer without making it feel sterile. For a slightly homier touch, add just a drop of beige to your gray paint. Pair either of these schemes with neutral or more vivid furnishings. 

Warm yellows

For a more vibrant and cheerful room, try tones of yellow. If your basement has floors in warm wood, ochre and mustard can communicate a southern charm. More delicate shades like champagne or ecru can be combined with white furniture for an airy and spacious feel reminiscent of the most famous yellow room in the United States, the Yellow Oval Room in the White House.

Natural greens

Where do we start? Verde has the advantage of being very versatile. Consider a funky lime or a restful sage. Opulent emerald accents are a sure way to make a statement. Pair green paint with neutral furniture, maples for an earthy feel and blacks and whites for a more modern vibe.

Creams and browns

If your biggest goal is to create a basement that exudes natural elegance and warmth, opt for shades of caramel and ginger, latte and hazelnut. Hues of brown are relaxing, and you can use white accents and furniture to brighten the room.

Use Few Colors

In addition to keeping it light, we recommend limiting the number of colors. Too many colors will make a room seem busier and more cluttered, effectively closing the room. Be kind on your eyes and stick to two or three colors, with one hue making up 60% of the color palette. 

To Make a Basement Brighter, Freshen the Framework

Play with Pop

We said few colors, not none, and adding an unexpected pop is a great way to make a basement more interesting without being overwhelming. Consider an accent wall and corresponding pillows. Try giving your door frames and doors a fresh coat of paint in a rejuvenating white or another shade to match the room. If you feel especially bold, you might paint a wall or even the ceiling black. We don’t recommend this if the rest of the paint in the room is dark.

Use a Glossy Finish on the Ceiling 

A sneaky way to make your basement brighter (or at least seem so) is to utilize the light you already have. Adding a glossy finish on the ceiling will help to reflect the light already present back down into the room. Matte paints tend to absorb light into themselves.

 

We know choosing the right paint scheme to make your basement brighter can be daunting. We at Brush Brothers are here to help. Give us a call today for more painting suggestions.