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Small basement rec room ideas


10 cozy small basement ideas to make the most of your subterranean space

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(Image credit: Staged for Upsell)

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On the hunt for small basement ideas? Well, we have you covered with loads of inspiring small spaces that just prove what you can do with even the diddiest of basements. 

It might seem like that square footage under your home is not really good for more than just storing your holiday decs, or the ski gear or the furniture you inherited from your in-laws. But by turning that space into an actual functioning room, whether that be a home office or an extra bedroom, not only will you be giving yourself the extra space but you could also add value to your home.  

Decided it's time to start making the most of your small basement?  Well just keep on scrolling to get inspired to remodel...

What can you do with a small basement?

You can do so much with a small basement! 

If you are looking for the best ways to add value to your home, turning your basement into a second living space or a guest bedroom, complete with a small bathroom would be the best way to go. However, if you are just after a space to add a home office, a gym, or even a home cinema, basements are the perfect place to do so.

Of course, we can't ignore the fact that basements make for amazing storage spaces too. Just make sure if you do use your space for storage you don't allow for it to come a dumping ground. Make sure everything is kept accessible and organized to boxes, bags, drawers etc. Keep it a space you don't dread having to go down to!

1. Create a cozy den like space 

(Image credit: Interior Fox)

If your small basement has not been blessed with windows, which we know is super common, your best bet is to embrace the darkness and the smaller proportions. Turn your space into a really cozy, go on let's just say it, grown-up den. 

This space designed by Interior Fox , might be dark, small, and have low ceilings but you don't notice that. All we see here is a really pretty inviting space that would be perfect for watching a film with a couple of G&Ts on the weekend.

'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 .

'For smaller spaces with low ceilings, try to keep the furniture low to the ground and not too bulky to maximize the feeling of space. This will make the room appear larger and prevent it from feeling overcrowded.'

2. Add a second living room 

(Image credit: Staged for Upsell)

Adding a second living room in your basement is a great use of the space, especially if you have kids. But also it can just be nice to have a second space to chill in, watch films and hunker down, especially in the colder months, we think a basement living room is even more inviting than one in the main house.

Again, pick low slung furniture if you are dealing with low ceilings and stick to a simple neutral color scheme to keep the space feeling light and airy. Loving this basement space styled by Staged for Upsell , the monochrome vibe here that's been warmed up with brown leather and wooden accents is perfect in this small space. 

'I would suggest adding pot lights in the basement during a reno, however, beyond that don't feel like every wall in the space needs to be painted dark.  Keep some walls painted white or light grey and play with dark accent walls.   The odd accent wall and using some dark leathers and black in your throw pillows for example will be enough to keep it feeling  more masculine and moody.' explains Joanna Lane Owner and Creative Director of Staged for Upsell.

3. Divide up your space with sliding doors 

(Image credit: Katie Gelsheimer)

How gorgeous is this basement space by Katie Gelsheimer ? The small bedroom area 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. Turn a small basement into a guest bedroom

(Image credit: Interior Fox)

A small basement is the perfect opportunity to add an extra bedroom to your home. You might be looking at your basement thinking, there's no way anyone is voluntarily sleeping in that, but 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 maximize it by keeping the space around the windows as clear as possible, and pick light and floating window treatments – a mix of blackout roller blinds and a nice voile curtain would be our recommendation. 

Also make sure you have plenty of artificial lighting in the form of overhead lights, wall lights and some lovely soft lamps too. 

5. Experiment with darker colors

A post shared by Amy Wilson Interiors Lifestyle (@amywilsoninteriors)

A photo posted by on

We've been swooning over Amy Wilson's basement for over a year. Just look at it! That small basement is cooler than any room in our houses. Plus it proves you don't have to always play it safe with the colors in your basement. If you are a lover of dark and dramatic interiors then roll with it. 

'It is often a misconception that dark colors make a room feel smaller. In fact, this can work brilliantly in compact spaces, and can help a room to feel co-ordinated and cozy. Paint is a great way to define a space, so don’t be afraid to introduce different colors to the walls. We love to mix it up with different tones to create interest but also to reflect our clients’ individual style and personality.' explains Jen & Mar from Interior Fox .

6. Create a home gym 

(Image credit: Green Retreats)

Gym closed? No problem, create your own in your small basement. Imagine you can blast your tunes as long as you like or even put a TV down there and you can catch up with shows. One episode of Married at First Sight Australia = a good hours workout.

Depending on how fancy you want your at-home gym to be, you could create one in your basement on a pretty cheap budget. You could of course lay rubber flooring and add speakers and air-con and go all out creating a space you are going to use really regularly. Or if you are just looking to create an area to escape the kids and the dog to do a quick workout, or you could just paint the walls, lay down a few mats and arrange your equipment.

Pop up some pegboard on the walls to store your weights and bands on the wall and to make the gym feel more... like a gym. 

7. Add a cinema room 

A post shared by A House We Built (@ahousewebuilt)

A photo posted by on

Surely it's everyone's dream to have a home cinema? And what better place to create a movie room than in your basement. This space by A House We Built is so gorgeous, we love the shiplap paneling, which works so well to make a basement feel cozier. Plus the wooden paneled ceiling really brings in warmth and because they are so light you don't notice the low height. 

If you want to create a more immediate set up, spend the weekend giving your basement a clean out, maybe give the walls a fresh coat of white paint. Then get some old sofas down there, a big area rug and set up a projector to up your movie night game. 

8. Create the ultimate games room

(Image credit: Staged for Upsell)

Where else can you justify having a pool table in your home than in a basement? Even if you aren't a fan of pool, they really add a focal point for a socializing space, and we are sure your guests will get into it! Add some retro arcade games, a foosball table and of course a mini-fridge to create a great space for entertaining.

9. Turn a small basement into a home office

(Image credit: Chris Snook)

With so many of us working from home a whole lot more, creating a separate space is super important for feeling productive. Also, it's nice to be able to 'leave' your work away from your living spaces, just to further encourage that work-life balance that a lot of are trying to master right now. 

Just make sure your space either gets some natural light, or has plenty of light sources that are enough to work by. Add position your desk under a window if you are lucky enough to have one, then just get decorating your space to suit your style. 

We have plenty of small home office ideas in our gallery, so be sure to check that out too. 

10. Use a small basement for storage 

(Image credit: A Bowl Full of Lemons)

Sometimes, it's best just to except a small basement really is best used as some amazing extra storage space. They are so much easier to access than an attic and you can really organize your stuff so you know where everything is, rather than having to brave the black hole that is the loft every time you need to get to your ski gear or the blow-up beds. 

Here, A Bowl Full of Lemons  has used a clear labeling system to organize her garage. Come on, you have got to admit that is one satisfying picture. And if organization really is your thing, check out her Instagram . 

Find more basement storage ideas in our gallery. 

Hebe joined the Real Homes team in early 2018 as Staff Writer before moving to the Livingetc team in 2021 where she took on a role as Digital Editor. She loves boho and 70's style and is a big fan of Instagram as a source of interiors inspiration. When she isn't writing about interiors, she is renovating her own spaces – be it wallpapering a hallway, painting kitchen cupboards or converting a van.

30 Modern Basement Remodel Ideas

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You’ll be shocked by how much it increases your home’s value.

By Lucia Tonelli

Design: Liz Caan/Photo: Eric Roth

Does your basement feel more like an unused dungeon than a stylish space to hang out in? For more homeowners than not, a basement is merely a storage space for unwanted furniture or boxes full of who knows what. By letting this square footage go to waste, you're missing out on prime interior real estate, which can ultimately decrease the value of your home. Plus, what better place to have fun with design than a room secluded from the rest of your house?

Before you begin remodeling, there are some important factors to consider. "As with any room, the first important step is to think about what the space will be used for," says designer Christine Markatos Lowe. "Do you mostly use it during the day or at night? Will there need to be plumbing installed, for add-ons like a bathroom or a wetbar? Will it be a kids space or more for adults and entertaining?" she adds. Once you've nailed down your purpose, there are several factors to contend with. Since basements are typically windlowless or very dim, appropriate lighting is key. "Typically the ceiling height is going to be pretty low, so installing recessed can lights or low-profile flush mounts is a must," Markatos says. "Treating the ceiling as a fifth surface area to play with is also a great way to bring in some more interest through wallpaper or paint to an otherwise dark and flat area."

Still unsure where to go from here? Read below for 30 surprisingly stylish basement ideas that will transform the look—and value—of your home.

1

Warm things up with a Modern Faux Fireplace

2

Set up Extra Seating Behind the Couches

3

Turn the Space into a Craft Room

4

Shiplap the Walls for a Cozier Feel

5

Install a Formal Projector Screen

6

Opt for Cinema-Themed Decor

7

Add Recessed Lighting to Give the Illusion of Higher Ceilings

8

Go Bold With Eclectic Patterns

9

Keep the Palette White and Bright

10

Transform an Awkward Corner into a Stylish Storage Space

11

Add a Corner Kitchen Space for Easy Access to Snacks

12

Finish Concrete Floors With a Striking Lacquer

13

Line the Ceiling with Warm String Lights

14

Experiment With a Fun Design Theme

15

Install Storage Beneath the Stairs

16

Construct a Bar Beneath the Stairs

17

Welcome Guests with a Movie-Themed Stairwell

18

Stick a Half-Bath Under the Stairs

19

Install Barn Doors to Break up the Space

20

Dedicate a Corner to Laundry

21

. ..Or Make it a Full Laundry Room

22

Turn it into a Guest Bedroom

23

Amp Up the Luxury With a Statement Ceiling

24

Build Adult-Appropriate Bunk Beds

25

Choose a Chalkboard Accent Wall

26

Let the Games Take Center Stage

27

Add Family Photos for a Personal Feel

28

Create a Dedicated Workspace

29

Embrace an Industrial Design Scheme

30

Go Bold With a Statement Staircase

Lucia Tonelli Assistant Editor Lucia Tonelli is an Assistant Editor at Town & Country, where she writes about the royal family, culture, real estate, design, and more.  

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Private Home Basement Interior - Luxurious Recreation Area

Joel and Shauna May were considering moving their growing family into a bigger home, but after seeing a 3D rendering of their basement that Brad McCallum, owner of Urban Abode, offered to renovate, they knew they wanted to stay.

The couple had many demands for their 84 square meters of space, which is now a piece of design art.

“It's important to say something about the couple: they are some of the most hospitable people I've ever met,” says McCallum. “They weren't afraid to turn their wildest ideas into reality as they dreamed of a place where they could relax with friends, display their growing wine collection, or even just curl up on the couch and watch a movie. The only thing they didn't want was routine." nine0003

Their dream basement now includes a stocked practice area, media room, bar, wine cellar and bathroom with large steam room. This project is great! It is definitely worth getting to know him better.

"Newlyweds are happy people who love to spend time with friends and share everything they have"

McCallum speaking.

The designer decided to install a full staircase in the basement to get rid of the “dungeon effect”. “The stair railing alone makes it feel less like you're in the basement and much more like the third floor of a house,” he says. Forged racks make the stairs look stylish.

As soon as you go downstairs, one of the ingenious design solutions in this cellar becomes noticeable: McCallum has hidden an impressive wine cellar under the stairs. nine0003

“What I admire most about spouses is their passion and sense of style. Few people have the courage to use such unusual and bright purple wallpapers and rich velvet furniture in the interior. The finished space really gives away their personality.”

The designer speaks.

The clients wanted a home theater but didn't like the idea of ​​having a separate room for it. They also wanted to be able to relax with friends and family. Featuring a wall-mounted fireplace, this media area features a 360-degree sound system and a 70-inch LED TV. So the space can easily turn into a small cinema. nine0003

Fireplace: L42 gas model, Montigo

McCallum chose a dark color for the built-in maple media cabinets to disguise the TV. And the fireplace, which the owners of the house wanted so much to highlight, the designer revetted with tiles resembling natural stone, which contrasts with dark furniture.

Tip: When setting your TV at a certain height, think about your neck! McCallum deliberately designed the proportions of the fireplace so that it sits low enough to make watching the TV set a little higher comfortable. nine0003

"Lower cabinets are used to hide home theater components, while upper cabinets are open to display collectibles"

Designer explains.

The display shelves are illuminated so that the items placed there can be seen.

Another feature the clients wanted in their basement was a bar.

“They wanted it to be as if you were in a hotel when you entered the premises. So we took some ideas from the clubs in Calgary as a basis.”

McCallum speaking.

The countertops of the bar and work area are Brazilian Arabescato stone, and the kitchen backsplash is a combination of marble and glass tiles. Translucent glass cabinet doors reflect light.

Implementation of the designer's idea was not without some difficulties. So, for example, low-hanging air ducts and support columns in some places complicated the task.

“This rack was designed and built by us to hide two columns in the basement. Usually they are just hidden in the wall, but if we did that, it would create an enclosed space effect, and we did not want to abandon the concept of an open space.

The designer is speaking.

The gym is located behind translucent glass French doors.

“As a designer, I was tasked with designing something for the bathroom that would look amazing and still match the overall style of the interior. It's much more uncertain than you can imagine!"

Shared by McCallum.

So he turned to Houzz for inspiration, and then created an original bathroom that echoed the materials of the rest of the basement, such as floor tiles, dark maple furniture, and Arabescato Brazilian marble countertops, like those used in the bar. This created the effect of uniformity, compatibility of elements of the entire space. nine0003

One of the most important items on the newlyweds' wish list was the steam shower. It had to accommodate up to four people, be easy to clean and also play some music so that you can sing along to it. But even this daunting task was carried out with brilliance: the large size of the tiles chosen for decoration makes cleaning the bathroom easy, and Kohler waterproof speakers let you listen to your favorite tunes.

The bathroom fittings include a Hansgrohe shower system with jet control and a Thermasol steam shower. nine0003

Accent tile: Ames Tile & Stone

Joel quit his career in finance a few years ago and ventured to join his friends at coffee roasting company Fratello's Roasters.

"Having become a true connoisseur of taste through many coffee tastings, Joel has come to a deep understanding of wines and spirits"

McCallum speaking.

So the couple is putting together an impressive collection of wines, for which they needed a special cellar to store and display to guests. nine0003

The biggest problem with building a wine cellar was that there didn't seem to be room for it.

“After looking at hundreds of other images of such spaces, I gathered all my inspiration and took a closer look at the space under the stairs,” says the designer. "We didn't intend to make it big, but we wanted it to be impressive."

The cellar holds almost 300 bottles. It's built right, with spray foam for insulation, a custom-designed and custom-built cooling unit for the wine cellar, and built-in furniture. nine0003

Proper storage of wines was a priority. But the superbly arranged "exhibition" of the collection rightly ranks second in importance to the cellar.

"Wine bottle angles, lighting and storage styles are all related to the functionality of the room, and for newlyweds is very important"

McCallum speaking.

Work for this family was a kind of explosive wave, a boom for the designer himself. “The clients have allowed us to bring some of our most exciting projects to life and it has given us the chance to build such an incredible space,” he says. “Now that they've been enjoying the basement for several months now, their friends affectionately call our work the Purple Living Room. And although both owners, husband and wife, are very busy, they can always slow down in time, postpone business in order to relax with friends. nine0003

Fashionable and practical basement room interiors

Bright basement room interiors

Wonderful basement room interiors will be useful to all owners of private houses. Do you need more storage space for rarely used items? Or is another full-fledged room missing?

First, you need to decide what you need it for. Will it be a comfortable room for out-of-town guests, a place to meet friends, or an extra nursery? Whatever you decide, renovating a basement will be more costly and difficult than other areas of the home, as building work is often left unfinished. nine0003

Regardless of the size and lighting of your basement, we can help you create a room that will make you want to spend as much time there as possible. Below you will find 25 great ways to make the most of your space.

Art workshop in the basement

Draw a detailed plan

When you decide on the purpose of the basement and the budget, you should think carefully about the layout.

If you want to equip a guest room, it would be advisable to add a bathroom, which will also require an appropriate plan. nine0003

If the room is quite large, it can be divided into several rooms for different purposes. But even if you have a small basement, you can make it multifunctional by thinking through the options in advance.

Cozy guest room

Use neutral colors

Intense bold colors draw attention and add expressiveness to the interior. But they also make the room appear smaller.

If you arrange the basement in this way, the ceiling will appear lower, and the walls will squeeze the space. In order to expand it, it is better to rely on light neutral colors, such as gray, beige, white. Choose large-sized furniture in the same color scheme. Accessories, pillows, curtains, rugs and vases will add bright colors and style. nine0003

Snow-white walls and floors make the space wider

More open space

If the basement is small, try to leave it as open as possible without unnecessary walls and partitions. Use color and decor to create a multifunctional space.

For example, on one side there can be a recreation area for adults marked with a large carpet, with the ability to adjust the brightness of the lighting. And on the other hand, a creative workshop with a wide, sturdy table, shelves, and brighter light. nine0003

Multifunctional room without walls

Maximum light

The windows in the basement are always much smaller than usual, since the room is partially or completely underground. A well-lit room will not only appear larger, but you won't notice the lack of windows in it.

Of course recessed lighting saves space, but your ceiling may be too narrow or your budget tight. Then you need to use the walls and floor - decorate them with hanging candlesticks, table lamps and floor lamps. To reflect light, you can think about how to hang mirrors. nine0003

Lighting ideas for a basement room

Choose functional cabinets

Despite the lofty goals, it often happens that the main purpose of the basement is to store things.

Prepare for the last option in advance: plan your cabinets from ceiling to floor to make the most of your space. Buy furniture with a lifting top that you can put things in. You can take some part of the basement for storage, separating it from the rest of the space with a wall painted in the same color as the main room.

Learn more