35 Basement Ideas to Transform Your Space

Basements aren't always the first spaces that come to mind when considering comfortable, luxurious rooms in our homes. They often end up as gloomy, dark storage spaces under the house that aren't very inviting. But they don't have to be.
Finishing your basement and turning it into a livable area can be beneficial for many reasons.

Not only are you adding space to your home's square footage, but you're also adding equity to your home. A finished basement will appeal to future home buyers, when you decide to sell your home. In this post, we look at different options to make your basement a place you'll love to hang out in.

Turn  your basement into a livable space

Before finishing your basement, look for inspiration to help you come up with decorating ideas. Home improvement shows, YouTube and social media sites are a great place to start, and you can also find basement inspiration from our users.

As always, do your research. Check whether you'll need permits before starting any work, especially when it comes to electrical and plumbing. Your municipality might also have specific regulations regarding home renovations that you'd have to factor into the project. Hiring a professional contractor to assist you with the paperwork can make the project easier and faster.

Check for any hazards in the basement, including mold and mildew issues, insulation (or lack thereof) and dampness. Make sure you fix these issues before starting work to avoid future problems.

Then, it's time to start planning. Think about the function of your room, the layout and the furniture. Making these decisions before you begin will make your project smoother and help you avoid potential pitfalls. Once you've planned your room, it's time to put in the basics.

Insulate your basement walls

Insulating the walls and floors in your basement is essential for creating a comfortable and safe space. No matter what you plan to do with your basement, these are the first two things you should focus on. You might need a permit if you are building new walls or changing the plumbing or wiring in the basement.

As mentioned above, ensure your basement isn't damp before installing flooring and drywall. Consider hiring a professional contractor if you're unsure how to do it yourself.

Basement flooring

The basement floor is just as important as the walls. As dampness can seep in from the outside, you must think carefully about the type of flooring you choose. Properly level and insulate the subflooring before putting down your selected flooring type. This step will prevent the moisture from penetrating it.

In general, engineered wood works better, as it's more durable and less likely to get damaged. You can also consider installing a carpet, however, if your basement ever gets flooded, you'll have to replace it, which could be costly. Ceramic tiles are great for a kitchen, while vinyl might work better in a home gym. If you're keen on an industrial look and don't mind the cold feel of concrete, leave the floor alone and paint it the color you like.

Best colors for your basement

The right colors can significantly affect any room, and it's even more important in a basement. If your space receives little natural light, you'll need to make up for it as much as possible. That means using light, neutral colors to brighten up the room.

Opt for an off-white rather than pure white so it doesn't look cold and artificial. However, don't eliminate color entirely. Use your favorite statement color as an accent wall or incorporate it into furniture and accessories. This way, you can enjoy the colors you love without overwhelming the room.

Easy ways to light up a basement

Lighting should be an essential consideration when renovating a basement. If your space doesn't get a lot of natural light, incorporate lamps and other lighting solutions, like potlights, to make your basement brighter and more welcoming.

Placement matters. Make sure that every corner is well-lit. You can achieve that with ceiling lights combined with table lamps or sconces. Incorporating several lighting options can also make the ceiling seem higher, making your basement feel larger.

When it comes to lighting, choose warm light bulbs to imitate the warmth of sunlight and create a cozy feeling. Another way to achieve a pleasant atmosphere is by installing a dimmer. You can adjust the brightness of the light depending on the situation. For example, dim the lights for a romantic dinner or brighten them for a game night.

Lighting can also work as decoration if you don't have much space. Pendant lamps can add decorative fun to your basement. Draw attention to decor, such as vases or trophies, by displaying them in an alcove or a cabinet under a spotlight.

Small basement ideas

Do you have a small basement and don't know what to do with it? That's when careful planning comes into place. That way, you can account for every inch of space before you do any work.

There are many ways to maximize space in your small basement. Consider creating storage under the stairs to add functionality and take advantage of awkward places that would otherwise be left unused.

Try to decorate in a way that feels as open as possible. Save floor space by installing floating cabinets and making use of the walls. Dramatic floor-to-ceiling lines trick the eye into thinking it's in a more expansive area. Again, create as much light as possible to avoid that dingy, cramped feeling.

Basement with small windows

Even with small windows, natural light can be hard to come by in a basement. The solution is to focus on lighting in your space and make it feel like you're outside. There are lots of creative ideas out there, including using mirrors to accentuate what light you do have. You could even install a fake window that makes you forget you're underground. Frame your little window with slightly longer curtains to make it seem larger.

Low-ceiling basement

Does your basement have a low ceiling? The best solution is to raise it, especially if you have a drop ceiling, and drywall it for added room. However, if you can't change the room's height, you can still make it feel higher with some clever solutions.

Like in a small basement, you can create long lines from floor to ceiling to create an illusion of space. Furniture with a lower seat can also make the room seem higher, especially when sitting down.

A low ceiling does not have to mean a dingy space. One of the most powerful ways to alleviate the darkness is by opening the room by adding French doors or large windows. Remember, uplighting your area also creates the illusion of a higher ceiling.

Different room solutions for your basement

Deciding on the function of the basement will help you determine the best way to finish it. While not all rooms might be suited to a basement, you can narrow down the option based on your needs, budget and space. Here are some suggestions for setting up rooms in your basement.

Guest room

Basements are a great solution for creating extra sleeping space. A guest bedroom can be an excellent option for creating space for guests or relatives who might come to visit. Placing it in the basement also allows your guests more privacy and quiet.

When creating a guest room in the basement, ensure you adhere to any building regulations, especially regarding the egress window requirements in your country or state.

Make your guest room feel as homey and cozy as possible by choosing a neutral color scheme, warm blankets and soft bedding. Ensuring your guest room is well-ventilated and insulated is also extra important. That way, it won't get too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter, even when not in use.

Living room

Locating your living room in the basement is an excuse for your imagination to go wild. Create an enjoyable space your whole family can use for socializing and family activities. Make movie nights extra special with large, comfortable couches and a big screen.

If you've opted for a neutral color palette, you can add some color and fun with cushions, rugs and art to add your personality and flair. Don't be afraid to experiment with color - your basement living room can be a great opportunity to try out new paint or wallpaper you've been too scared to use in the main area of your house.

Kitchen and dining room

If you have a large basement space, consider transforming it into a combined kitchen and dining room space. This solution can work exceptionally well if you host large family gatherings and celebrations.

Design your basement kitchen as an open plan to allow as much light to pass through as possible. Install a kitchen island that can be used for prep and additional seating space, if needed. You can also add a lounge area to enjoy drinks and socialize with friends.

Always follow local zoning and bylaw regulations to ensure your kitchen and dining space are up to code. Your basement kitchen should be adequately ventilated and connected to electrical and plumbing.

Home office

The basement can be an excellent place for a home office as it's away from the distractions of the rest of the house. Choose an ergonomic desk and chair to ensure you're comfortable while working and incorporate light to avoid eye strain. Invest in a good quality desk lamp, especially if you plan on reading and working on your computer for a long time.

Keeping the space free from clutter helps eliminate distractions and makes it feel less cramped. Incorporate different storage solutions and ensure there is no dampness in the basement - the last thing you want is to return to a musty workspace.

Dampness doesn't just affect paperwork but also your health. If you're going to work from home regularly, make sure this is a space you're happy to be in for an extended time. You should have plenty of fresh air and have comfortable, supportive seating.

Create a walkout basement

Creating an outside door in your basement is a great way to add light and functionality to your home. A walkout basement connects to an outdoor ground-level space, making it easy to enjoy your indoor and outdoor space. Huge windows can also make the whole room seem delightfully airy.

A walkout from your home to your garden is a great way to make a seamless transition between both spaces. However, make sure that adding sliding doors or large windows doesn't interfere with your home's structural integrity.

Hobby room

If you're unsure how to best utilize your basement, consider creating a space for your hobbies. Devote space to shelving so you can keep all the necessary equipment and make it easy to access. Have a comfortable space to sit so that you can enjoy yourself. Display your artwork or collectibles to remind you of your passion and keep you inspired.

Media room

The basement is a great place to watch movies and listen to music. Hang a screen on your wall, and it'll be like having the big screen in the privacy of your own home. Surround sound completes the atmosphere, but remember to soundproof your room so you don't bother your neighbors. Finally, decorate with your favorite album covers and movie posters.

Games room

Add extra entertainmen space by turning your basement into a games room. This can include a pool table, video game consoles or board games. Make sure to provide adequate storage for all your games when not in use to avoid clutter.

Bar/wine cellar

If you turn your basement into a wine cellar, keep the room at the optimum temperature to look after your wine. You'll need excellent storage to show off your wine collection - look for items that allow you to view your collection. For example, invest in a good wine rack and a transparent fridge to keep your wine fresh.

If you prefer staying in to going out, turn your dreary basement into a cool bar. Choose a good-quality countertop and comfortable seating.

Whether you choose a bar or a wine cellar, a walkout basement is a great option. Stay cozy on a rainy day and go outside to sip wine in the garden when it's sunny. You'll feel you're on holiday in your own home.

Home gym

Another great way to utilize your basement is with a home gym. This solution can save you money on a monthly membership and travel time. Think carefully about the space before committing - is there room to stretch and move around freely without getting cramped?

Decide where you will place your equipment so that you won't be walking into low-hanging bars or tripping over wires. Also, consider where you will store loose items such as weights and exercise balls when not in use.

Your choice of flooring also matters, so make sure you use a non-slip surface or install shock-absorbing rubber mats. This will keep you safe when working out, which means you're less likely to slip or lose your balance. Make sure you ventilate the room well and adjust heating and cooling as you work out.

Kids' playroom

The basement offers an opportunity to create a designated area for kids to do messy arts and crafts without getting glue and paint all over the house. If you have a walkout basement, your kids can also enjoy the great outdoors. You can also set up a mudroom for storing muddy boots and washing grubby hands.

Conclusion

Remember, the challenge of decorating a basement comes down to making sure enough light gets in. Ceiling-mounted lighting or pendant lamps are a great way to create a bright space and functional beauty.

Try to make the most of your windows, and if you can enlarge them, go for it. Otherwise, design your room layout that maximizes the light. Using reflective surfaces and mirrors can also give you extra light and make your space feel less cramped.

Use decorating as a way to overcome the challenges that a basement presents. Vertical lines increase the distance between the ceiling and the floor. Light tones brighten up the space and make you feel like you're above ground.

Your basement is not just a room under your house - it has the potential to change your whole home. While it can be very challenging to renovate, the results will be worth it. Use the tips above and build a space that gives you joy.