Support poles are a must-have in basements, but their basic look can take away from your room’s style. The good news is there are many inventive ways to turn these eyesores into trendy design elements.

Choose Wood Trim and Molding

Traditional wood trim and molding enhance basement poles.
Traditional wood trim and molding enhance basement poles.

Using wood trim and molding is a great way to give support poles a refined, traditional feel. I’m a big fan of using natural wood colors to bring some warmth and dimension to the room.

You might give these a try:

  • Decorative Molding Sets: Change your support poles with decorative molding sets to quickly add a touch of sophistication.
  • Natural Wood Color: Bring out the beauty of natural wood with a great color for a cozy, welcoming feel.
  • Wood Trim and Paneling: Install wood trim and paneling for an easy and stylish basement design.

Design Vertical Gardens

Vertical gardens bring a touch of nature to basement poles.
Vertical gardens bring a touch of nature to basement poles.

Bring nature inside by turning poles into vertical gardens. I created a green feature in a client’s basement, turning a pole into a display of plants.

Might be a good match:

  • Vertical Garden Kit: Turn your basement pole into a garden with this easy-to-install kit.
  • LED Plant Lights: Help plants grow in low-light areas with these energy-efficient lights.
  • Self-Watering Pots: Make sure your vertical garden stays watered with these self-watering pots.

Wrap with Carpet or Rope

Textured rope wraps add a unique look to basement poles.
Textured rope wraps add a unique look to basement poles.

Covering poles with carpet or rope adds texture and can go with many different decorating styles. A natural rope cover once gave a beachy feel to a basement I was working on.

A few choices to try:

  • Natural Fiber Rope: Add a rustic or nautical feel to your space with natural fiber rope.
  • Adhesive Carpet Pieces: Use flexible adhesive carpet pieces to bring color and warmth to your support poles.
  • Fiber Rope: Use durable fiber rope to create a warm, elegant look around poles.

Design a Gas Fireplace

A cozy gas fireplace makes good use of a basement pole.
A cozy gas fireplace makes good use of a basement pole.

Turn a pole into a cozy focal point by adding a gas fireplace. I once designed a basement where the pole became the starting point for a warm, inviting fireplace.

Useful items to consider:

  • Gas Fireplace Insert: Install a fireplace insert around your pole for instant warmth and ambiance.
  • Adjustable Fireplace Surround: Add a stylish surround around your fireplace for a charming focal point in your basement.
  • Stone Panels: Change the area around your fireplace with stone panels for a cozy, rustic feel.

Personalize with Decals and Stickers

Stickers and decals personalize and brighten up basement poles.
Stickers and decals personalize and brighten up basement poles.

Stickers and decals are a fun way to add your personal touch to poles. I once used geometric stickers to add a playful touch to a child’s playroom in the basement.

A few things you might like:

  • Wall Stickers: Brighten your basement with vibrant geometric stickers for a playful space.
  • Kids Room Stickers: Add fun themed stickers to your playroom to inspire creativity and joy.
  • Custom Art Stickers: Design your own unique space with art sticker sets for an imaginative flair.

Add Sound Systems

Sound systems are cleverly added to basement poles for an immersive experience.
Sound systems are cleverly added to basement poles for an immersive experience.

For those who love sound, adding sound systems to poles can be a stylish choice. I helped a client create a surround sound experience by putting speakers into poles.

Some handy options:

  • Wall Speakers: Upgrade your basement audio with sleek wall speakers for surround sound.
  • Audio Receiver: Easily stream music with a wireless receiver that’s great for integrating sound into your poles.
  • Speaker Mounts: Keep your speakers secure with speaker mounts for great sound and stability.

Add Storage or Shelving

Functional shelving turns basement poles into useful features.
Functional shelving turns basement poles into useful features.

Make poles more useful by adding shelving or storage. I once designed a bookcase that went around a pole, turning something necessary into something special.

Products that could assist:

  • Wrap-Around Bookshelf: Turn your pole into a great bookshelf that adds storage to your room.
  • Corner Shelves: Add stylish, corner shelves to your pole to easily meet your storage needs.
  • Pole Organizer: Make the most of your space with a pole organizer that has hooks and shelves for all your must-haves.

Highlight with Lighting Fixtures

Mood lighting fixtures enhance the atmosphere around basement poles.
Mood lighting fixtures enhance the atmosphere around basement poles.

Adding lights around the poles can make the area feel inviting and highlight certain design choices. I once used LED strip lights to give a pole a magical glow.

Explore these options:

  • LED Light Strips: Use these LED strips to light up your support poles for an attractive ambient glow.
  • Pole Light Covers: Add a stylish touch to your poles with light covers that have chic lighting built in.
  • Wall Wash Lights: Use wall wash lights to highlight your basement walls and make the space feel bigger and more inviting.

Design with Metal Accents

Metal accents give a modern, industrial touch to basement poles.
Metal accents give a modern, industrial touch to basement poles.

For a modern, industrial look, adding metal accents can be very effective. I added steel cladding to poles in a loft-style basement for a sleek, urban feel.

Items that may come in handy:

  • Steel Panels: Upgrade your basement’s style with sleek steel sheets for a modern, industrial look.
  • Metal Column Wraps: Turn plain poles into stylish accents with easy-to-install metal wraps.
  • Metal Wall Panels: Add a chic touch to your space with metal panels for a bold look.

Explore Textile Covers

Fabrics add softness and luxury to basement poles.
Fabrics add softness and luxury to basement poles.

Using fabric covers like drapes or fitted fabric can soften the look of poles. In a soft, comfortable basement, I once used velvet covers to add a touch of luxury.

Check if these fit your needs:

  • Velvet Drapes: Enhance your basement with elegant velvet drapes that add warmth and style.
  • Drape Fabric: Use velvet fabric to transform your basement poles and create a luxurious feel.
  • Velvet Pole Covers: Cover your poles with stretchable velvet covers for a refined look.

Incorporate a Natural Tree Trunk

Real tree trunks give basement poles a rustic, natural feel.
Real tree trunks give basement poles a rustic, natural feel.

For a natural touch, think about covering poles with a real tree trunk. I loved this idea when I designed a rustic cabin-themed basement that needed some outdoor charm.

Check these products out:

  • Real Tree Wrap: Bring the outdoors in with natural tree wraps for your support poles.
  • Fake Wood Pole Cover: Upgrade your space with realistic faux wood covers that are both stylish and affordable.
  • Tree Bark Panels: Easily change your support poles with adjustable tree bark panels for a natural look.

Use Geometric Shapes

Geometric designs add a modern touch to basement poles.
Geometric designs add a modern touch to basement poles.

Using geometric shapes when designing pole covers can make them more interesting to look at. I once made hexagonal covers that added a modern, artistic touch to the space.

A few relevant products:

  • Hexagonal Panels: Transform your basement with stylish hexagonal panels that add modern flair and texture.
  • Geometric Wraps: Update poles with geometric wraps for a sleek and easy-to-apply look.
  • Geometric Stencil: Get creative with a stencil kit for making unique geometric designs on pole covers.

Incorporate Custom Builds

Custom builds improve the usefulness and beauty of basement poles.
Custom builds improve the usefulness and beauty of basement poles.

Custom projects can turn poles into unique features that match your space’s style. I’ve seen poles turned into things like coat racks and plant stands, adding both usefulness and beauty.

Maybe worth checking out:

  • Decorative Wrap: Turn your pole into a stylish feature with a wrap that matches your interior design.
  • Coat Rack for Pole: Add usefulness by turning your pole into a handy and stylish coat rack.
  • Plant Stand for Pole: Add plants to your pole with a plant stand that brings greenery and charm to your space.

Upgrade with Decorative Columns

Beautiful decorative columns replace standard basement poles.
Beautiful decorative columns replace standard basement poles.

Switching out support poles for decorative columns can really change the vibe of your space, making it much more stylish. Personally, I’m drawn to the classic look of fluted designs. They bring a bit of old-world charm to a modern home.

Try these:

  • Fluted Column Covers: Give your support poles a boost with stylish fluted covers that bring in a touch of classical design.
  • Decorative Column Tops: Accessorize your columns with ornamental tops that show off timeless elegance.
  • Easy-Fit Column Wraps: Quickly and easily add stylish wraps to your poles for a polished, complete look.

Match with Furniture Placement

Furniture arrangement that includes basement poles as key features.
Furniture arrangement that includes basement poles as key features.

Carefully placing furniture around poles can help them blend into the room’s design. In one space, we used a large sectional couch to surround the pole, making it a key design element.

Consider these options:

  • Sectional Couch: Upgrade your basement’s style with a sectional couch that creates a cozy focal point.
  • Adjustable Floor Lamp: Add warmth and style by putting an adjustable floor lamp next to your sofa.
  • Decor Rug: Add texture and tie your space together with a stylish rug.

Showcase Artwork

Colorful artwork turns basement poles into statement pieces.
Colorful artwork turns basement poles into statement pieces.

Think of the pole as a spot for artwork or wall designs. I’ve found that a well-painted pole can be a great conversation piece and a focal point in any room.

A few suggestions:

  • Acrylic Paint Kit: Turn your pole into a work of art with vibrant and long-lasting acrylic paints.
  • Paint Brush Set: Use a variety of quality paint brushes designed for detailed work.
  • Clear Protective Coat: Seal your artwork with a clear coat to make sure it lasts for years.

Add Mirror Panels

Mirrored poles reflect light and create a feeling of space.
Mirrored poles reflect light and create a feeling of space.

Adding mirrors to poles can make a space feel bigger and reflect light. I used mirrors in a dark basement to help brighten and visually expand the room.

You might like:

  • Mirror Sheets: Instantly brighten your basement pole with easy-to-apply mirror sheets.
  • Wall Mirrors: Transform any pole with reflective full-length mirrors to enhance light and space.
  • Acrylic Mirror Panels: Use durable, lightweight acrylic mirror panels to upgrade your basement’s look for a modern touch.

Innovate with Painted Designs

Creative paint designs turn poles into works of art.
Creative paint designs turn poles into works of art.

A new coat of paint can turn poles into eye-catching features or help them disappear into the background. Once, I painted a pole to match a wall design, making it an important part of the artwork.

These products might help:

  • Acrylic Paint Kit: Create colorful designs with a flexible acrylic paint kit that’s great for turning poles into works of art.
  • Paint Brush Collection: Make both detailed and bold strokes with a collection of paintbrushes perfect for your wall project.
  • Wall Art Stencils: Easily use reusable stencils to add detailed designs to poles and step up your mural game.