Transform The Look Of Your Basement With A Gorgeous DIY Ceiling Upgrade

For many home decorators, drop ceilings are the proverbial bane of their otherwise stylish existence. The good news is there are a wide variety of options on the market today that will allow you to transform your outdated basement ceiling by replacing the standard white tiles with more elegant versions. There are robust and natural-looking options available like faux wood or metal — or if you'd like to put in a little extra creative energy you can use paint to get a truly custom look.

Standard tiles for drop ceilings generally come in either 2-foot square or 2-by-4-foot sizes, so choose the size and style that best fits your space. For example, these 2-foot square Art3d Square Drop Ceiling Tiles are available in a pack of 12 for under $60, or if your ceiling has rectangular panels, the same seller offers 2-by-4-foot versions of that product in the same quantity for a little over $100. First, remove the old tiles by lifting them out of the grid system; you may want to wear a mask for this part of the process as they can often be dusty or shed bits of material. While you're up there, you'll probably want to take the opportunity to clean the grid system. Then, simply unpack your new tiles and lift them into place. If you'd like to cover your grid system for a more polished look, try a snap-on option like this EZ-On T-bar Ceiling Grid Cover Kit.

Another option for a stunning DIY ceiling design is to paint your existing tiles. You'll start by removing and gently cleaning your tiles. Clean your grid so you have a smooth surface for painting. Then, use a brush or roller to apply a water-based primer on your tiles and allow them to dry completely. If you're planning to paint your grid system, you'll want to prime it first too.

Be sure to choose the right paint for your project. Acrylic paint may last longer and yield a more polished look, but it can damage some materials, so it's best to test it on an inconspicuous area first. Latex and spray paints will work on almost any surface (although it doesn't hurt to test them out). If you need to reduce the amount of reflection or glare on your updated ceiling, consider a matte finish. It's also worth noting that if you have acoustic ceiling tiles, you may want to rethink this project. The paint can fill in the gaps in the material that are necessary for sound dampening. 

Use your roller to lay the paint onto your tiles, and use a brush to cover the edges. Let the tiles dry completely and then apply a second coat. If necessary, use a long-handled roller to paint your grid system. Once everything is dry, you can reinstall your ceiling tiles. With the myriad eye-catching ways to decorate your ceilings, the hardest part of updating your tired, white drop ceiling will be choosing which elegant option is best suited to your space.