How to Dress Up Basement Block Walls

Paint the walls. Painting is an easy and fast remedy for your boring basement. Use paint designed for concrete to prevent problems with moisture and condensation. Paint the walls and the floor in contrasting colors for a clear delineation between the two, or paint them the same color to create a sense of warmth and enclosure. Patterns such as stripes or a marble effect can add sophistication to the lower level of your home.

Install a wall system. Wall systems are attached to the wall as a frame, usually made of fiberglass or metal, that is then covered in paintable vinyl-clad cement board. Some manufacturers have designed basement wall systems that can be covered in fabric for a softer look. The basement wall system eliminates the problems wood and drywall have with moisture and helps the homeowner prevent rotting, mold and mildew. The pieces and parts of the system, including the fabric or vinyl panels, can be easily removed if they get wet or damaged.

Paint a colorful mural directly on the block wall or add framed art along basement walls to create visual interest. Remember to use a concrete paint, not acrylic art paint, when painting directly on the block wall. Art should be framed, not tacked directly to the walls, to prevent the art from coming into contact with moisture. Murals can depict geometric shapes, a landscape or a family story. Art can be collected from professional artists, student artists or family members. Choose a theme to help shape and edit your selections.

Add a tile mosaic to the wall. The mosaic can be a width of tile that encircles the room like a chair rail, covers a whole wall or is added as a series of floor-to-ceiling panels to help visually "raise" the height of the room. Choose a favorite landscape, hobby or topic that fits the room to create a mosaic about. For example, use circus images for a kids' entertainment room or a still life for a basement guest room.