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Decorating ideas for basement bedrooms


10 basement bedroom ideas that you would never know are underground

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On the hunt for basement bedroom ideas? Let's be honest, they aren't always the easiest of spaces to design or decorate. Basements do get a bit of a bad rap and it's assumed that they lack natural light, have low ceilings and feel a bit... gloomy. BUT, we've found 10 gorgeous basement rooms that will prove that they can in fact be gorgeous, light, inviting spaces that really don't feel like you are actually underground.

We've got plenty of tips you make your underground bedrooms feel bigger, taller, lighter and just all round more lovely. So just keep on scrolling to get inspired...

1. Plan your lighting as the first step 

(Image credit: Interior Fox)

What usually takes a basement from a glorified storage space to a lovely cozy bedroom you'd actually not be terrified to sleep in is lighting. Whether that is natural or artificial, you need to make sure there is plenty of it. 

If you are lucky enough to have windows in your basement, chances are they will be positioned at the top of the room, not ideal for bringing in lots of light. However, you can maximise it by keeping the space around the windows as clear as possible, and pick light and floaty window treatments – a mix of blackout roller blinds and a nice voile curtain would be our top pick.

'Given the same consideration as other rooms, the basement can become just as stylish and functional as a main-floor living space. Start by considering how much natural light the room has; this will determine how much electrical lighting is required. Spotlights are always a great place to start: they are low profile and, paired with a dimmer, will allow for full control depending on the time of day or activity. Layer with wall lights, floor and table lamps to really help to set the tone.' explains Jen & Mar from Interior Fox . 

2. Make sure your insulation is top notch 

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Before we go into all the lovely decor ideas, this is an essential for creating a basement bedroom rather than just a bedroom you have stuck down in your basement. Most basements are just going to have bare concrete walls, so you make the space more liveable you'll need to add a layer of insulation. This will keep heat in and reduce noise from upstairs too. 

3. Zone off your basement bedroom with sliding doors

(Image credit: Katie Gelsheimer)

How gorgeous is this basement space by Katie Gelsheimer ? The bedroom is actually windowless, but it feels far from gloomy because it's so beautifully lit and decorated. Those sliding doors are such a feature of the space and they allow for all the natural light from the kitchen area to flow through and keep the open plan feel but can be closed when privacy is needed.  

4. Work with industrial elements

(Image credit: Simon Maxwell)

Loving the... car park vibes of this bedroom. No seriously, this is such a cool space, so if you are renovating your basement consider going for this more industrial, unfinished look. Concrete ceilings are bang on trend at the moment and you can really soften up the look with a muted color palette and wooden textures.

Also note the internal window here, a really good way to ensure light flows through the whole space. And another top tip to take from this space is the low slung furniture, keeping the bed closer floor creates the allusion of there being more height. 

5. Build in a window seat 

(Image credit: Interior Fox)

This gorgeous basement bedroom designed by Interior Fox is the perfect example of how to make basement spaces both inviting and practical too. The one benefit of having the small, high windows that usually come with basements is you have room to add something lovely like a window seat. It smartens up the room but also adds some handy extra storage too.

6. Keep things light and airy

(Image credit: Simax)

We all know that in small spaces, especially if you are dealing with low ceilings and a lack of light, you are best playing it safe with a really light color scheme. Keep the walls and ceilings some variant of white and use your decor to bring in your personality and to warm up the space. 

This simple bedroom still feels really lived in thanks to the lovely pieces of quirky vintage furniture, the warmth from the gold accents and of course that very inviting look bed and the button back headboard. 

7. Make low ceilings feel higher with a four poster

(Image credit: Richard Gadsby)

You might think a four-poster bed sounds like an impractical choice for a basement bedroom, but if your ceiling is high enough to squeeze one in, they can actually make low ceilings appear higher. Plus they always bring that coveted hotel vibe, especially if you pair it with piles of gorgeous bedding and squishy cushions.  

Oh and definitely also check out the curtains in this room, look how they hang from the top of the ceiling all the way to the floor. This is a great hack for again creating more height in a room that has low ceilings. 

8. Pick warmer flooring options 

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The choice of flooring you pick for a basement bedroom is key. You really want to avoid anything that's going to make the space feel cold and clinical, so while carpets aren't totally on-trend right now, they are a good pick to bring warmth and coziness into a basement. Pick something minimal if the idea of adding carpet makes you shudder and be sure to add a really nice thick underlay too.

And if carpet is an absolute veto, choosing a warm wooden flooring and putting down a large area rug will have a similar effect. You could even add a small sheepskin rug either side of the bed to welcome bare feet in the mornings.  

9. Build in a wall of storage 

(Image credit: Interior Fox)

Basements don't normally lend themselves to lots and lots of furniture. Filling up a bedroom with wardrobes and drawers is only going to break up the space and make it feel cluttered. Opt for a single wall of built-in storage that won't visually interrupt the room and makes for the most efficient solution.

This space also proves you can make darker colors work in a basement! The wardrobes are painted with everyone's faves, Farrow & Ball's Hague Blue and that scheme is continued with the cushions and the lampshades. The very crisp white walls, ceiling and bedding still keep the room feeling fresh. 

10. Accentuate the coziness of a basement

(Image credit: Simax)

It's not always about making basement bedrooms feel light and airy, sometimes you are best off to just rolling with the low ceilings and lack of windows and create a space that feels really cozy and inviting. Think snug cabin vibes that everyone is loving right now. For us, that means wood, and plenty of it. 

The wooden headboard in this space adds some lovely textures and despite its size, it doesn't intrude into the room because it's wall-mounted rather than attached to the bed. Loving the bare concrete wall too!

How do you style a basement bedroom?

The key to styling a basement bedroom is to treat is as you would any other small bedroom. You want to feel like a part of your home, not at totally separate space, so bring your style into the space too so it feels just as inviting as a bedroom upstairs would.

In terms of color schemes, if you want to play it safe, a neutral backdrop is always going to work in a room that's smaller with low ceilings. You can bring color and interest in with your accessories. And don't shy away from the small proportions either, enhance the coziness with styles that lend themselves to basements.

How do I make my basement room feel cozy?

Beyond the practical ways, like insulation and underfloor heating, you can make a basement feel cozy really easily by adding lots of soft furnishings and layering up the textures.  

In a bedroom, make sure to always have a couple of throw blankets to hand, and add plenty of plush cushions to the bed. Even if you have smaller windows, hanging curtains will soften up the space if you hang them ceiling to floor. And of course a squishy carpet underfoot or plenty of rugs will add to the cozy vibes. 

10 chic bedrooms in basements |

Bring your basement bedroom ideas to life successfully, and these spaces can be as stylish as the other bedrooms in your home. A basement location needn't be an impediment to a room that’s both comfortable and chic.

Additional bedrooms always prove a boon, and locating them in the basement can have benefits on top of simply boosting their number, providing privacy that guests or older kids who still live at home some or all of the time will appreciate.

We’ve put together our favorite basement bedroom ideas here, and they’re accompanied by expert advice to inspire your own rooms whether you’re working with a designer or compiling your own basement ideas list.

Basement bedroom ideas

A basement location for a bedroom can give the occupier a sense of welcome separation from the family’s bedrooms. However, there are design challenges to address, including optimizing light, creating a cozy atmosphere and, perhaps, making the space feel larger. Be inspired by these bedroom ideas – they're ideal for basements.

1. Let light into a basement bedroom

(Image credit: Maggie Griffin Design Photograph: Brian Bieder)

Basement bedrooms shouldn’t lack any of the appeal of bedrooms elsewhere in your home. ‘Basement bedrooms don’t need to be dark or dim,’ says Maggie Griffin, founder and lead designer of Maggie Griffin Design . ‘With a beautiful window for natural light and pretty furnishings, make the most of the small spaces by outfitting the room with all of the creature comforts of main floor bedrooms.’

Avoid window drapery that’s bulky to let in maximum daylight, and opt for shutters which will provide privacy but can be opened to increase natural light.

2. Brighten up basement bedrooms with mirrors

(Image credit: Future Publishing Ltd Styling: Marisa Daly Photograph: Jan Baldwin)

Another of our favorite basement bedroom ideas designed to avoid gloom? Decorating with mirrors – mirrored furniture will multiply the light in the room, as well as giving it an opulent finish. Team with a wall mirror: it’s a must have for a bedroom, of course, but will also bounce the light around so the room is bright. With more natural light, a basement bedroom will also appear larger, so these are sound strategies for compact spaces.

3. Build storage into basement bedrooms

(Image credit: Future / Emma Lewis)

Basements can provide good additional storage space for a home, but if you’re including a bedroom in your basement extra furniture for this purpose might compromise its sleek and calming lines. 

To avoid the issue, follow this room’s example by building bedroom storage ideas in behind the head of the bed. It’s the perfect place to tidy away items like holiday decorations, and when the time comes around to get them out, moving the bedside table out of the way to access the storage is easy.

4. Opt for wall lights

(Image credit: Future Publishing Ltd Photograph: Jake Curtis )

One of the issues that can prevent you executing your basement bedroom ideas is low ceilings. If there isn’t sufficient height in the room, hanging an elegant pendant or chandelier can be impossible. 

The alternative? Fit recessed lights into the ceiling, then add attractive wall lights to the room in order to include decorative lighting in the design. A swing-arm design, as here, is highly functional, since it can be moved into the ideal position for nighttime reading. Either way, good bedroom lighting ideas are a must for basement spaces.

5. Create a cozy atmosphere

(Image credit: Future / Michael Sinclair)

When light colors are preferable, it’s important to consider the ways in which a bedroom can still feel snug. It’s perfectly feasible, though. ‘Even basement bedrooms can be small but chic and cozy,’ says Maggie Griffin.

Consider a warm off-white for walls rather than a bright version along with a range of neutral shades to dress the bed alongside white linens. Bring in pattern with a plaid in neutral tones for a warmer feel, too.

6. Add height to a basement bedroom

(Image credit: Polly Wreford/Future PLC)

Drawing the eye upwards is a neat way to make a basement bedroom feel loftier. One of the easiest ways to make use of this designer tactic is to hang a fabric panel behind the bed. 

In this room the effect is enhanced by using a botanical fabric that ‘grows’ up the wall. Its organic color is repeated in both the wall paint, bedside table, and pillows for a room that’s naturally calming.

7. Provide hanging room

(Image credit: Future Publishing Ltd Photograph: Jan Baldwin)

If a basement bedroom is a place for guests, ensuring they don’t need to live out of a traveling bag is critical to its welcoming feel. There might not be room for a closet to hang clothes, so consider this room’s solution of incorporating a peg rack that provides hanging space. Here it’s painted to match wall paneling for a sophisticated finish. 

8. Exploit darker shades

(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)

If pales aren’t your decor preference, basement bedroom ideas can involve a darker palette.

‘We recommend embracing a basement bedroom’s natural darkness, creating a cozy and warm feel,’ says Louise Wicksteed, design director of Sims Hilditch . ‘We achieved this in the guest bedroom of our Parsons Green townhouse by installing wall paneling which brings to mind a country interior, as well as a charming linen wall covering. 

‘We threaded splashes of yellow throughout the room – in the upholstery of the armchair and bedside lampshades – to inject a cheerful and inviting aesthetic into the space.’

9. Locate the bedrooms on the basement’s perimeter

(Image credit: Albion Nord/80 Holland Park/Patrick Williamson)

Remodeling and deciding how to make the most of your basement? ‘Utilize the perimeter of the basement for sunny bedrooms and the interior for the main living areas,’ says Maggie Griffin.

For your own convenience and to ensure visitors feel at home, consider planning these options into your design as well. ‘A second laundry room nearby is perfect for turning over beds after having a full house, and a stocked fridge always keeps guests happy,’ says Maggie.

It makes sense, if you are making space for a bedroom that you investigate basement bathroom ideas, too – this will be a must.

10. Add a seat

(Image credit: Future Publishing Ltd Photograph: Jan Baldwin)

Add an armchair to a basement bedroom if the floor area permits it. It provides space for guests to relax away from family activities if they need to, and a bedroom chair is useful when getting dressed.

Velvet upholstery is always a winning choice with its smooth feel, and it can add a pop of color to the bedroom.

If a chair won’t fit, an ottoman for the end of the bed can be a great alternative.

Is it OK to have a bedroom in the basement?

It is fine to have a bedroom in the basement so long as local building codes are followed. Safety is crucial and there must be emergency exits from the bedroom of the correct proportions and in the correct place. As well as providing escape, these would allow a firefighter to enter the space, when interior basement stairs aren't accessible. 

The National Fire Protection Association recommends that every bedroom be fitted with a smoke alarm, and a basement bedroom should be no exception. Additionally, note that there should be smoke alarms on every level of a home, and that includes the basement. 

How do I make my basement bedroom cozy?

The right design strategies can make a basement bedroom cozy. Think color for a warm ambience. Both light and dark hues can make it welcoming, but pay attention to the underlying tones of any color so it has a warm effect: think pink or yellow undertones for whites, for example.

Also crucial are bedroom lighting ideas: a layered scheme will make a basement bedroom feel cozy, and wall sconces can be part of the lighting selection where the ceiling is too low for a pendant or chandelier.

Think warm flooring as well with carpet underfoot or rugs layered on to hard floor surfaces. Consider the textures of other materials in the room, too, with soft and tactile choices to please the sense of touch as well as the eye.

How to organize a guest room in a residential basement

In fact, most people rarely consider basement floors as a place to organize a guest room.

Usually only storerooms, various storage systems for household equipment and old furniture are placed here. However, designers recommend paying attention to the fact that at one point, many friends who come to visit you may not have enough space in the main part of the house. This is where a few extra beds come in handy.

Today we want to give some advice to the guests of the Interior Room portal on decorating such rooms.

Use natural materials to create a rustic bedroom in the basement. First of all, you should pay attention to the insulation system, which will protect the selected area from cold and extraneous noise.

If such a system is not provided, it must be installed, and then proceed to the interior decoration. In this case, it is not necessary to create a super-expensive and luxurious interior, the main thing is that a person here should be comfortable, cozy and calm.

Use an appropriate color palette to make the room bright and full of light.

Use warm colors and textures to create a cozy and welcoming decor.

In this case, a fireplace will look beautiful and organic, bringing the atmosphere closer to a more pleasant and intimate one. The design in a rustic style suggests the presence of some simplicity and unfinished business.

For example, a ceiling made of large wooden beams can be left unfinished. On the one hand, this will visually enlarge the room, and on the other hand, it will give it a touch of charm and piquancy.

Pay special attention to the placement of the bed. It should be the far wall closer to the fireplace to feel warmer at night and during the winter season.

It is better to cover the walls with light-coloured wallpaper in order to visually increase the available area.

It is also worth installing a complex multi-level lighting system here.

Carpeting will make the room warmer and more inviting.

Use a balanced color palette for harmonious decor and atmosphere.

Manage your space wisely and install storage systems that take up minimal space.

Natural wood paneled walls and floors make you feel closer to nature. When faced with the choice of colors, as already mentioned, try to choose warm, calm shades, because the mood of peace of mind, peace and good mood is especially important for the bedroom.

Buy original lamps with soft light and beautiful design. Use soft, cozy fabrics in soothing colors and live houseplants.

Categories: Basement Improvement
Places: Fireplace • Tips • Bedroom

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photos of interior design options — INMYROOM

The project takes into account all the wishes, features and means of the owners, as well as their personal vision of the finished premises. There are many features, let's consider everything in order.

Where will the bedroom be? If the house is large, then the bed can be larger than average. If there is not so much space, then planning a room on a grand scale is impractical and impractical. Ideally, the entire space is divided into equal zones. And the master bedroom should be a quarter larger than the guest room and children's room, but slightly smaller than the living area. Designers advise to place the bedroom on the sunny side. If the house is two-story, then it is better to equip the bedroom on the second floor. And the guest room - on the first. For older people, the location below will be more convenient, so it will be easier for them to move around, avoiding accidents.


Design: Oksana Korotkina, Prosperity studio

Stylish bedroom

There are many individual preferences. At the planning stage, it is best to decide on the style direction of the house, and especially the sleeping space.

This style is quite common in the bedroom. Modern has been around for over 100 years. And, anyway, modernity absorbs many new trends every year, and it is precisely because of this that it remains at the peak of popularity. A soft palette of shades, natural colors characterize this style in the best possible way. Beige, milky, white, gray, brown, purple, smooth lines, often the image of the letter S. Subdued light and natural materials: stone, wood, glass. The most popular decoration of such a bedroom is stained glass: on lamps and sconces, walls, windows. The comfort of a home and modern trends are the motto of modernity.

Design: Jean-Louis Deniot

Light style of southern France, rustic simplicity in every detail will fit perfectly into the sleeping corner of a private house. A comfortable canopy double bed, floral prints, wooden furniture, an abundance of textiles and accessories: who among us would not want to take a break from the bustle of the city in such a cozy place? More light, street and artificial, light colors and lack of pretentiousness - this is what is truly appreciated in the Provencal bedroom. The picture of the bedroom is like a painted canvas, where pastel colors dominate: lavender, peach, pale green. Contrasts are not needed, but a combination of warm shades is welcome. High-quality hardwood floors, decorative stucco on the walls, decorated after finishing with photo frames and cute pictures, flood of light and large windows. Where, if not in a country house to embody such an idea?

Design: Oksana Korotkina, Prosperity Studio

Exquisite bedroom for connoisseurs of luxury - a classic bedroom on the second floor of a large private house. Sophisticated furniture with patterns, natural materials, an abundance of expensive paintings and luxury items are loved by many. A classic set of a huge bed, bedside tables, a pouffe - that's probably the whole set of furniture. Designers advise not to focus on one color, using smooth transitions, but it is better to avoid contrasts. Expensive wallpaper or wall paint, oak parquet or its high-quality imitation, a crystal chandelier and fabric lampshades - everyone will be pleased to plunge into the world of luxurious elements.

Simplified design in a simple style, nothing more, just a practical application of the interior is minimalism. The modern pace of life dictates its own rules and luxury often fades into the background. The whole interior is reduced to a comfortable bed, small bedside tables on the sides and a few lamps located on the walls. Such a bedroom is best equipped in a large, bright room with high ceilings and huge windows that offer panoramic views of the surroundings. Glass windows and doors to half the room are a good reception in this style. A decoration element is allowed that will breathe life and warmth into the space: an unusual flower in a pot. Universal colors: gray, black, white, which are intertwined. Everything should be combined and look harmonious.

Design: Alexander Kudimov and Daria Butakhina

Natural materials, balanced colors, laconic shapes and lightness in everything - a bedroom in this style will be remembered for a long time. The basis of the bedroom in this style is the oriental philosophy of life and proximity to nature. The style lies in minimalism, but bright touches in the room are necessary. Wood is suitable for finishing the floor surface. For the walls - wallpaper in light colors with ethnic elements. You can also sheathe the walls with wooden panels. Shoji - a screen with which the sleeping area is zoned, is also very popular in the Japanese minimalism of the interior of the room.

Finishing

A large house has many possibilities for quality finishing. The bedroom is still a place to relax, so experts strongly recommend making it as light and spacious as possible. Natural materials are suitable for finishing the floor: parquet, laminate, wooden boards. High-quality wall finishes: plaster or wallpaper should be chosen from harmless materials. The ceiling is also best made light, in harmony with all surfaces and style.

Design: INTERЁR Architects

Color

Decorators keep repeating: a bedroom should be comfortable. Calm, warm or cold shades are suitable for design. Bright colors are more likely to negatively affect night sleep.

Recommendations from Timur Abdrakhmanov

Light

This room in a private house simply needs street light. It can be arranged at the expense of window frames. And to introduce artificial light, designers resort to chandeliers, floor lamps and sconces that will fit into any style of space.

Design: Julia Falkova

Furniture

Choosing a bed for a rest room is an important task. It should be comfortable, aesthetically pleasing and made from harmless materials. The storage closet is also important. It is better to order according to individual parameters and design. There is always a little space for bedside tables. In choosing it is worth paying attention to natural materials.

Different shapes of the bedroom

A room can be designed in different shapes. The owners for a country house most often allocate more space, but sometimes the square of the house does not allow you to furnish the bedroom as you like.

Learn more