I've scrolled previous subjects and not found this one addressed. Our basement is basically finished except for the ceiling. I'm thinking I might like to leave it open for the "loft" look--paint the joists one color and the subfloor another? Our walls are light gray, accent colors wine/lighter dusty rose and royal blue. I'd like to leave the metal furnace ducts unfinished, but not sure what to do with the long steel beam below the floor joists--it's that ugly primer red! Any suggestions will definitely be welcome! Thanks Shirley

It all sounds good, and there's no reason you can't paint the steel beam...maybe with all that color in the ceiling, white would be a good solution. You could box in the steel, but that's not in keeping with the feeling you wnat to achieve, so just paint it.

Thanks for the suggestion for painting the steel beam white (maybe gray since that's my basic neutral). The other colors I mentioned as accents are actually in window treatments (this is a walkout with lots of windows and a french patio door. I totally didn't want to go the ceiling tile route, even with the ceiling hugging kind--something different, hence the "loft" look!

Did you ever finish your basement?? If you did send or post some pictures. I want to paint my ceiling grey or black but I want to see how it looks. Thanks

Mark off the beam to match the changing color areas and paint it the colors in the ceiling . If one area above this beam is painted blue then paint that part of the beam blue and it will blend right in.

I am also interested in anyone who has painted the basement ceiling either black or white(cream). Would love to see photos as I am considering the same. Ceiling height is 7.5'. Thanks

No pictures but here is what we have done in teh past.

We have painted the ceiling black then took white lattice panels as sold at the big box stores and fastened them to the ceiling. The white panels brightend up the room while the black wood being covered hid all the wires and stuff.
If you try to paint with white, your going to use a LOT of paint. White does not cover very well and with all the pipes, wire and greasy dirty stuff between the beams you will end up having stains that do not look very attractive.