If you want to convert your basement into a home theater or gaming entertainment space, dark colors are a great option because they reduce light reflection and enhance contrast. Dark basement colors can also add a bit of drama to a space, you’ll just want to avoid going too dark, especially if you don’t have a lot of natural or artificial lighting in that space. 

If you plan to use your basement as more of a living space or an inspiring crafting nook, a light, airy color will help to offset the lack of natural light in the space. Lighter colors will help brighten a traditionally gloomy space, making it perfect for a spare bedroom for guests or teenagers looking for a little more privacy. 

Basement colors are more than choosing a light or dark color. It’s about choosing a color with warm undertones. To find a color that fits the bill, consider light reflective value (LRV). This number tells you how much light a paint color will reflect. The higher the LRV, the more light a paint color will reflect. Since basements tend to have little natural light, you’ll need to determine if you want to use bright white lighting, cool blue lighting or warm light in your space before choosing a color.

The good thing about relying more on artificial light is that you can easily change your lighting to make a color look more appealing. For example, if you’ve chosen a color that is too cool for your basement, try switching to warmer lighting neutralize the blue undertones.