Decorating To Lighten Dark Paneled Room

Sarah Elliott

Basements are oftentimes one of the most underused and under-appreciated rooms in the house. Sure, it's most commonly used as a scary storage area full of Christmas decor and boxes of who-knows-what, but with a little TLC, you can turn your basement into a kids' play room, a media room, a yoga studio, a laundry room, and so much more! These finished basement ideas will inspire you to redesign your basement into a room that you actually want to spend time in.

While you might be thinking, "Oh gosh, another renovation project?" We promise, your basement won't need as much attention as your kitchen or bathroom. A fresh coat of paint goes a long way (as do these basement flooring options if you're feeling really ambitious). When it comes to picking out a paint color, you can stick to one of the best neutral paint colors, or use your basement to test out bolder hues you've always wanted to try. For basements on the smaller side, these paint colors for small spaces will make your basement feel larger than life. And before you break out the brushes, be sure to check out our ultimate guide on how to paint a room.

1 Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore

This bright white is a designer favorite for a reason! A coat of Chantilly Lace will give your basement that all-white look with a little extra warmth.

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2 Indigo Batik by Sherwin-Williams

Are you planning on turning your basement into a mini movie theater? A deep navy blue like Indigo Batik can help set the scene.

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3 Whitewash Oak by Behr

You can't go wrong with a classic gray. Whitewash Oak is a worry-free shade that you can count on to complement your furniture and decor—no matter the style.

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4 Strawberry Freeze by Benjamin Moore

Turn your basement into the ultimate space for a girls' getaway! Strawberry Pink strikes the perfect balance of fresh and feminine.

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5 Perennial Green by Behr

Looking to spruce up the basement of your cabin in the woods? Perennial Green will make the room seamlessly blend in with the environment outside.

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6 Marshmallow by Sherwin-Williams

Another designer favorite, Marshmallow is the perfect creamy white for a farmhouse basement. Try it on shiplap, beadboard, or wall paneling.

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7 Drip by Behr

Create a calming, spa-like basement with a light blue color like Drip. You'll instantly be transported into tranquility.

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8 Lemon Drops by Benjamin Moore

There's nothing brighter than a fresh coat of yellow paint! Lemon Drops will add a sunny disposition without overwhelming your space.

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9 Splashy by Sherwin-Williams

Itching to try out a bold paint color without too much risk? Basements are a great place to test out a statement color like Splashy.

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10 Whip Lash by Behr

Red is often a hard color to master when it comes to interiors, but a subdued shade like Whip Lash will help your space seem warm without feeling too fiery.

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Carmen Collins Carmen Collins is the style editor at Country Living, where she covers home decorating ideas and produces e-commerce shopping guides.

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