Now that your basement or attic is free of clutter, you can begin the transformation. Start by looking up. If the ceiling is unfinished, it is probably dusty and dark. First, remove any dust. Using your vacuum is a great way to handle this problem.
Next, decide if you want to cover the ceiling, or if it happens to be a rather low ceiling, if you want to leave it exposed.*
Adhering Fabric
Using fabric to cover unfinished ceilings instead of applying drywall will save you a lot of time, energy, and money. In fact, canvas drop cloths work great. Purchasing drop cloths is a great way to get several yards of sturdy fabric for a reasonable price and they are available in different colors. You can also get good deals on remnants at some fabric stores. Then, just grab your staple gun, and soon you’ll be looking at a crisp, clean ceiling instead of pipes, wires, ductwork, and the underside of floorboards.
Accessible Fabric Covered Ceiling
If you want to keep wires and pipes accessible, you’ll want to hang the canvas or other fabric instead of adhering it to the ceiling. Measure the width of the space and once you know how much fabric you need for each section, measure, cut, and sew the pieces together. Make sure you measure carefully; you want the fabric to be taut, not sagging in the middle.
Next, make rod pockets on each end, by folding the ends over a couple of inches and sewing the end to the backside of the fabric. Leave the sides open, because you will need to slide a rod of some type through in order to hang the fabric. PVC is a good option. It comes in many lengths and diameters, it is inexpensive, and it is available in most hardware stores, plumbing supply shops, and home improvement centers. Just slide the PVC through the rod pocket and hang the fabric from hooks at the top of the wall. You can choose whatever style you like from the large variety of hooks and brackets. Alternatively, you can use curtain rods and brackets as well.
*Check out the article on addressing exposed ceilings.