The Top 51 Low Basement Ceiling Ideas
Don’t despair if you have a low basement ceiling. There are many ways to turn it into one of your favorite basement features!
Even though most of us are the right height to walk easily beneath a low basement ceiling, many of them still feel low enough to make us instinctively duck our heads. Feeling like a room is particularly squatty leaves many wondering if it’s even possible to turn their basement into a beautiful, comfortable space.
If you’re not sure what to do with your low ceiling basement, scroll through our amazing ceiling ideas. Find out how to make a low ceiling feel higher, and how to make a low profile basement feel more spacious overall. You’ll undoubtedly find inspiration to turn your basement into a zone that the whole family flocks to.
1. Beadboard Low Basement Ceiling Ideas
A beadboard ceiling is a relatively inexpensive basement renovation idea. Beadboard panels come in a variety of sizes. The most common size for this type of wood paneling has planks two to three inches in width, with a narrow half round “bead” running vertically between each wood plank. However, you can purchase beadboard ceiling or wall panels with considerably wider planks.
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Beadboard is traditionally painted white, but it also looks great in black or any color you choose. Classic white beadboard is popular in homes with coastal, cottage, beach, Victorian, or shabby chic décor. It’s also a great low basement ceiling idea in a farmhouse styled home, especially paired with wider shiplap paneling on one or more walls.
Some inexpensive beadboard is meant to be painted while other wood ceiling panels are made of expensive wood that can be stained and varnished. For a modern space that flows well, paint your basement walls white or cream. Then create a wood plank ceiling and install a wood floor—or tiles that look like wood—in a matching maple, birch, or oak wood tone.
2. Black Low Basement Ceiling Ideas
Painting a low exposed basement ceiling black helps ductwork and other unsightly details disappear into the background. Drop ceiling tiles, tin tile panels, and exposed beams also look great when painted in a flat black finish.
To ensure that the darkness enhances rather than depresses the basement’s overall mood, maximize your light sources. Keep windows clear for natural light flow and install recessed or flat light fixtures on your lower ceiling.
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If your basement renovation ideas include a black ceiling, be sure to balance the heaviness by including black somewhere else in the room. Paint support posts or columns black, for a continuous line that carries down from the ceiling joists. Keep your basement wall color light, but look for furniture, rugs, or textiles that include a splash of black.
3. Coffered Low Basement Ceiling Ideas
The word “coffered” is an architectural term that means “indented.” While a coffered ceiling appears to have indentations, usually the existing ceiling is flat, and the coffered pattern is formed with exposed beams.
Coffered ceiling beams are arranged in a grid pattern of squares, octagons, or other geometric shapes. The centers may be smooth drywall, embossed ceiling tile, or wood planks.
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One of the more formal ceiling ideas, especially for a basement, a coffered texture adds elegance to a previously unfinished basement. A coffered ceiling is one of the great basement ideas if you hope to improve the room’s acoustics.
Some feel that these structured ceilings are too much in a low ceiling basement, but as long as the design is relatively shallow, it should be fine. If your basement already has a tray ceiling, you can fill in the indented part with coffered beams to change the entire look.
4. Cool Low Basement Ceiling Ideas
Ceilings are often an afterthought, but they can become the coolest feature in a renovated basement. Expand your lower ceiling to infinity by creating a starry night plywood ceiling. Drill hundreds of holes in plywood panels, then prime and paint them mottled shades of dark blue. Insert light fiber wires into the holes as you mount the ceiling panels to each joist above.
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Recessed basement ceilings are a great place to hide surround sound speakers alongside dimmable lights. This is vital when turning your low ceiling basement into a theater room.
Various futuristic designs and patterns can be painted on the ceiling, or you can adhere a premade mural to add overhead color. LED lights can be hidden by crown molding for an ambient lighting effect that changes color with a remote control.
Embossed tin ceiling tiles come in a dizzying array of patterns now. Some feature traditional elaborate scrollwork while others have much simpler designs. Some have laser cut patterns that allow light to flow through them. Mix and match filigree, flat wood, and glossy black ceiling tiles for a unique basement ceiling effect.
5. Lighting Ideas for Low Basement Ceilings
Diminish any dark or gloomy basement vibes by maximizing the room’s lighting. First, make the most of any existing basement windows. Natural light sources should not be blocked by fussy window treatments. Instead, install lightly frosted or textured glass on your basement windows if you need privacy.
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Ceiling light design is also important for keeping your basement light and airy. Choose light fixtures that have a low profile, such as recessed can lighting or nearly flat track lighting.
To avoid harsh shadows that can make a low basement ceiling feel too near, limit extremely bright lamps. If you want to use wall sconces, position them high along one wall to make the room feel taller.
6. Modern Low Basement Ceiling Ideas
Because modern style embraces simplicity, you can’t go wrong with a basic smooth white basement ceiling. However, for many, that will feel too dull. Simple geometric tin ceiling tiles add simple texture to a modern renovated basement.
If you have a sealed concrete floor, consider painting your ceiling a similar shade of grey instead of going for a classic black or white basement ceiling.
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A drop ceiling or suspended ceiling is designed to hide exposed building infrastructure. As such, it helps to refine the appearance of a modern finished basement.
Dropped ceilings are popular because if water or other damage occurs through the floor above, you can simply replace the damaged tiles instead of having to replace the entire ceiling. While a drop ceiling might work in a basement that is taller than usual, it is usually too deep for a low profile basement.
Wood paneling is a bold choice in a modern low basement. Instead of covering the entire ceiling in wood, create an offset, inlaid rectangle of pale-stained wood beams. Wood paneling goes especially well in a basement decorated in mid-century modern style.
7. Painted Low Basement Ceiling Ideas
When painting a low basement ceiling, you can either paint the exposed ceiling elements or hide them behind painted drywall or paneling. Drywall is the most popular material used to create smooth basement ceiling ideas.
Whatever route you take depends on your personal décor style. Painted exposed elements have an edgy, industrial style that works great with rustic or modern décor.
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Primer is necessary to achieve a smooth ceiling paint finish. If you’re painting exposed ductwork, floor joists, vents or other elements, make sure you buy a type of paint that will adhere well to metal, wood, and plastic.
Paint your low basement ceiling a solid color or embellish it with wallpapered sections. Adding sleek crown molding and embossed ceiling panels adds elegance without taking anything away from the room’s height.
8. Rustic Low Basement Ceiling Ideas
Rough or unfinished wood paneling provides a rustic look in your basement. It works well with low ceiling profiles because it can be nailed directly to the floor joist grid on the level above. A wood panel ceiling is a solid option when considering low profile basement renovation ideas, as it subtracts less than one inch from the room’s height.
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Corrugated metal panels are a common farmhouse or barn roofing material, but they also work well indoors. One of the most non-traditional basement ceiling options, their dull metallic finish reflects light well and adds an edgy, industrial vibe to your basement remodel. Corrugated metal is a great ceiling material to use in a rustic man cave.
Low Basement Ceiling FAQs
Generally, drywall is the cheapest way to create a smooth basement ceiling. A drywall ceiling will probably need to be installed by a professional, so factor that into your budget. You can likely prime and paint the ceiling yourself.
Most people paint basement ceilings black or white. Black gives the illusion of a higher ceiling and provides an industrial, dramatic feel. Ironically, a white basement ceiling also provides the illusion of greater ceiling height. A white ceiling with light walls results in a light, airy feeling that many homeowners desire.
Many factors contribute to the cost of painting an exposed basement ceiling. The basement’s size, the cost of paint in your area, and whether you hire a pro or DIY all determine the final cost. On average, it costs $1 to $3 per square foot to paint a basement ceiling.
Eliminating the subfloor gives an extra inch or two of room height, which can make a difference in how spacious the room feels after a basement makeover. Good basement flooring choices include ceramic tile, painted concrete, and engineered wood. If you choose wood, it must be installed over a thin moisture barrier.
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.
