"Fake ivy is great, but I've had better luck with faux ferns or mossy garlands—they look more realistic under dim lighting."
Hmm, interesting point about ivy looking shiny, but have you tried dusting it lightly with matte spray paint? I did that once when I was desperate (and broke, lol), and it toned down the plastic-y sheen surprisingly well. Ferns are nice, but they always remind me of Jurassic Park for some reason...not exactly the fantasy vibe I was going for.
Also, am I the only one who actually had decent luck with foam carving? I mean, sure, my first attempt looked like a melted marshmallow castle, but after watching way too many YouTube tutorials, I managed something halfway decent. Maybe the trick is patience...or just stubbornness?
Vintage lanterns sound cool, but how heavy are they? My basement ceiling is pretty low, and I'm paranoid about knocking myself out every time I stand up from the couch. Maybe wall sconces would be safer—unless you're going for that authentic medieval concussion experience.
The matte spray paint trick is pretty clever, never thought of that. I usually just blend fake ivy with real dried vines or branches to break up the plastic look. It helps a lot with realism and adds some texture.
Foam carving is definitely doable, but yeah, patience is key. My first try looked like something you'd find in a kindergarten craft bin, but by the third attempt, it actually resembled stone walls (if you squinted a little). Using a heat gun carefully helped smooth out those rough edges and gave it a natural worn look. Just don't overdo it—foam melts fast if you're not careful.
Vintage lanterns aren't as heavy as you'd think, especially if you remove the glass inserts. I picked up a couple at a flea market, took out the glass, and swapped in battery-powered candles. Hung them with sturdy hooks and haven't concussed myself yet...but wall sconces sound safer if your ceiling's really low. Maybe some LED flicker bulbs would give you that fantasy torch vibe without the fire hazard?
Also, if you're going for a dim, cozy atmosphere, consider some sheer fabric draped loosely across the ceiling beams. I did that in my basement hangout, and it softened the space nicely—plus it hides imperfections and random pipes pretty well. Cheap and effective!
Have you thought about humidity issues with the fabric? My basement gets damp sometimes, and I'd worry about mold or mustiness creeping in. Maybe something breathable like linen or cotton would help? Also, curious how you secured the foam panels—did you use adhesive or screws? I've had mixed results with adhesives on my old plaster walls...they either stick forever or fall off randomly at 3 AM.
Humidity's definitely something to consider, especially in basements. Have you thought about treating the fabric with a mildew-resistant spray or something similar? Linen and cotton are breathable, sure, but they can still absorb moisture over time...might be worth checking into some synthetic blends that mimic natural fibers but resist mold better.
About the foam panels—I've had my share of 3 AM wake-up calls too, ha. Those adhesive strips never seem quite reliable on older walls. Did you prep the plaster beforehand? Sometimes just cleaning off dust or using a primer can help adhesives stick better. Screws might be overkill for foam, honestly, but maybe small finishing nails or upholstery tacks could work without damaging your plaster too much?
Also, curious if you've thought about ventilation at all. Are you planning to add any fans or air circulation systems down there? Could make a big difference in keeping the space fresh and reducing dampness overall.
"Did you prep the plaster beforehand? Sometimes just cleaning off dust or using a primer can help adhesives stick better."
Good point about prepping the plaster—I learned that lesson the hard way after my foam panels decided to stage a midnight rebellion. Have you considered tension rods or wires for hanging fabric instead? Might be easier on the walls and let you swap things out if you're feeling adventurous. Also, what about a small dehumidifier tucked away somewhere discreet...could save you headaches down the line.
