The Top 71 Basement Wall Ideas
“Only those who attempt the absurd will achieve the impossible. I think it’s in my basement… let me go upstairs and check.” – M. C. Escher
Your basement is the perfect opportunity to add more usable space to your home. That square footage is just sitting under your home. Why not turn it into something more than just storage?
There are several unfinished basement ideas out there, but you’ll want to look beyond these. Instead, focus on ideas that help you finish the space. This makes it more welcoming and comfortable.
These basement wall ideas will get you inspired to transform your basement into your new favorite place to be.
1. Black Basement Wall Ideas
Don’t be scared of painting your basement walls black. With the right lighting and decor, you can prevent your basement from looking like a dark basement. Try to pick one of your basement walls to be an accent wall. Then you can paint that one wall black.
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You could also commit to painting all of the walls black for a sophisticated basement bar vibe. Or you could embrace a masculine feel for a man cave.
Use can lights in the ceiling to create lighting in the different areas. This helps to define the space and keep the basement feeling bright. You can also balance the black with light wood flooring.
2. Cinder Block Basement Wall Ideas
Leaving your basement wall bare with the cinderblock exposed can create a modern and industrial feel. This creates an unfinished basement look with minimal effort. However, it doesn’t give the warmest or coziest feel.
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Try painting the cinder blocks for a simple and affordable finished basement. You may need to apply a moisture barrier coating first or risk the paint bubbling and peeling. The foundation walls have earth on the outside. Moisture in the ground can seep through the cinder block and into your basement.
Avoid having a concrete floor with concrete walls. This is too much concrete and will create a bare feel that echoes.
3. Concrete Basement Wall Ideas
If you don’t want to embrace the look of your unfinished basement walls, then you have options. Turn that concrete wall into something beautiful with a simple coat of paint. Finish the concrete basement wall with drywall, paneling, shiplap, or wallpaper.
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Whatever you choose for the wall, make sure it complements your chosen basement flooring. The two need to work together to create a cohesive look throughout the basement.
Don’t choose a rustic wall treatment and then have an ultra-modern floor. It also won’t look good to have two types of wood that are similar but not exactly the same. Either have them match or be completely different.
4. DIY Basement Wall Ideas
If you’re handy and have some experience with home construction projects, then you can DIY your basement finishing. Start by treating your concrete walls with a vapor barrier. This prevents the moisture from outside coming in.
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Then insulate the space with foam insulation, spray foam, or other insulating material. You’ll want to add insulation between the furring strips and around any basement windows.
Then Mount drywall on the strips and wall studs. The finished product should be a smooth wall that will prevent moisture from coming in and warmth from going out.
5. Modern Basement Wall Ideas
Modern interior design will require the most work in your basement. However, it’ll also make your basement look most like the rest of your finished home.
The walls should be white or light-colored, then lay down wood flooring. Build a drop ceiling to hide all of the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems.
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With a finished basement, you could turn part of it into your laundry room. This gives you more space upstairs. Turn your old laundry room into a walk-in closet or other small usable space.
6. Painted Basement Wall Ideas
Changing the color of your basement walls can completely transform the look and feel of the space. Choose three colors for your basement remodel.
Use the 10/30/60 method, with each number representing its percentage use in the room. You’ll notice this approach utilized in popular basement decorating ideas.
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Your ceiling color is more important in the basement than in other rooms in your house. A bright white can reflect light and make the space feel brighter.
Black can make the basement ceiling recede and feel taller than it really is. No matter what color you choose, paint everything, from the HVAC system to the ceiling joists. This creates a finished look.
7. Rustic Basement Wall Ideas
If you want to create a homey space that feels comfortable, then consider rustic basement ideas. These ideas have a simple and somewhat humble approach to basement renovation.
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You can achieve this look by adding wood paneling to the walls or laying a wood laminate on the floors. Look for wood finishes that are worn and have an aged treatment.
If you have the budget, you can even find authentic salvaged or reclaimed wood. This would give your basement a sense of authenticity. Choose leather or suede furniture to balance the wood.
8. Shiplap Basement Wall Ideas
If you aren’t ready to commit to the full rustic look, then shiplap is a great compromise. It’s perfect for creating an accent wall in your basement space.
White shiplap on the walls helps a small basement to feel brighter and lighter. Pair it with a warm wood basement floor to keep the space from feeling stark and cold.
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You can continue this look throughout the entire basement. Create a contrasting look on the basement stairs. The front of the stairs can mimic the shiplap look with a white wood front. The top of the stairs can be a warm wood.
9. Stone Basement Wall Ideas
Unlike cinder blocks, stone can create a cave-like feel in a good way. It’s the perfect wall treatment for turning your basement into a wine cellar. For this look, use a large wood stone design. You can do this with wallpaper, wall panels, or even real stone. The method you choose will depend on the budget.
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Stacked stone is a modern look that can add texture to your basement. It’s perfect for finishing the wall of your basement. Create an accent wall. Cover the front of your basement bar. Build a half wall that separates the space into separate usable areas.
10. Wallpaper Basement Wall Ideas
Completely transform the look of your basement with wallpaper. People don’t typically consider wallpaper because basements are damp, and wallpaper isn’t compatible with dampness. However, if you’ve finished your basement, then using modern wallpaper shouldn’t be an issue.
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Adhere the wallpaper to the drywall or other surface. You could have one design in each area to help define the different spaces. Use a simple design in the main living space. Then something with a bolder pattern on the mini kitchen wall.
You could go for a statement wallpaper with a bright and bold pattern in the basement bathroom. The small space can support a stronger pattern that would look overwhelming on larger walls.
11. Wood Basement Wall Ideas
Adding wood paneling to your basement walls will create a warm and welcoming environment. You could do this by mounting wood planks on the walls. However, this will require more work as you’ll need to finish the wood and mount each one individually.
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A simpler solution is to buy prefabricated wood panels. You can buy them by the square foot, so you get just what you need. The panels then hook together and glue or nail to your wall. This is an affordable and easy DIY solution for a finished basement wall.
Basement Wall FAQs
The cheapest way to give your basement walls a finished look is to mount paneling. You can find relatively inexpensive paneling. Mount thin wood strips to the concrete block with a strong adhesive. Then use wood screws to mount the paneling to the wood strips.
Concrete is porous and tends to absorb moisture from the earth on the outside of your basement. This moisture seeps through the concrete and into your basement. Now your basement area feels damp and uncomfortable. Sealing your basement walls prevents this moisture from coming in and helps to keep your basement feeling drier and cozier.
While drywall is a common choice for finishing basement walls, it isn’t your only option. You could also use cement board, which is similar to drywall. Other options are wood siding or EPS foam boards. These alternatives install on traditional wood framing in a similar manner to drywall.
The Best 14 Leather Jackets for Men in 2021
With the winter months (hopefully) dwindling down, it’s time to start planning ahead to a time where we can wear thinner jackets and fewer layers. While it may be tempting to quickly shed your parka and grab for whatever piece of outerwear is nearby, don’t reach for last year’s wardrobe item just yet. Isn’t it time you try something new, like, say, a leather jacket?
Though it may seem all leather jackets are similar, there are actually many different designs and styles that work for different body types and tastes. In this article, we will take a look at the hottest leather jacket trends that have hit the market this season.
Best Buy
1. Aaron Brown Leather Bomber
The Aaron Brown Leather Jacket from The Jacket Maker is an excellent choice for any guy looking for that traditional bomber look. This awesome jacket features a slim cut and ribbed cuffs and waist. It’s made with incredibly tough, yet soft, goatskin leather, making it a great choice for guys that aren’t used to wearing leather jackets.
One of the best things about the Aaron is that it shirks the classic pouch pockets on the lower half of the jacket, opting for two buttoned patch pockets on the chest instead. This design gives it a more streamlined look than most bombers, without taking away from any of the authenticity.
2. Saint Laurent Leather Biker Jacket
There is a reason why leather jackets and bikers are usually associated with one another. Historically, many motorcycle riders have seen a leather jacket as a stylish way to protect themselves, not only from the elements but also from the possibility of a crash. While this may seem hard to believe – it’s not like leather comes with a large amount of padding, after all – leather has actually been shown to offer more protection than your average vinyl jacket or equivalent.
Maybe you’re not hopping on a motorcycle anytime soon, but you can still treat yourself to this biker-inspired Saint Laurent leather jacket. With a price tag surpassing $5,000, it’s certainly our premium pick on this list, but if you’re looking for the leather jacket of a lifetime, you have it right here. This pick is sure to come with the “for life” quality Saint Laurent is particularly known for.
3. Reiss Keith Leather Cafe Racer Jacket
Reiss is a British fashion retailer that’s been around since the 1970s. For the first 30 years of its brand history, it focused solely on men’s fashion before eventually expanding to carry items for women as well. However, the fact high-quality items for men are at the heart of this brand is very apparent through their simple wardrobe staples such as the Keith leather cafe racer jacket.
This Reiss jacket comes at a considerably lower price point than its counterparts, which makes it a pick that packs a lot of value. It’s made from super-soft leather and features a full lining. It’s the perfect choice for anybody who prefers a slim-fit jacket.
4. Lavendard Brown Leather Bike Jacket
The Jacket Maker has something for everyone, including guys that are a bit intimidated by purchasing their first leather jacket. Not only is the Lavendard incredibly affordable, but it also has a really approachable look despite its biker moniker. With open hem cuffs and a tailored fit, it looks great with badass-inspired outfits as well as everyday wear.
The Lavendard is made of real cowhide, which means it will take on a great patina over time. But it might be a bit stiff when you first get it. The more you wear it, the faster it’ll form to your body, break-in, and soften up. The fact that it goes with so many outfits will help speed up that process.
5. Ksubi Capital Leather Jacket
The Capital Leather Jacket from Ksubi comes in 100% authentic leather and is designed to have a biker fit. It’s heavy-duty with a protective interior quilted lining. It also features retro details such as antique zippers.
Kusbi is an Australian fashion label that’s existed since the 1990s. While the brand was originally focused on high-end denim, they’ve expanded their offerings over time to include other textiles such as leather. Items from Ksubi’s collections have been shown at such high-profile events as New York Fashion Week and London Fashion Week, and the company operates a flagship store in New York’s SOHO neighborhood.
6. Acne Studios Off-Centred Zipper Biker Jacket
Swedish fashion powerhouse Acne Studios is well-known for their basic wardrobe pieces, so it makes sense that they would have the classic leather jacket look on lock. We love the way this off-centered jacket packs a punch of personality with its multiple buckles and zippers, but we love even more the way that it does not compromise softness or comfort at the expense of appearance.
This jacket comes with a high-end price tag, but it has the high-end materials to match. It is made of 100% genuine lambskin and comes with an interior lining of 100% viscose. Its unique off-center zip takes its inspiration from street style.
7. Airin G-1 Black and White Leather Jacket
There’s only one way to improve upon a traditional bomber: Add shearling fabric. The Jacket Maker’s Airin G-1 Bomber will have ready to strap into the cockpit, ready to fly over Europe on a midnight air-raid. It has a thick polyester-lined collar as well as ribbed cuffs and waist for a nice, snug fit that keeps the wind at bay.
The Airin is made with real sheepskin, so it’s soft but super durable, making it a great choice for almost any type of casual wear. The dual front pouch pockets are great for a phone and a pair of gloves, so if you’re wearing it on a motorcycle, you’ll have the storage you need.
8. Saturdays NYC Leather Harrington Jacket
If you’re unfamiliar with the brand Saturdays NYC, prepare to fall in love. As a laidback lifestyle brand, Saturdays NYC infuses its love for all things surfer culture in all of its fashion offerings. While primarily known for their loungewear, such as sweats and pullover sweaters, they also happen to make one of the best leather jackets on the market right now.
The leather Harrington jacket features a smooth design and has deep pockets for your convenience. It is made of 100% lambskin leather and features a lining made of polyester. Staying true to its brand’s carefree nature, this jacket features a more relaxed fit than many classic leather jackets.
9. Berluti Piped Venezia Leather Jacket
Unlike the other options we’ve included so far, Berluti is known less for being a fashion brand and more for being a leather maker. Since its inception in the late 19th century, the Paris-based manufacturer has been producing fine leather clothing items and accessories, from belts to bags to jackets.
Berluti’s piped Venezia leather jacket is the apex of luxury leather fashion. Made from a distinctive brown shade, this jacket line has been around since the 1980s – and it’s a style that certainly stands the test of time.
This jacket is made from 100% authentic patinated calfskin leather and features shoulder patches and a buttoned collar. For optimal breathability, the jacket even features ventilation eyelets.
10. Dean Black Leather Biker Jacket
Let’s be honest.. A traditional racing-style biker jacket is about as cool as it gets. With the high band-style collar and heavy-duty zippers on the front of The Jacket Maker’s Dean Leather Biker Jacket, you’re sure to get that badass look.
The Dean is made with 100% real cowhide leather, so it might be a little stiff at first, but it will break in and patina like none other. The Dean features three zippered pockets on the front as well as zippered cuffs, providing that authentic racing jacket-look without killing your bank account.
11. Kingsman Burnished Leather Jacket
Kingsman is a line of high-quality clothing pieces that exists as a collaboration between Mr. Matthew Vaughn, director of the film The King’s Man, and international online fashion retailer MR PORTER. The line features items that are inspired by classic military style and timeless sensibilities.
The burnished leather jacket from the Kingsman line is unique for its length as well as its appearance. It draws direct inspiration from an aviator jacket worn on-screen in The King’s Man, a period piece that takes place in the 1940s. The jacket is made out of sturdy cow leather and buttons made of buffalo horns. It also features two linings – one made of cotton, and one made of viscose.
12. AllSaints Milo Leather Biker Jacket
AllSaints is a British fashion brand from the United Kingdom. Since its founding in the 1990s, it has grown to an international presence that consists of more than 200 retail stores across Europe, North America, and Asia. The brand is mostly focused on fashion for women and men, though it also sells footwear and other accessories. It has primarily seen its popularity grow thanks to its popularity among a celebrity clientele.
AllSaints makes a number of leather jackets, but the Milo biker jacket is definitely one to write home about. This is a jacket that brings out the very best of two very different worlds – including a soft composition and sharp edges – since it is made of tender lamb leather and decorated to the nines with perfectly-placed zippers and buckles. It also has a distinctive slim fit.
13. Golden Bear Sherpa Jacket
San Francisco brand Golden Bear may have its roots in ship workers in the San Francisco Bay since the 1920s, but it’s evolved today to combine both utilitarianism and high-end style. Although not as recognized outside of its native northern California, to know the stylish jackets of Golden Bear is to love them.
The sherpa jacket, in particular, is exquisite. Like any Golden Bear clothing piece, it’s designed to be worn for life, and fortunately, it comes with a style that will be sure to stay in fashion for decades to come, with brown distressed leather and a notable shearling collar that can be detached.
14. Tom Ford Zip-up Leather Jacket
Tom Ford is well-known for their high-end scents and formal clothing, but they have a strong foot in the casual jacket sphere as well. Not that this zip-up leather jacket is something you would wear to a casual house party. Its sleek edges and formal design make it more than suitable for a fancy professional event or night out on the town.
True to its brand’s roots, no attention to detail was spared in the creation of this particular wardrobe piece. Its straightforward design features 100% authentic leather and a cotton and polyamide lining. It is truly meant to last for life. Made in Italy, this jacket has shallow pockets in the front and a zipper down the center.
Leather Jacket FAQs
While there are many different unique leather jacket configurations out there, there are four classic syles you should be most aware of. In no particular order, they are the leather bomber jacket (also called aviator jacket), the leather racer jacket (sometimes called moto), the trenchcoat, and the fencer. While bomber jackets and racer jackets tend to be more relaxed, the trenchcoat and the fencer are more dramatic.
If you care for your leather jacket correctly you should have a wardrobe piece that’ll last you a lifetime. Most leather jackets cannot be washed at home and must only be handled professionally. The first step to taking proper care of your jacket is to adhere to this rule.
You should also keep your leather jacket dry as often as possible and keep it away from extreme heat or cold air. If you are not going to be wearing your leather jacket for a period of time, such as during a warm season, then you’ll want to be sure that you are hanging it up correctly – this means out of direct sunlight and in a properly-ventilated area.
Determining how much to pay for a leather jacket is a very personal matter. For an authentic leather jacket, you will probably be paying, at a baseline, $500. However, this price can easily skyrocket from here, depending on the jacket’s materials and manufacturing process.
Some leather jackets can cost as much as $10,000! There is no right or wrong number – it’s instead about the brands you like and the style that you envision for yourself.
