You’ve probably all reached a stage in your life where you need to make the most of every inch. Adding extra space for a growing family is expensive and can take a lot of time. Basement rooms are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners. They offer the opportunity to utilize underutilized space and also save money.
Basement rooms are versatile and can be used for many purposes, including bedrooms, home offices, entertainment centers or even as spare bedrooms. They are also a great place to host extra guests, without having to build a spare room. You can work or hang out with your friends in the basement. If you plan well, turning your basement into a living space can add value to your house and give your family more room.
Basement Room DIY Projects
Take on fun DIY projects to spruce your basement. You can transform your basement into a stylish and unique space by using a variety of DIY projects.
Below are some tips for making your basement the best it can be:
- Custom Shelf: Be creative when it comes to storage. Use old furniture or containers to make custom shelving. It’s stylish and functional!
- Handmade textiles: Bring a touch of handmade to your home with quilts or wall hangings. You can sew together pieces, create patterns or choose something more complex like needlepoint. With a minimum of materials and effort, you can make something unique for your basement.
- Repurposing and Upcycling: There are opportunities everywhere, including thrift stores and online marketplaces. You can make something new out of what you already have. A chair, an older door or even kitchen items can become furniture that will enhance any space.
Basement Decor Ideas
Let your imagination run wild when decorating the basement. Choose a palette of colours and textures which reflect your style and taste.
We’ve compiled some tips and ideas to help you make your basement feel special.
Accessories for creating a cozy space
Select the appropriate accessories for a cozy atmosphere in your basement. Think about introducing pillows, throws and blankets in the same colour as your scheme. Hang tapestries, rugs and wall art to create a dramatic look.
Colour palettes, textures and new colours
Consider using colours that are eye-catching to add visual interest. Think about warm grays, deep purples, smoky shades, greiges and smoky colors that will create an inviting atmosphere for the basement. Consider tactile fabrics like velvet, linen, or cotton to add texture while not competing with the other elements of design.
Themes, artwork and lighting
Incorporate artworks that inspire you into the basement, such as prints or paintings. You could also include other items of creativity like sculptures and ceramics. You should also use task and overhead lighting such as lamps or small lights near desks or seating areas to provide comfortable illumination while working or relaxing. Think of creative ways to express your personality through thematic elements like wallpaper or statement features on the wall.
Clean Basement Rooms
It’s a feeling we all know: dreading cleaning a room that is rarely used. With a few simple tips, you can make it easier than ever! We’ll look at some ways you can keep your basement ready for use and in top shape.
Keep your space healthy with these solutions
Indoor air quality comes first. Open windows and use fans to ventilate when possible. Use natural cleaners that don’t have chemicals which will reduce the air quality.
Care for Various Fabrics & Materials
When cleaning fabrics and upholstery, you should take extra care. Furniture made from leather requires a different cleaning method than furniture made from velvet. Fabrics also require specialized products to clean them safely and without damaging the material.
Clean and maintain your home regularly
Regular maintenance will keep your basement looking great! Don’t forget about dusting surfaces and furniture to keep them free of allergens. Vacuuming carpets will also help you remove dirt from the floors.
Choose furniture for basement rooms
Furniture selection is key to creating the ideal basement space. Your choices can make or break your enjoyment of your room.
Look for pieces of furniture that are comfortable, versatile and can serve multiple functions. Seating, storage, and tables can be combined to create an inviting and functional layout.
These are some ideas that will get you going:
- Multipurpose seating is a great idea. Think of convertible sofas and futons, which can be used as additional sleeping areas when necessary. These pieces are versatile and can be used for multiple purposes in your basement.
- Store more items in a smaller space with built-in shelving or cabinets. This will help keep the clutter away from flat surfaces and make a room more inviting.
- Furniture: tables and chairs are essential pieces of furniture for your basement. If ceiling height is a concern, consider something that has a low profile. Armless chairs or not, they add warmth to a room.
Furniture carefully chosen will make the basement a place where family and friends can relax, especially in areas with little or no natural light.
Basement Appliances
Your basement can be transformed from an area of grey storage to one that is a popular part of your house by the appliances you select. Basements can be used for a variety of purposes.
Refrigerator
Basements are a perfect place to install a refrigerator. Keep snacks and beverages close at hand without having to go upstairs. This allows you to prepare meals quickly and store extra food.
Dishwasher
If you want to avoid wasting time carrying dishes from the kitchen and basement, a small countertop dishwasher will be essential. A small kitchen can be cluttered by powerful words, which makes a countertop dishwasher more useful in the lower level.
Washer/Dryer
Addition of a washer/dryer to your basement provides unmatched convenience, as well as additional space for storage. Remember that basements have higher levels of humidity than any other part of the house, so you should choose a unit with humidity control.
Organizing Your Basement Room
It is important to organize a basement to make it a comfortable and pleasant place for entertaining or relaxing. These tips will allow you to make the best use of your basement space.
Smart Storage Solutions
Furniture that has built-in drawers or shelves, like ottomans and benches, can be used to create extra storage. An organized basement looks much better than one that is cluttered. Try to make the most of your space by using innovative storage options like wall shelves, floating shelves and bookshelves.
Maximizing Space for Relaxation & Entertainment
When setting up a subbasement to relax and entertain, consider multipurpose pieces of furniture. If you are limited on space in your recreation area, an ottoman with a storage compartment that opens up can come in handy. Or, you can use a sectional modular if the room is designated for watching movies or gaming.
Keep Your Basement Organised
Keep things organized and tucked away when you are not using them. This will help to create a beautiful finished basement! Open shelving is popular because it makes items easily accessible. If you choose this option, make sure to declutter your shelves regularly. Label the bins of plastic with labels that tell you what is inside. This will make it easy to find everything!
Basement Renovations
Basement room renovations can be done in many ways. With a modest budget, home owners can still make improvements to their homes that are functional and comfortable.
Enhancing Basement Features
An old basement can be brought back to life with a fresh coat of paint. Wall sconces or lighting can be used to draw attention from unattractive features such as exposed pipes and ducting, while creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere. A simple addition such as an area rug, or painting a mural on the ceiling can add appeal and help break the monotony created by plain drop ceilings or wall panels.
The Best Projects for Comfort and Practicality
Bring in furniture that is comfortable and multi-purpose to balance the two. For smaller rooms, foldable furniture such as pull-out bed and expandable tables or sectional sofas with storage are perfect.
Improve Your Budget with These Easy Improvements
For those not interested in renovating the entire basement, but who still wish to benefit from an improved room, there are some inexpensive improvements that can be done. Repainting walls, updating outdated fixtures and installing energy efficient windows are all inexpensive ways to upgrade your basement.
Basement Design Ideas
You have many options when designing your basement. Consider these ideas:
Seating areas with comfortable seating
Create comfortable seating areas to maximize your basement’s space. You may have space to fit two couches, a coffee-table and other furniture depending on the shape and size of your room. A rug placed in the center of the room will brighten the space and give it a homey feel.
Setups for multipurpose rooms
Consider installing multi-purpose furniture, such as folding desks and wall mounted desks. You can then switch between them depending on the tasks you will be performing in your basement. Set up a study desk or workstation at home and then convert it to a movie or gaming station as needed.
Natural light and greenery
If your basement is naturally lit, you can incorporate it into the design of your room by installing skylights or windows that face outward. Add greenery, such as plants or herbs. They will make your room more lively and cozy.
Cost Guide for Basement Rooms
Budgeting for basement rooms requires that you consider all the costs involved in renovating or remodeling. This guide will help you estimate those costs and save on energy.
How to Estimate Renovation and Remodeling Prices
Costs for remodeling and renovating a basement range between US$6,000 and US$30,000 depending on your scope. It could be installing electrical and plumbing wiring, adding insulation, drywall or thinking of finishing the floors. To get the most affordable price, compare quotes from different contractors when estimating your renovation or remodeling project costs.
Budgeting for furniture and decor
When creating your ideal subbasement, budgeting is essential. You can find furniture that suits your budget by shopping around. Consider what seating you will need, as well as storage, accent pieces, lighting, and other accessories. Don’t overlook the little details like rugs or window treatments that can complete your look while keeping within budget.
Save on Energy and Appliances
If you are looking to save money on energy costs, choose models that use less power. Focus on buying energy-efficient appliances and investing in insulation to save on your energy costs.
Find Contractors and Companies
When searching for contractors or companies, it’s a great idea to do some research. The internet can be your friend in this case, thanks to sites such as Glassdoor, Yelp and Angie’s List. All of these sites allow you to read reviews and see ratings of different contractors, giving you an up-close-and-personal look at who you’re potentially hiring.
Find highly-rated professionals with these tips
Keep these tips in mind when searching for companies or contractors on the Internet:
- You can get a feel for their style and craftsmanship by looking at their past work or portfolio.
- It’s important to check that they are licensed, insured and bonded. This is the best way to ensure your basement will be built correctly and safely.
- Ask for references. This will help you understand how satisfied people were with the work of the contractor.
- Comparing costs is a good idea before you decide who’s going to work on your basement remodeling project.
The conclusion of the article is:
Basement rooms are a great way to enjoy a relaxing getaway without leaving your house. When planning to design a room that fits your lifestyle, you should consider its flexibility and functionality. You will love the space that you create, whether you convert a large room into smaller rooms or use natural light to illuminate it. If you are still feeling a little overwhelmed by the basement renovation process, talk to a contractor who specializes in this type of construction.
Planning and creativity are key to creating a cozy and welcoming subbasement. Use versatile furniture and natural lighting to embrace the lifestyle of a subbasement. Design multi-functional spaces, add upgrades, and use furniture that is easy to move around. You will be able to create a living area that is unique and adds comfort to your house in no time.
