Unleash the potential of your extra square footage
Basement remodeling is a large undertaking but has major benefits once the project is complete, the biggest one being that you gain additional living space. Depending on the size of your basement and basement renovation project, there are many different ways you can use the space, whether that’s creating a guest room, playroom, home office, or entertainment hub. Think about your needs and future needs when looking through some basement remodeling ideas to find the best fit for you.
Entertain More Often
Investing in a home play space creates a hub where the family can relax and ultimately gives you an area that you can look forward to coming back to after a long day.
1. Home Theater
Take movie nights to the next level by using your basement as a home theater space. Add all the home theater essentials—a screen, sound system, seats, and snacks. If you have the space, install platforms to the basement floor to build up a second row of reclining leather seats so everyone gets a good view. Don’t forget the personal popcorn maker for the ultimate movie theater experience at home.
2. Wet Bar
Let’s face it—going out to eat and buying drinks can get expensive. Instead, create a basement bar to serve as a hub for entertaining and show off your mixology skills. A bar of any sort is key, but a wet bar is particularly valuable when it comes to entertaining as you can clean glasses and spills without leaving the party.
3. Wine Storage
Showcase your wine collection in your newly finished basement with a simple wine rack added to the walls or with a full climate-controlled cellar area if you’re a more serious hobbyist. Section off an area of your choice to store the wine in, and add a cooling unit to keep your collection at a preferred temperature range of 45 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange some leather upholstered chairs and a conversation table next to your wine rack for a place to pour a perfectly chilled glass.
4. Fireplace
What’s cozier than curling up in front of a fireplace? Basements tend to be on the cooler side so adding a fireplace provides warmth while also creating a focal point in the room. A light color gas fireplace in particular brightens up the basement.
Promote Family Time
Promote more family time by either creating a playroom, a game room, or a craft or hobby space in your basement. You’ll extend the living space in your home while setting up an area that encourages more togetherness with the ones you love.
5. Playroom
Finding a designated area for kids to play in can be a challenge, especially during winter months or on rainy days. So consider using your basement for a playroom complete with a slide, small trampoline, or rock-climbing wall (with a fold-out mat underneath it to catch any falls). Find any alcoves in the space to store toys, or create a reading nook for quiet time.
6. Game Room
Make your basement the go-to area to unwind by building a game room. Add a pool table and a dartboard, then use chalkboard paint on an accent wall to write on and keep score. Install modern pendant lighting and light-colored vinyl to make the space feel larger.
7. Craft Room
If you enjoy crafts or other hobbies, make a relaxing space in your basement where you can be inspired to pursue your interests. Add extra lighting, storage bins, and a table with enough space to sprawl out and unleash your creativity.
Add Extra Privacy
Running out of bedrooms in your home? Consider adding a basement bedroom rather than financing an expensive addition. Remember, whenever you are adding a bedroom, you will need to ensure the space is up to local building codes and has a separate fire escape.
8. Guest Room
Depending on the size of your basement, you can use the full space as a guest room or section off a portion of it. To do the latter, either add walls (which may require a permit) or get creative and use a privacy barrier. Make your guests feel at home through comfy bedding, and stash a basket of toiletries and towels down there so they have everything they need during their stay.
9. In-Law Suite
If you have family members that frequently visit or stay for an extended period of time, consider building an in-law suite in your finished basement. An in-law suite is a step up from a guest bedroom and allows your family members and visitors to spread out a bit more when they stay with you. This type of space is more like a small apartment and can be equipped with a kitchenette, a full bathroom, separate living/sleeping areas, and a wheelchair lift so they can avoid the stairs.
10. Teen Bedroom
If you have a teen that shares a room with a sibling or is simply outgrowing their current bedroom, create a teen bedroom and hangout space in your basement. Section off the basement, and design an area where they can sleep, relax, and study. Let them decorate it themselves to showcase their personal style.
11. Small Apartment
Using your basement as a small apartment has its perks. Renting out your space has financial benefits (think side hustle income) while also promoting greater resale value. Just be sure to check with your local regulations before renting out your space to ensure everything is up to legal standards.
If you don’t want to commit to being a full-time landlord, consider using your small apartment to rent out on Airbnb or VRBO for vacationers or those looking for a short-term place to stay. When you’re not using your basement as a short-term rental solution, you can invite friends and family to stay with you and enjoy the updated living area (with a separate entrance for more privacy).
Get More Done
Increase productivity in your home by using your finished basement for utility purposes. You can update your laundry room, create a home gym, or designate an area to study or work.
12. Laundry Room
While laundry isn’t the most exciting task, a beautiful, functional laundry room makes this household chore a bit less daunting. Stack your washer and dryer for extra room. Then add modern cabinetry for storage, use soft paint tones, and arrange your supplies in organized containers.
13. Home Gym
Oftentimes, the hardest part about working out is actually getting to the gym. Transform your basement into a home gym to bring the gym to you. Get a few pieces of large gym equipment, such as a treadmill, rower, and elliptical, then cover your concrete floors with rubber mats or tiles to absorb their shock and sound. Add some free weights, a mirror, and inspirational artwork to increase motivation. You could even add an indoor sauna to unwind after an intense workout.
14. Office or Study
As remote and hybrid work is continuing to increase in popularity, the need for home offices is on the rise. Use your space to design a home office with a sleek desk and white built-ins for storage. Paint the room white, and add light-colored flooring to make the space feel larger.
15. Space Under the Stairs
Looking for small basement remodel ideas? The space under your basement stairs is often overlooked, but adding drawers here maximizes your storage in an unobtrusive way. You can also turn this into a haven for your pets complete with dog or cat toys, a bed, and food and water dishes.
Create a Theme
Consider your particular interests as your basement design inspiration, and theme the room around a common motif. Decorate with keepsakes from some of your favorite things.
16. Team Tribute
If you or a family member are a sports buff, consider theming your basement around a favorite team. Frame jerseys, playing cards, or enclose autographed balls to showcase some of your favorite gear. Add in some recreational games or nets for an exciting place to watch the big game.
17. Musician’s Haven
Appeal to the musicians in your home by upgrading your basement centered on music and instruments. Store any instruments in the basement and use the space as an area to unleash your creativity. Install surround sound speakers for better acoustics. Then, decorate it by hanging vinyl records or old guitars, posters of your favorite band, or pictures you may have taken at concerts.
18. Traveler's Paradise
Are you or someone in the house a world traveler? Create a travel theme in your basement to show off your souvenirs and photos. Add extra shelving units to feature your smaller mementos.
Practical Finished Basement Ideas
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Before making any cosmetic improvements, there are certain steps to follow to ensure that your basement is safe and up to code.
19. Waterproof Everything
Is your basement waterproof? Before starting any renovations, you need to make sure it’s watertight or you risk damaging all your new stuff.
There are a few things you can do to waterproof your basement, including applying masonry sealant to existing walls, filling in cracks, adding interior drains, installing a waterproof membrane, rerouting gutters to direct rainwater away from your foundation, and even adding a sump pump. It’s best to hire a local waterproofing pro to handle these tasks, unless you’re a skilled DIYer.
20. Add Plumbing
Adding plumbing and installing a bathroom in your basement is a big job, but it can increase the value of your home—not to mention provide convenience and comfort. Remember, if you are adding a basement bar to your design, you will need to have a separate water line running to the sink.
21. Insulate the Ceiling, Walls, and Pipes
Insulation creates a more usable space by keeping the basement temperature more comfortable. Insulating the basement ceilings can keep your main floors warmer, so it’s beneficial to do this before you finish the ceiling. Insulating the walls prevents the heat from escaping outside, and insulating around pipes can protect them from freezing. Insulation can also act as a sound barrier, so it’s particularly helpful if you’re installing a home theater or music room.
22. Tweak the Electric
You may already have power in your basement, but it’s likely that you’ll have to run more electric depending on what you want to do with the space. For example, if you want a home theater, you may need to install an outlet in the ceiling for the projector to plug into. You should consider the type of lighting and the number of lights you want there, too. Don’t forget to check local regulations, as they will most likely determine the number of outlets you can have and who can install the electricity.
23. Construct a Separate Entrance
If you plan on using the basement as a bedroom, guest bedroom, or even a small apartment, you will need to add a separate exit and entrance. If your basement is partially underground, you can add a door to create a walkout basement. However, if it’s completely underground, you will need to install an egress window. An egress window is an opening that allows you to exit, in case of an emergency. Because you will be creating a hole in your basement wall, it’s important to make sure this work is done properly and up to code.
24. Reframe and Put Up Drywall
Framing the walls and ceiling in your basement is when the room begins to take shape. Reframing existing walls gives you the opportunity to adjust the layout of the basement if you want to add separate rooms or alcoves.
Adding drywall is when your basement really begins to look like a finished living space. Opt for mildew and moisture-resistant drywall panels to protect the space from dampness and humidity. Once the drywall is up, you can begin to paint and transform the space.
