Basement Ceilings Then And Now

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Armstrong Residential Ceilings. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

Can you see your family and friends enjoying an evening with popcorn and your favorite flick in your own home theatre?

That's what I see when I look at this basement.  In it's current state it reminds me of something you'd see in an office building, especially with that fluorescent lighting.  It certainly doesn't feel like a space you'd want to spend much time in.    



Thankfully basement ceilings have come a long way since the day this one was installed. With some DIY ceiling repair this room could easily be transformed into a beautiful home theater!


It's important in a basement to have access to plumbing and electrical and so a suspended ceiling is a perfect option.  But first what needs to be addressed is whatever caused the water damage on the ceiling tiles and have the problem repaired.  Before installing a new ceiling I would hire an electrician to run wiring along the ceiling joists for media components like a smok'n surround sound system.  Those fluorescent fixtures gotta go so I'd have the electrician install recessed pot lights throughout the space and for added movie theater ambiance, wiring for wall sconces around the perimeter of the room.  To control the lighting, I'd have them on dimmer switches.

Now the fun part, looking at all the options available for basement ceilings and picking one that would elevate this basement from Yikes to Oh Wow, where can I sit!  Considering we're looking at transforming this space into a media room I would look at Acoustical options with high CAC (Ceiling Attenuation Class) ratings that reduces sound being transmitted to adjacent rooms or the floor above.  I'd also look at NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) ratings which absorb sound.  While it may be amazing to have high definition theater surround sound bouncing from each corner of the room, those relaxing with a good book upstairs may not appreciate it. Likewise, those enjoying the movie downstairs may not appreciate hearing the thump thump of footsteps from those walking around upstairs. 

Can you imagine this beautiful Shallow Coffered home theater rated drop panel ceiling in this basement? Gorgeous dahling!


If black isn't your thing, what about this equally attractive Homestyle Raised Panel with sound blocking in white? 


Another option is this Single Raised Coffered Panel with sound blocking.  The profile isn't as pronounced but still quite stunning.


For a more contemporary look the Tincraft Circles sound blocking drop panel would be a funky casual option!  


If you're anything like my family, we have our home theater system cranked loud so it feels just like we're at the movies.  Hey, if you're paying for that amazing sound system why not enjoy it's full potential!

The next two options would be excellent choices because they have both Sound Blocking AND Sound Reduction drop panels.

Fine Fissured Textured Tech Black drop panels.  I'm really liking this option too.  


Classic Fine Textured White drop panel.


So which would be your pick?  I would have never thought to install a black ceiling in our media room but now that I've seen the beautiful options shown above, I would love to replace ours...shhhh, don't tell Mr. Frugalista...with the Black Shallow Coffered panels.

Looking at the basement picture again, could you envision an awesome Snack Bar where the desk is?  I know I sure can!  I would install lower cabinets along the wall for movie snacks and incorporate a small bar fridge for cold drinks. What's a theater without popcorn? A theater style popcorn machine would be a great addition too.


To add impact to the snack center I would create an beautiful back splash and run it up to the ceiling.  I'm in love with these Metallaire Small Panels and they come in brass, chrome, copper, lacquered steel, stainless steel and white.  Personally I'd go for the chrome and run them diagonally on the wall just like in the photo. Ah mazing!


Or these contemporary Metallaire Medallion Panels.


There are many more tin backsplash styles available, which would be your pick?

I can't end this post without addressing the walls and the fireplace.  I would remove the chair rail because it divides the walls making them appear shorter. Instead I would paint them one color like a chocolate taupe, grey or red pulled from the colors in the bricks. I envision framed movie posters hanging on the walls.

Personally I could see a white painted fireplace mantle replacing the wood stove.  I'd remove the brick from the front, sides, and floor surrounding the wood stove but I wouldn't get rid of it.  What about reusing them along the entire wall to create a beautiful feature wall?  I could see a large flat screen television hanging above the fireplace.

What's a media room without comfortable reclining chairs and a place to hold your drink.  A four seat leather media sofa would complete the look of this basement transformation.  Now that's a space you and your family would get hours of enjoyment from, wouldn't you agree?  

Disclosure: I received compensation from Smart Click Advertising and Armstrong Residential Ceilings in exchange for participating in this opportunity.  But just like their flooring, I think Armstrong Residential Ceilings have excellent quality products that I wouldn't hesitate to use in my own home and recommend to others.  All opinions in this post are 100% my own.  I would not write a post about something I didn't think was valuable enough to use in my own home or recommend to you, my awesome readers.  The Interior Frugalista will only publish sponsored posts for products or companies that I love and believe in.
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