8 Basement Paint Colors Interior Designers Rely on to Brighten Dark Spaces Transform this formerly drab space into your favorite room in the house. Close Credit: Cyndi Monaghan / Getty Images Basements have a reputation for low ceilings, dark corners, and subterranean vibes, which makes sense given their location. But it doesn't have to be that way. As more and more people discover the potential of these underutilized spaces, designers are finding new ways to make a finished basement feel just as inviting as the rest of the home—and much of that puzzle lies in the color of the walls. Ahead, we talked to design experts for advice on the best basement paint colors to brighten up even the dreariest of spaces. Alexandra von Gymnich-Scully, interior designer and owner of Rustic Rooster Interiors Kerrie Kelly, CEO and creative director of Kerrie Kelly Studio Meredith Huck, owner and principal designer of House of Huck 01 of 08 Light Blue Credit: BEHR Basements will never have glorious floor-to-ceiling windows ... if they even have windows at all. For rooms lacking natural light, Alexandra von Gymnich-Scully, interior designer and owner of Rustic Rooster Interiors, likes a soft blue. Behr's Watery is a cool, oceanic blue that is ideal for a dark room because it gives a calming feeling, she says. 02 of 08 Deep Red Credit: Farrow & Ball While light and bright is one route to go when it comes to basement colors, why not lean into the room's naturally moody ambeince and go dark? Deep reds, rich browns, and charcoals are becoming popular choices, perfect for a speakeasy feel or especially for media room basements, says Kerrie Kelly, CEO and creative director of Kerrie Kelly Studio. One of her top choices for a jewel-tone red for basements is Sherwin-Williams’ Red Bay. The hue is rich and romantic; meanwhile, Farrow & Ball's Incarnadine is a similarly rich red that will proffer the same depth and mood. 03 of 08 Cool White Credit: Heidi Harris Another choice for spaces that lack light, white may be an obvious option. But there is a whole spectrum of whites to choose from; but where do you start? Consider Benjamin Moore’s Super White. “It makes the space look larger and brightens the room up,” says von Gymnich-Scully. “It’s perfect for a basement that has low ceilings and a lot of ceiling angles.” 04 of 08 Navy Blue Credit: James Merrell One of the beauties of a wallpapered closet or jewel-box bathroom is the surprise factor. Basements can get in on that wow moment, too, by using an unexpected color that pops with contrast. “Consider adding darker accents or feature walls for depth and contrast,” says Meredith Huck, owner and principal designer of House of Huck. Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy HC-154 is a great choice. The timeless shade tandems well with whites, grays, beige, and tan, adding a classic maritime touch, says Huck. 05 of 08 Light Greige Credit: onurdongel / Getty Images This portmanteau blend of beige and gray is a modern favorite, but it's easy to lean too warm or cool. But fear not, Benjamin Moore’s Natural Cream to the rescue. “It’s a very neutral color,” says von Gymnich-Scully. “It can be cream, it can be tan, and it also can come off as a shade of mushroom." 06 of 08 Muted Green Credit: Getty Images All things green is the trend du jour—and using a soft shade of the hue is a winner for the basement. Sherwin-Williams’ Sea Salt is a favorite of Kelly's, who suggests pairing the color with decorative elements that add texture and warmth—think plush area rugs, cozy seating options, and layered lighting. 07 of 08 Soft Gray Credit: Cyndi Monaghan / Getty Images Soft gray is a gorgeous neutral and is one of those shades that is somehow modern and traditional at once—and it plays perfectly in the basement. Benjamin Moore’s Oystershell is one of von Gymnich-Scully’s tried and true favorites for these spaces. The gray hue with subtle blue undertones is cool, lightening, and brightening. “It’s nice on walls with low ceilings,” says von Gymnich-Scully. And this hue is a flexible one, working gorgeously with moody tones, other neutrals, and blues to blushes. Also, note how going monochromatic two-tone—darker on the bottom and lighter on the top—can lift the room in appearance. 15 Basement Bar Ideas That Will Make This Your Go-To Entertaining Spot 08 of 08 Off-White Credit: Meredith Huck While all-white everything has been de rigeur for a while now, white remains a neutral workhorse that can solve many a problem. For an inviting white that doesn't feel sterile, consider an off-white like Sherwin Williams’ Pure White, says Huck. Its warm undertone serves up a more calming feel than a stark white and looks beautifully cozy in warm light. Explore more: Home Home Design & Decor Interior Paint Colors & Palettes