13 Creative Ideas to Decorate Basement Poles
Basement poles are a necessary evil. They are necessary because they support the ceiling above and the floor around them.
They are evil because they are ugly.
However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t decorate them. Here are some creative ideas to decorate basement poles.
1. Add a Coat of Paint
One of the easiest ways to decorate basement poles is to add a coat of paint.
You can paint the poles to blend in with the rest of your basement or use them as a way to add a pop of color to the space.
Painting the poles a bright, bold color can help to draw the eye away from them and create a focal point in your basement.
You can also use paint to create a fun pattern on the poles, such as stripes or polka dots.
If you’re feeling really creative, you can even use paint to turn your basement poles into something else entirely.
For example, you could paint the poles to look like giant lollipops or turn them into a forest of trees.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to painting your basement poles, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
2. Install Mosaic Tiles
If you love color and texture, mosaic tiles might be the perfect way to add both to your basement poles.
You can use mosaic tiles to create a pattern, or you can install them in a more random design.
No matter how you choose to install the tiles, you can customize the look by choosing tiles in your favorite colors.
You can even find tiles with patterns already on them, like the ones used in this project.
Pro Tip: If you’re working with a budget, consider using a mix of mosaic tiles and paint to create a similar look.
Paint the poles and then add a few rows of mosaic tiles to the top and bottom of the painted section.
3. Cover With a Cityscape or Landscape
If you have a favorite city or landscape, consider covering your basement poles with a mural of it.
This is a fun way to incorporate a pop of color and pattern into your space.
You can even create your own mural by painting it on or using a projector to transfer the image.
If you’re not artistically inclined, you can also buy a mural online and have it custom-sized to fit your poles.
4. Create a Custom Art Mural
If you have an artistic hand, you can create a custom art mural to cover the entire basement pole.
This is a great way to personalize your basement and add a pop of color.
You can also choose a mural that reflects the theme of your basement.
For example, if your basement is a movie theater, you could create a mural of a film reel.
If you’re not an artist, you can hire one to create a custom mural for you.
Or, you can purchase a mural from an artist and have it printed on canvas or vinyl to cover the basement pole.
5. Wrap With Rope or Twine
Rope and twine are other materials you can use to add texture and interest to your basement poles.
You can wrap the poles with one type of material or combine them for a fun look.
In the room featured here, the designer wrapped the poles with sisal rope to add a beachy, nautical touch to the space.
The rope-wrapped poles look great with the rest of the room’s coastal decor and add warmth to the cool blue and white color palette.
6. Use Washi Tape for a Quick and Temporary Fix
If you’re renting or don’t want to commit to a long-term design, washi tape is a great way to add some color and pattern to your basement poles without making any permanent changes.
This colorful basement playroom uses washi tape to create a rainbow pattern on the poles, adding a touch of whimsy to the space.
And when you’re ready for a change, you can easily remove the tape and try a new design!
7. Apply Patterned Vinyl
Vinyl isn’t just for the walls and floors. It’s also a great way to add a pop of color and pattern to your basement poles.
Here, the designer used a gold and white patterned vinyl to create a fun, modern look.
The poles are the perfect place to apply the vinyl because they’re hidden away in the basement, so you can take a design risk without worrying about it clashing with the rest of your home.
8. Use Fabric to Create a Custom Column
If you want to create a custom look with fabric, you can do that as well.
This is a great option if you have a specific look you want to achieve, or if you want to match your basement pole to your curtains.
To create a custom look with fabric, you’ll need to start by cutting the fabric to fit the pole.
Then, you’ll need to use a spray adhesive to attach the fabric to the pole.
If you want to add a more formal look, you can use ribbon to cover the edges of the fabric.
This is a great way to add a pop of color to your basement poles, and it’s a very affordable option as well.
9. Add a Base and Crown Molding
The easiest way to give your poles a more finished look is to add a base and crown molding.
You can add one or both, depending on the style you’re going for.
To add base molding, you’ll want to measure the length around the bottom of the pole and cut your molding to that length.
Then, secure it with a nail gun.
For crown molding, you’ll want to measure the length around the top of the pole and cut your molding to that length.
Then, secure it with a nail gun.
You can add one piece of molding to each pole, or you can layer two or three pieces of molding to create a more detailed look.
10. Cover With Pallet Wood
Pallet wood is a popular option for creating rustic and unique home decor.
If you have a few basement poles to cover, consider using pallet wood to create a shiplap look.
You can attach the wood directly to the poles, or you can create a frame to attach to the poles.
Use different colors of stain or paint to create a custom look that fits your home’s decor.
11. Create a Column Pedestal
If you are a fan of the classic look, you may want to consider creating a column pedestal around your basement support poles.
This look is simple and elegant and can be customized to fit any style.
To create a column pedestal, you will need to frame out the area around your pole and add a baseboard and crown molding to the top and bottom of the column.
You can then paint or stain the column to match the rest of the room and add a decorative capital to the top to complete the look.
12. Install a Column Wrap
Column wraps are one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to disguise basement poles.
They come in a variety of materials and styles, so you can choose one that complements the look of your basement.
Wood column wraps are a popular choice since they can be stained or painted to match your existing trim.
They can also be carved or routed to create custom designs.
If you prefer a more decorative look, you can choose a column wrap with a fluted or paneled design.
These styles are typically made from PVC or fiberglass, and they can be installed over your existing poles with construction adhesive.
For a more modern look, consider a metal column wrap.
These sleek covers can be installed over your existing poles with a few screws, and they come in a variety of finishes, such as stainless steel, brushed aluminum, and powder-coated colors.
13. Turn Your Basement Poles Into a Bookshelf
If you have a small basement, you might not have enough room to add a library.
However, you can still incorporate a bookshelf into your basement design by attaching it to your poles.
This is a great way to add a pop of color to your basement design and show off your favorite books.
You can also use the bookshelf to display other decorative items, like picture frames, candles, or plants.
Conclusion
Decorative basement poles are a great way to improve the look of your basement and add a little personality to it. With the right materials and a little creativity, you can turn your support beams into a beautiful focal point for your basement living space.