• Small windows make lighting a basement challenging.soupirail 1 image by Nathalie P from Fotolia.com
  
  Small basements pose distinct design challenges, including low ceilings, support beams throughout the interior, little natural light or tight corners. Paints, finishes and lighting can help make the space feel larger. Maximize the tight floor plan by investing in pieces that offer small space solutions and serve multiple functions.
  
  

Paints and Finishes

• Abandon the four white walls. Many people want to keep small spaces light and neutral to make them feel open, but you can accomplish a similar task with more style by using a new neutral. A cool tone such as cream with blue undertones, lavender, steel blue, gray, moss green, periwinkle or turquoise makes walls appear to recede. Stick with a lighter hue on the ceiling, and use a semi-gloss or satin finish to reflect light. An accent wall can go bolder with a saturated color or with a wallpaper mural of a nature scene, which makes the space feel more open. For a more subdued effect, add trim to basement walls with stencils or wall decals.
  
  

Furniture

• Select furnishings that suit the functions of your small basement. Lounge-style seating may predominate the floor plan or you may want to set aside a corner as a guest room or a play area. Tri-fold screens or tall, well-anchored bookshelves can serve as room dividers. A loft-style bed features a desk or storage area underneath, while a pair of storage ottomans may take the place of a coffee table while providing hidden storage. Keep furniture frames simple, with low profiles, angular design and light wood or reflective metal tones.
  
  

Accessories

• Emphasize functional accessories in a small interior. Distribute lighting throughout the small basement, especially if you need to compensate for low natural light. Table lamps, floor lamps, wall sconces and pendant lights provide accent and task lighting, while recessed and track lighting keep your lighting scheme streamlined and minimalist. Outfit a small corner with a floating shelf to showcase a lamp or a collection. Utilize negative spaces such as narrow strips of wall beneath windows or stairwells by lining them with a long, low cabinet or stowing lidded baskets underneath.