How to Cheaply Cover Stone Basement Walls

Nail a wall hanging to the wood molding directly above the rough stone wall using a hammer and nails. A wall hanging works best when the rough stone is relatively flat. The hanging adds a new texture to the room and covers up the rough stone completely. For a utilitarian look, use a simple, flat sheet of fabric. For a more textured, classical look, use a woven tapestry or a printed cloth wall hanging. You may also use adhesive hooks to hold up your wall hanging if there is no wood molding in the basement.

Thread long drapes onto a curtain rod and then hang the curtain rod across the rough stone wall. This works best when the area of rough stone is not very wide, though it is possible to find curtain rods that are 10 feet long. This allows you to mount the covering as far from or as close to the wall as you want, and it also gives your room a stately appearance. Use heavy velvet drapes for a room with a Victorian look.

Place a decorative folding screen in front of the stone wall. This suits either flat stone walls or stone walls that protrude from their surroundings. A folding screen can also be used to hide items stored next to a rough stone wall.

Place furniture in front of the rough stone if the walls are narrow or short. For example, a tall bookcase can cover a wall that is tall and narrow, while a wide dresser or credenza can hide a rough stone wall that comes only to waist height. If you are not worried about style, place a utility shelf in front of the wall to add some storage to your basement.