Top 5 Basement Decorating Ideas

The basement is one of the most underused spaces in many homes. For a variety of reasons, many homeowners simply forget about the added benefits that finishing their lower-level could bring. However, with a little thoughtful planning, you could transform your basement into a space that expands your home’s usable square footage and gives you a new place to relax and recharge.

The possibilities are truly endless and only defined by your imagination. Check out some of these popular basement transformation ideas to get your creativity started.

1. Game Room

The idea of a game room isn’t novel, but the types of games you include in your basement space can be anything your family loves. For instance, try adding a pool table, table tennis table or even vintage arcade games to liven up your super game room. Be sure to have plenty of places to crash, too, such as comfy sofas and chairs. Oh, and don’t forget that every game room deserves to have an HD television that’s out-of-this-world!

2. Man Cave

The word “cave” may suggest a place where light is sparse and dankness reigns, but your man cave can be as airy, light and inviting as you want! The addition of a wet bar or even a full-service kitchenette could change the way you think about your lower level completely. Why head upstairs for beverages and snacks when they’re right at your fingertips? Don’t forget that your man cave should reflect the preferred pastimes of the homeowners — both male and female — such as hunting, boating, athletics and more.

3. Guest Bedroom

Think that your guest bedroom or in-law quarters have to be on the top floors of your house? Think again. The basement can be the perfect place for people visiting or for relatives living with you for extended periods of time. Work with a semi-custom builder or remodeler to design a space that includes necessary amenities and top-notch features — not to mention stays dry and comfortable every season. You might be surprised at how easy it is for a knowledgeable designer to change the layout of your modestly sized basement to include a bedroom, sitting area, and full bathroom.

4. Teen Paradise

What teenager doesn’t crave a place to call his or her own? If you’re looking ahead to the teen years and you want to create a haven for the teens in your life, consider making the basement more of a young person’s getaway than anything else. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to engage with your teen and make the process completely rewarding on all levels.

Plus, you can always revert the teen “cave” to a bedroom or other living space when your teen leaves the nest for college.

5. Home Gym

Having difficulty making it to the gym for your workouts? Feel like you just don’t have the drive at night to make it to the health club? Bring the equipment to you and you’ll never have an excuse not to stay in shape. Be sure you have the proper amenities and exceptional lighting, as well as top-line treadmills, weights, nautilus machines and more.

You’ll also want to pay attention to the type of flooring you choose for your home gym, as you want to have a surface that’s good for both human feet and heavier pieces of athletic equipment.

Getting some new ideas for an old basement space is always a fun experience, and these five thoughts are just some of the many ways you can make your basement a beacon of comfort. The goal is to think about what you wish you had in your home and turn the dream into a reality. The opportunities are almost limitless!