Your basement ceiling is a jumble of joists, pipes, ducts, and wiring that you have been hiding behind a drop ceiling for years. Every time you walk downstairs the ceiling tiles feel oppressive and the space feels low, dark, and uninspiring!

You want to finish the basement properly but the cost of a traditional drywall ceiling feels enormous. And all those mechanical systems running overhead make a conventional ceiling feel almost impossible anyway!

source: @basementpros

An exposed basement ceiling is the answer you have been looking for. Instead of hiding everything above, you embrace it. You clean it up, paint it, light it beautifully, and turn what was a liability into one of the most striking and characterful design features your home can have.

Exposed ceilings look deliberate, industrial, and genuinely cool. They are also significantly cheaper than traditional ceiling options.

source: @nodrippainting

This complete guide covers everything you need to know about creating a stunning exposed basement ceiling that makes the whole space feel larger, better lit, and completely transformed.

What Is an Exposed Basement Ceiling?

An exposed basement ceiling leaves the structural elements of the floor above fully visible rather than concealing them behind drywall or drop ceiling tiles. The joists, beams, subfloor boards, pipes, electrical conduits, and ductwork all remain visible as deliberate design elements rather than hidden necessities. For more interesting ideas see our guide on shiplap ceiling, you can try in your basement as well.

source: @duffyand.co

This approach originated in industrial and commercial spaces like warehouses and factories where ceilings were never intended to be finished. The look migrated into residential design through loft conversions and urban apartments where the industrial aesthetic became fashionable.

source: @duffyand.co

Today an exposed basement ceiling is one of the most popular choices for basement finishing because it is honest, characterful, cost-effective, and delivers ceiling height that traditional finished ceilings sacrifice.

Why Choose an Exposed Basement Ceiling?

An exposed basement ceiling offers multiple advantages that make it one of the smartest choices for basement finishing projects. The first and most immediately compelling advantage is cost. Eliminating the ceiling finishing entirely removes a significant portion of the basement renovation budget. No drywall, no ceiling tiles, no ceiling grid, no additional framing and no finishing labor translates directly into thousands of dollars saved.

source: @sterlingridgecontracting

The second major advantage is ceiling height. Every traditional ceiling type takes away headroom. A drop ceiling typically loses eight to twelve inches of ceiling height. A drywall ceiling loses five to six inches. Leaving the ceiling exposed keeps every inch of available headroom in the basement which often makes the difference between a space that feels liveable and one that feels oppressively low.

The third advantage is access. Every pipe, wire, and duct remains accessible for maintenance and future modification without tearing out finished ceiling materials. See our guide on faux wood beams ceiling for your basement.

Is an Exposed Basement Ceiling Right for Your Space?

An exposed basement ceiling suits some spaces and some homeowners much better than others. Before committing to this approach, honestly assess your basement’s specific conditions and your own tolerance for the industrial aesthetic. Not every basement is an equally good candidate for an exposed ceiling.

source: @jjmfg_contracting

Basements with a reasonable amount of mechanical systems running overhead make excellent candidates. The more organized and cleanly run those systems are, the more beautiful the exposed ceiling will look after painting. Basements used as rec rooms, home theaters, gyms, bars, and creative studios all suit the industrial exposed ceiling aesthetic wonderfully.

Basements being finished as formal bedrooms or luxury living spaces may be better served by a more traditional finished ceiling approach that creates a gentler, more residential feel.

Preparing the Basement Ceiling Before Exposing It

Proper preparation before exposing and painting the basement ceiling is the most important stage of the entire project. Rushing preparation leads to a messy, unprofessional result that looks worse than the drop ceiling it replaced. Taking time to prepare properly transforms the outcome completely.

source: @panddpowerwash

Start by removing the existing drop ceiling grid and tiles if present. Inspect every element above for structural issues, moisture damage, pest evidence, and mold. Address any issues found before proceeding. Remove all insulation batts from between the joists if this is not a cold climate where they are truly needed above. Tuck all loose wiring neatly and secure it properly to the joists.

Organize all pipes and ducts as tidily as possible before painting covers everything. Clean every surface thoroughly to remove dust and cobwebs. Good preparation is the foundation of a beautiful result.

Painting an Exposed Basement Ceiling: The Complete Method

Painting the exposed basement ceiling is the single most transformative step in the entire process. It is what turns a messy jumble of pipes and joists into a deliberate, cohesive, and genuinely beautiful design statement. The right paint color and the right application method make an enormous difference to the final result.

source: @wicklinedesign

Use a thick-nap roller for the flat surfaces of joists and the subfloor above. Use a quality brush for pipes, conduit, and any elements too small or complex for a roller. Apply two full coats of paint for complete, even coverage that hides the visual complexity of multiple overlapping elements.

Start from the farthest corner of the room and work toward the exit so you never paint yourself into a corner. Allow full drying time between coats. The painting alone typically takes a full weekend for an average-sized basement ceiling.

Best Paint Colors for an Exposed Basement Ceiling

The color you choose for the exposed basement ceiling dramatically affects the atmosphere and perceived height of the entire basement space. Different colors create fundamentally different effects and suit different basement uses and aesthetics. Understanding what each color does to the space helps you choose the right one for your specific situation.

source: @summerspainting

Matte black is the most popular and most dramatic choice. It creates a sky-like depth overhead that makes the ceiling seem to recede into darkness. When the elements are painted black they become less individually visible and the ceiling reads as a unified dark surface with interesting texture rather than a jumble of separate mechanical components.

White creates brightness and maximizes light reflection. Gray is sophisticated and works beautifully in modern and contemporary basements. Navy blue adds deep drama. All colors should be applied in a flat or matte finish which hides imperfections and reads as most intentional.

Why Matte Black Is the Most Popular Exposed Ceiling Choice

Matte black deserves its own dedicated discussion because it is so consistently the most successful and most requested exposed basement ceiling color. Understanding why it works so well helps you commit to it confidently rather than defaulting to white out of uncertainty.

source: @planrebuild

Black paint on an exposed ceiling does something remarkable. It makes every individual element, the joists, pipes, conduit, and ducts, visually recede into a unified dark mass. Rather than seeing a jumble of competing elements in different colors and materials, the eye sees a single dark textured ceiling with interesting variation.

The mechanical systems stop fighting for individual attention and become part of a cohesive architectural composition. Additionally, black overhead mirrors the effect of a night sky and makes the space feel significantly taller because the eye reads the dark overhead as depth rather than as a physical boundary.

Lighting an Exposed Basement Ceiling Beautifully

Lighting is the element that transforms a painted exposed basement ceiling from an interesting raw space into a genuinely beautiful, atmospheric, and functional room. The right lighting works with the exposed ceiling rather than fighting against it. It highlights the industrial character while providing the practical illumination the space needs for whatever activities happen below.

source: @scm.stl

Track lighting is one of the most practical and attractive choices for exposed basement ceilings. Mount the track directly to the joists and position the individual heads to illuminate the room as needed. Track lighting is also completely flexible.

You can reposition the heads without any new wiring whenever the room’s layout or function changes. Pendant lights hung at varying heights from the joists create a beautifully layered visual effect. Edison bulb pendants suit the industrial aesthetic perfectly and add warm amber glow that complements the rawness of the exposed structure above.

How to Handle Ductwork in an Exposed Basement Ceiling

HVAC ductwork is often the most visually dominant element in an exposed basement ceiling. Large rectangular or round metal ducts run across the ceiling in bold, graphic forms that immediately draw the eye. How you handle the ductwork visually makes a significant difference to the overall success of the exposed ceiling design.

source: @100things2do.ca

The simplest and most effective approach is to paint all ductwork the same color as everything else. When everything overhead is matte black, the ductwork becomes part of the unified composition rather than an eyesore.

Some homeowners choose to highlight ductwork by painting it a contrasting color to make it a deliberately bold graphic feature. Polished or brushed silver duct paint creates a steampunk-inspired industrial look that suits creative and eclectic basement spaces beautifully.

Managing Pipes and Plumbing in the Exposed Ceiling

Plumbing pipes in a basement ceiling come in many forms. Cast iron drain pipes are large and imposing. Copper supply lines are relatively slim and often beautiful in their own right. PVC pipes in white or gray are functional and simple. Each type requires slightly different treatment to look its best in an exposed ceiling composition.

source: @loganwerxconstruction

The most important step before painting is to organize loose pipes neatly and secure them properly to the joists with appropriate hangers and clips. Pipes that run at odd angles or that appear to go nowhere in particular should be traced back and either properly secured or, where possible, rerouted to run more cleanly. Once organized and painted a consistent color, even complex pipe runs look intentional and characterful rather than chaotic and haphazard.

Organizing Electrical Wiring for a Clean Exposed Ceiling

Electrical wiring is often the most visually chaotic element in an exposed basement ceiling. Decades of added circuits, old wiring alongside new, and multiple trades installing their own runs independently creates a tangled visual mess overhead. Organizing wiring before painting is one of the most important and most often neglected preparation steps.

source: @jjmfg_contracting

Group parallel wires together and secure them to the side of joists with cable staples for a neat horizontal run. Route wires along the sides of joists rather than hanging them in loops beneath the joists where they catch the eye. Bundle multiple wires together with zip ties at regular intervals and secure the bundle along a single path. Remove any abandoned wiring that serves no current purpose. Properly organized and painted wiring becomes an almost invisible part of the unified ceiling composition rather than a visual distraction.

Insulation Considerations for an Exposed Basement Ceiling

One of the common concerns about exposing a basement ceiling is what to do with insulation. In a traditional basement ceiling finish, insulation batts are placed between the joists before the drywall or tiles go up. An exposed ceiling eliminates this option and raises questions about thermal performance and sound transmission.

source: @jlm_construction_co

In mild and moderate climates, the insulation between the first floor joists may not be essential from a thermal perspective, particularly in a heated and conditioned basement. Removing it gives a cleaner exposed ceiling. In cold climates where the insulation is genuinely needed for thermal comfort, consider rigid foam insulation installed flat against the subfloor above, between the joists, where it is less visible from below.

For sound insulation between the basement and the floor above, resilient channels and mass-loaded vinyl are more effective solutions that can be incorporated without ruining the exposed look.

Exposed Basement Ceiling for a Home Theater

A home theater in the basement is one of the most popular basement uses and one where the exposed ceiling can be used to particularly dramatic and functional effect. The dark environment required for good movie watching aligns perfectly with the matte black ceiling that makes exposed ceilings look their best.

Paint everything overhead matte black for maximum light absorption and the most immersive cinema atmosphere. Mount a projector directly to the joist structure overhead for a clean, stable installation without a separate projector mount on the wall.

Route speaker wiring through the exposed ceiling structure in a clean organized manner before painting so all cables disappear into the black composition overhead. Add dimmable LED strip lights along the joist lines at the perimeter of the room for controllable ambient lighting that does not interfere with projection quality during viewing.

Exposed Basement Ceiling for a Home Gym

A home gym basement is one of the best possible uses for an exposed ceiling treatment. The industrial rawness of the exposed structure matches the functional, no-nonsense character of a serious workout space perfectly. Nothing about a home gym benefits from a polished, finished ceiling overhead.

source: @cccontractors

Paint the exposed ceiling in a color that energizes. Matte black is popular for its focused, serious atmosphere. Bright white maximizes the light reflected by the gym lighting.

Some gym owners paint the ceiling a bold accent color that matches their gym equipment or motivational color scheme. Mount heavy-duty ceiling hooks directly into the joists for battle ropes, suspension trainers, and hanging punching bags. Install high-output LED shop lights between the joists for bright, even, shadow-free illumination across the entire workout floor.

Exposed Basement Ceiling for a Home Bar and Entertainment Space

A home bar and entertainment basement is perhaps the most naturally suited space for an exposed ceiling treatment. The urban bar and restaurant aesthetic that has made exposed ceilings famous in hospitality design translates directly and beautifully into a residential home bar. The industrial exposed ceiling instantly gives the space the authentic character of a cool downtown bar.

source: @basements_plus

String Edison bulb lights between the joists for a warm, festive, and instantly social atmosphere. Mount bottle storage racks directly to the exposed joist structure for additional character and practical storage. Install a central pendant light fixture above the bar counter as the main focal point.

Route all bar lighting on a separate dimmer circuit so the lighting atmosphere can be adjusted from bright and functional to intimate and atmospheric at any time. The exposed ceiling makes the home bar feel like a proper hospitality venue rather than a suburban basement.

Exposed Basement Ceiling Cost Compared to Other Options

One of the most compelling reasons to choose an exposed basement ceiling is the significant cost saving compared to every alternative finishing method. Understanding exactly how much you save helps you make a fully informed decision and often reveals that the money saved can be invested in higher-quality flooring, lighting, or furnishings that elevate the finished space far more than a ceiling tile would.

source: @artisan_painting

A traditional drop ceiling grid and tile system costs between three and six dollars per square foot for materials alone. Professional installation adds another two to four dollars per square foot. A drywall ceiling adds framing, drywall, taping, mudding, sanding, and painting costs that total eight to fifteen dollars per square foot installed.

An exposed ceiling treatment costs primarily the price of paint and the labor to apply it. For a typical basement of one thousand square feet, the saving over a drop ceiling is typically three thousand to six thousand dollars. Over a drywall ceiling the saving is eight thousand to fifteen thousand dollars.

Adding Wood Elements to an Exposed Basement Ceiling

Raw painted joists and pipes create an undeniably industrial look. But not every homeowner wants pure industrial in their basement. Adding wood elements to the exposed ceiling introduces warmth, organic character, and a softer aesthetic that bridges the gap between raw industrial and rustic or Scandinavian warmth. The result is an exposed ceiling that feels intentional and warm rather than unfinished.

Wrap exposed steel beams or large ductwork in thin wood planks for a dramatic contrast between industrial and natural. Install tongue and groove wood paneling flat against the subfloor above, between the painted joists, to create a beautiful alternating pattern of dark painted joists and warm wood panels.

Add a wood stain to the natural wood elements of the joists themselves if they are in good condition. Even a single reclaimed wood beam added decoratively across the ceiling creates a warm focal element against the black painted composition.

Exposed Basement Ceiling in a Modern Industrial Style

The modern industrial style takes the raw honesty of exposed ceilings and pairs it with clean-lined contemporary furniture, polished concrete floors, and a refined material palette to create a space that feels deliberately designed rather than unfinished. This is the most sophisticated expression of the exposed basement ceiling aesthetic.

Paint the ceiling matte black or dark charcoal as the bold foundation. Pair with polished concrete or large-format gray tile flooring for a continuous industrial material palette. Choose furniture in black metal frames with leather or linen upholstery.

Add industrial-style pendant lights and track lighting in matte black or brushed steel. Use minimal decoration, relying instead on the quality of materials and the drama of the raw ceiling itself to provide visual interest. Modern industrial design is about confident restraint and material authenticity.

Exposed Basement Ceiling in a Rustic Style

Rustic style and exposed basement ceilings create a warm, cabin-inspired aesthetic that feels completely natural and deeply inviting. The visible wood structure of the joists already carries inherent rustic character. Leaning into that quality rather than painting it black creates an entirely different but equally beautiful exposed ceiling look.

Leave the wood joists in their natural color or apply a warm wood stain for a rich, honeyed tone. Install reclaimed wood planking flat against the subfloor between the joists for a fully clad wood ceiling appearance that reveals the joist structure as a grid of dividers.

Paint any pipes and mechanical elements in a matte black or dark brown to recede them against the warm wood above. Add wrought iron or vintage Edison bulb lighting to complete the rustic atmosphere. Rope-wrapped pipes and iron fixtures add further rustic character throughout.

Sound and Acoustics in a Room with an Exposed Ceiling

One of the honest disadvantages of an exposed basement ceiling compared to a finished ceiling is acoustic performance. A finished ceiling with insulation and drywall above absorbs sound and reduces reverberation. An exposed ceiling with hard surfaces of joists, pipes, and subfloor reflects sound, creating an echoey quality that some people find uncomfortable in spaces used for conversation, music, or television.

Address acoustics through wall and floor treatments rather than compromising the exposed ceiling. Large area rugs absorb a significant amount of sound energy. Upholstered furniture, heavy curtains, and soft furnishings all reduce reverberation.

Acoustic panels mounted on the walls or even suspended horizontally from the joists, painted to match the ceiling, address sound without hiding the structure. A basement used as a home theater or recording space may need more substantial acoustic treatment than a casual rec room.

Moisture and Vapor Considerations for Exposed Ceilings

Moisture management is a critical consideration in any basement renovation and particularly important when leaving the ceiling structure exposed. A finished ceiling can conceal minor condensation issues that an exposed ceiling makes immediately visible. Addressing moisture before exposing the ceiling ensures the final result stays beautiful and structurally sound for years.

Inspect the entire ceiling cavity carefully for signs of past or current moisture intrusion. Look for water stains on the subfloor above, rust on any metal elements, and mold or mildew on the wood surfaces. Address all moisture sources before painting.

Ensure the basement has adequate ventilation and controlled humidity. A dehumidifier sized appropriately for the basement volume is essential in humid climates. Apply a mold-inhibiting primer to all wood surfaces before the topcoat of paint for long-term protection.

How to Paint an Exposed Basement Ceiling Like a Professional

The painting process for an exposed basement ceiling is physically demanding and technically different from painting a flat finished ceiling. The irregular surfaces, multiple elements at different depths, and the sheer volume of surface area to cover make it a challenging but entirely achievable DIY project with the right approach and the right tools.

source: @davebelcherpainting

Wear old clothes and protect your eyes with safety glasses. Lay drop cloths across the entire floor. Use an airless paint sprayer to apply the first coat over everything. A sprayer covers all the complex overlapping elements far more efficiently than a brush or roller alone. Follow the sprayer with a brush to touch in any areas the spray missed, particularly the backs of pipes and the undersides of joists.

Apply the second coat by hand with a combination of roller and brush for complete coverage. The sprayer plus hand touch-in combination delivers the fastest and most thorough coverage on complex exposed ceiling surfaces.

Exposed Ceiling With Drop Ceiling Combined: The Hybrid Approach

A hybrid approach combines an exposed ceiling in the main living area with a partial drop ceiling or boxed soffit in specific zones where mechanical access is less important or where a finished ceiling is strongly preferred. This gives you the best of both approaches in the same basement renovation.

Expose the ceiling in the main open areas of the basement where ceiling height and industrial character are most desirable. Build a finished drywall soffit or partial drop ceiling only around the perimeter where ductwork runs lowest, where a bathroom requires code-compliant ceiling materials, or where a bedroom zone needs a more residential feel. The contrast between the finished soffit and the exposed ceiling within the same space can itself become an attractive design detail that defines different zones visually and functionally.

Exposed Basement Ceiling with Reclaimed Wood Planks

Using reclaimed wood planks between the joists of an exposed basement ceiling creates one of the most beautiful and warmly characterful finished looks available. The combination of the structural joist grid with the warmth of reclaimed wood boards produces a ceiling that is simultaneously industrial in its honesty and organic in its material beauty.

Source reclaimed barn wood, old flooring boards, or pallet wood for the planks. Sand them enough to remove splinters and sharp edges while preserving the aged patina and character marks that make reclaimed wood beautiful. Cut them to fit between the joists and nail or screw them flat against the subfloor above. Stagger the joints between boards for a more natural appearance. Seal with a clear matte finish to protect the wood and make it easier to clean. This ceiling treatment takes significantly more time than a simple paint job but the result is extraordinary.

Adding Color Accents to an Exposed Basement Ceiling

While a single consistent paint color across the entire exposed ceiling is almost always the most successful approach, adding deliberate color accents within the composition can create additional visual interest and personality in specific basement spaces. Color accenting works best when it is deliberate, restrained, and connected to the overall room color scheme.

Paint the structural joists in the primary ceiling color but highlight all ductwork in a contrasting metallic color such as copper, silver, or gold. This makes the duct runs a bold graphic feature rather than something to minimize. In a home gym, paint the ceiling black but highlight specific pipes in bright red or yellow to create an energetic industrial look. In a creative studio, use the different overhead elements as canvases for different colors in an artistic, intentional composition. Color accenting rewards a bold creative approach and suits spaces used for creative work and active entertaining.

Building Codes and Permits for Exposed Basement Ceilings

Before exposing or modifying a basement ceiling, it is important to understand what building codes in your jurisdiction require and whether any permits are needed. Code requirements vary significantly between municipalities and ignoring them can create costly problems when you later try to sell the home or when the work is inspected.

In most jurisdictions, painting an existing exposed ceiling requires no permit as it does not change the structural or mechanical systems. However, if you are removing an existing finished ceiling, rerouting any mechanical systems, adding new electrical circuits or fixtures, or making any structural modifications, a permit is almost certainly required. Certain basement uses, particularly if bedrooms are involved, require specific fire-rated ceiling assemblies that an exposed ceiling cannot meet. Always consult your local building department before starting any basement renovation that involves the ceiling.

Exposed Basement Ceiling Maintenance and Cleaning

An exposed basement ceiling requires different maintenance than a finished ceiling. The complex overlapping surfaces of joists, pipes, and conduit trap dust and cobwebs more readily than a smooth flat drywall ceiling. Regular cleaning keeps the ceiling looking its best and prevents dust accumulation from becoming visible against the painted surfaces.

Use a long-handled duster or a vacuum with a brush attachment to clean the ceiling surfaces quarterly. Pay particular attention to the tops of horizontal pipe runs, the corners between joists and the subfloor above, and any rough textured surfaces where dust clings. Touch up the paint in any areas that show wear, scratches, or chipping annually. Check all pipe connections and wire junctions periodically for signs of leaks or deterioration. A well-maintained exposed ceiling stays beautiful and functional for many years with minimal ongoing effort.

Exposed Basement Ceiling in a Creative Studio or Workshop

A creative studio or workshop basement is one of the most natural and exciting spaces for an exposed ceiling treatment. Whether the space is used for art, music, woodworking, photography, or any other creative pursuit, the raw industrial character of the exposed ceiling creates an environment that feels genuinely creative, serious, and inspiring.

Mount tool storage directly to the exposed joist structure for accessible workshop organization. Install heavy-duty lighting between the joists for bright, even work light across the entire studio floor. Route compressed air lines through the ceiling structure for a clean workshop setup. Add a chalkboard paint section on one joist face for project notes and sketches. String lights along the joist lines for warmer ambient light during less task-focused creative sessions. The exposed ceiling in a creative studio tells everyone who enters that serious and meaningful work happens here.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with an Exposed Basement Ceiling

An exposed basement ceiling project has several common pitfalls that homeowners encounter when approaching the project without adequate preparation or knowledge. Understanding these mistakes before starting allows you to avoid them entirely and achieve a result that looks professionally done and genuinely beautiful.

source: @htzdesignbuild

The most common mistake is inadequate preparation before painting. Starting to paint without first organizing wiring, securing loose pipes, removing unnecessary elements, and cleaning all surfaces produces a messy, unsatisfying result.

The second most common mistake is using the wrong paint sheen. Glossy or satin paint on an exposed ceiling highlights every imperfection and makes the ceiling look messier than it actually is. Always use flat or matte finish. A third mistake is insufficient lighting planning. The exposed ceiling needs good lighting to look its best. Planning lighting as an afterthought rather than an integral part of the design always shows in the result.

Before and After: Transforming a Basement with an Exposed Ceiling

Understanding the full transformation that an exposed basement ceiling delivers helps you visualize the end result and commit to the project with confidence. The before and after contrast is typically one of the most dramatic improvements available in any basement renovation project.

Before the exposed ceiling treatment, a typical basement with a drop ceiling feels low, dark, and institutional. The ceiling tiles are often stained, sagging, and visually oppressive. The space underneath feels like a utilitarian afterthought rather than a genuine living area.

source: @jjmfg_contracting

After the exposed ceiling treatment, the same basement often feels twice as tall. The consistent dark paint color creates a unified overhead composition with genuine architectural character. The lighting, now thoughtfully designed and installed directly into the joist structure, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The entire space feels purposeful, cool, and genuinely worth spending time in. The transformation is real, meaningful, and achieved at a fraction of the cost of any alternative ceiling approach.

Frequently Asked Questions About Exposed Basement Ceilings

Conclusion

An exposed basement ceiling is one of the most honest, characterful, and cost-effective design choices available to any homeowner finishing or renovating a basement space. It embraces the true nature of the structure rather than hiding it behind conventional finishes.

It saves thousands of dollars that can be redirected into better flooring, lighting, furnishings, and the details that make a basement space genuinely beautiful and enjoyable.

It preserves every inch of ceiling height that the basement has to offer. And when executed with proper preparation, the right paint, and thoughtful lighting, it produces a result that looks deliberately designed, unmistakably cool, and genuinely impressive.

The 30 ideas and principles in this guide give you everything you need to plan, prepare, execute, and style an exposed basement ceiling that transforms your basement completely.

Start with the preparation, commit to the right paint color for your space, plan your lighting deliberately, and then stand back and enjoy the transformation. Your basement is about to become the most surprising and most admired room in your entire home. HomeFixTrends is here to inspire and guide every step of your home improvement journey. See ideas for small apartment to decorate it well.