Choosing the best basement color is challenging. Especially when you search for any suggestions you find a few blogs and posts that cover this concept. On the other hand, as not professional painters and designers, we usually have little information about the interior spaces’ colours such as the kitchen and living room.
So, the Royal Home Painters are here to help you. By studying this guide, you will have a good perception of choosing an adequate colour based on the main influential factors.
Related Article: Painting Basement Walls: Top Tips for Long-Lasting Results
Important Note: The colours and their codes picked from Color Hex and their appearances on your screen may differ from the reality (on your walls).
First, you should know the right colour for the basement involves considering these factors:
- Dimensions (Length, width, Height)
- Amount of Natural & Artificial Light
- Existing or Planned Furniture
- Psychological Impact of Colours
Dimensions in Basement Colors:
Dimensions of the Basement are the first factors you should consider, they are crucial because they significantly influence how the space feels and functions. So, to help you understand what we mean, we broke it down into 4 main types and introduced their best colours:
1. Basements with Small Floor, Low Ceiling (Less than 3 meters ~ 10 Feet)
Theme: Minimalist or Scandinavian
Colours: Light and neutral colours like
White: Hex triplet #ffffff
Soft Gray: Hex triplet #e2e2e2
Pastels
These colours reflect light and make the space feel larger and more open
Tips:
- Use vertical lines in decor and furniture to draw the eye upward and create the illusion of height.
- Keep furniture low-profile to avoid making the ceiling feel even lower.
- Use mirrors. They reflect light and make the space feel bigger.
2. Basements with Small Floor, High Ceiling (More than 3 meters ~ 10 Feet)
Theme: Modern or Industrial
Colours:
Navy: Hex triplet #000080
Charcoal: Hex triplet #36454f
Black: Hex triplet #000000
If you need to add depth and make the space feel cozy without overwhelming, try these colours.
Tips:
- Use horizontal lines in decor to balance the height and make the space feel more cohesive.
- Tall bookshelves or vertical art pieces emphasize the height without making the space feel empty.
- Pendant lights or chandeliers draw attention to the high ceiling and add a focal point.
3. Basements with Big Floor, Low Ceiling (Less than 3 meters ~ 10 Feet)
Theme: Contemporary or Transitional
Colours:
White
Cream: Hex triplet #fffdd0
Light Blue: Hex triplet #add8e6
These above colours open up the space and make the ceiling feel higher.
Tips:
- Use light-coloured flooring to reflect light and create an airy feel.
- Avoid heavy, dark furniture that can make the space feel cramped.
- Incorporate vertical elements like tall plants or floor lamps to draw the eye upward.
4. Basements with Big Floor, High Ceiling (More than 3 meters ~ 10 Feet)
Theme: Traditional or Eclectic
Colours: You have more flexibility here. These options can add warmth and coziness to the large space.
Beige: Hex triplet #f5f5dc
Taupe: Hex triplet #483c32
Burgundy: Hex triplet #800020
Forest Green: Hex triplet #228b22
You have more flexibility here. These options can add warmth and coziness to the large space.
Tips:
- Use large, bold pieces of furniture to fill the space without making it feel empty.
- Consider two-tone walls or a darker ceiling to visually lower the height and make the space feel more intimate.
- Large artwork or tapestries break up the wall space and add visual interest.
3. Furniture in Basement Colours
Existing Furniture: Consider the colour and style of your existing furniture. If you have dark furniture, lighter walls can create a nice contrast and prevent the space from feeling too heavy. Conversely, if your furniture is light, darker walls can add a sophisticated touch.
Planned Furniture: If you’re planning to buy new furniture, think about the overall theme you want. For a modern look, neutral colours like gray or beige work well. For a more vibrant look, consider accent walls in bold colours like
Teal: Hex triplet #008080
Mustard: Hex triplet #ffdb58
4. Light in Basement Colors
The next important thing you should pay attention to is lighting. Whether natural or artificial light, it plays a main role in how colours appear, and the space feels.
Basements with Natural Lighting:
This kind of light shows colours in their true form and makes colours appear more vibrant and accurate.
1. Minimalist Theme: Natural light enhances these colours, making the space feel airy and open.
Colours:
White
Light Gray
Soft Pastel 
2. Scandinavian Theme: By considering below colours work well with natural light, create a calm and serene environment.
Soft Blue: Hex triplet #d1dff6
Soft Green: Hex triplet #bfe3b4
3. Bohemian Theme: Natural light brings out the richness of these colours, adding warmth and coziness to the space.
Terracotta: Hex triplet #e35336
Mustard
Olive Green: Hex triplet #556b2f
Basements with Artificial Lighting
Artificial light alters the appearance of colours depending on the type of bulbs used:
- Incandescent Bulbs: Give off a warm
- Yellowish Light: Make colours appear warmer
- Fluorescent Bulbs: Emit a cooler
- Bluish Light: Colours appear cooler and sometimes harsher
1. Modern Theme: Artificial lighting highlights the depth of the colours, creating a sophisticated and dramatic look.
Navy
Charcoal
Black
2. Industrial Theme: This light, especially with warm tones, enhances the raw and edgy feel of industrial themes.
Metallic
Deep Red
3. Contemporary Theme: This kind of light makes these colours appear richer and more intense.
Beige
Taupe
Soft Brown: Hex triplet #c0a891
Tips for Both Lighting Types
- Natural Light: Maximize the use of windows and reflective surfaces to enhance the brightness. Light colours and minimalistic decor can help make the most of natural light.
- Artificial Light: Use a combination of lighting types (ambient, task, and accent) to create depth and interest. Consider the colour temperature of the bulbs (warm vs. cool) to match the desired mood of the space.
Psychological Impact of Basement Colours
The last factor in this guidance is what kind of feelings you expect from the colour of your basement. Generally, colours can influence mood, behavior, and overall well-being.
1. Calming and Relaxing
Theme: Coastal or Spa
Colours:
Soft Blue
Soft Green
These colours are known to have a calming effect, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Soft blues and greens mimic the colours of the sea and sky, creating a serene environment.
2. Energizing and Stimulating
Theme: Modern or Eclectic
Colours:
Bright Yellow
Orange
Red
Bright yellows and oranges are associated with happiness and enthusiasm, while reds can increase heart rate and stimulate excitement.
3. Warm and Cozy
Theme: Rustic or Traditional
Colours:
Beige
Taupe
Brown:
Warm colours create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. They are perfect for spaces where you want to feel comfortable and relaxed, such as living rooms or bedrooms.
4. Sophisticated and Elegant
Theme: Classic or Contemporary
Colours:
Deep Purple
Navy
Charcoal Gray
Deep purples and navy blues are often associated with luxury and opulence, while charcoal greys add a modern and sleek touch.
5. Cheerful and Uplifting
Theme: Bohemian or Vintage
Colours:
Pastel Pink
Light Yellow
Mint Green
Pastel pinks and light yellows are associated with happiness and positivity, while mint greens add a fresh and lively feel.
Summary
Ultimately, the basement color you choose should resonate with you personally and your mood. Colour that makes you feel happy, relaxed, or energized will make the space more enjoyable to use.
By considering the size, light, furniture, and psychological impact of colour, you can create a basement that not only looks good but also feels good, enhancing your overall experience in the space. Good luck!!!
