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Townhouse basement 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.

10 expert strategies for maximizing space |

(Image credit: Best Practice Architecture/Ed Sozinho)

While it may be compact, exploiting the best small basement ideas can make this a valuable part of a home. Even a basement with a limited floor area can function as extra living space, a home office, a playroom, or fulfill other needs.

Executing your basement ideas may mean making an unfinished zone into one that’s habitable, or even digging down, but even if the resulting space isn’t particularly large, good design can make it a pleasurable place in which to spend time.

Here, we’ve assembled the top small basement ideas and expert advice to create an area whose spacious feel belies its limited proportions.

Small basement ideas

A small basement needn’t be relegated to a storage-only space. A wide range of different rooms can be created at this level of a home, and the right design and decor choices can make it feel anything but constricted.

1. Consider scale

(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)

Whichever type of room it is, to make small basement ideas successful ensure the proportions of the furniture selected are appropriate. 

‘Make the most of small spaces by keeping space and scale in mind,’ says Maggie Griffin, founder and lead designer of Maggie Griffin Design . ‘Built-ins for storage and a small wet bar keep things handy, while comfortable upholstery (think small-scale sectional) can invite one for movies and bingeing Netflix. 

‘Even basement bedrooms can be small but chic and cozy. Keep colors light to make the most of the natural light.’

2. Keep small basements feeling open

(Image credit: Mel Yates)

In addition to considering the size of furniture, think about its design to keep a small basement feeling open and therefore larger. In this home office the desk has a slim profile with no legs that make it a less bulky presence than alternative styles. 

Meanwhile, the majority of the storage is hidden behind sliding doors to keep the room feeling streamlined.

3. Add in a cozy nook

(Image credit: Jon Day/Future)

Consider adding a nook to boost seating in a space-efficient way if yours is a small basement.

‘We emphasize the coziness with the deep wall color and soft fabric textures,’ says Mindy O’Connor of Melinda Kelson O’Connor Design of her designs. 

4. Make it light and bright

(Image credit: Bisca)

One of the most simple but effective small basement ideas? Choosing a light paint color for walls plus trim. ‘Prioritize creating a light and bright environment so it’s a place you want to be, not a dreaded dungeon,’ says Andi Morse, founder and principal designer, Morse Design .

Try following the same strategy with light colored flooring and neutral upholstery, too. Also worth considering is a glass balustrade for the basement staircase so it doesn’t block light.

Up the textural interest of your decor choices to avoid a flat feel when light colors dominate.

5. Go low in a small basement

(Image credit: Best Practice Architecture/Ed Sozinho)

A small basement often presents the issue of a low ceiling along with the problem of a lack of floor area. If that’s the case, pay attention to the height of furniture. In this room a low sectional assists in making the ceiling feel higher, and it’s worth adopting the same tactic when choosing armchairs, footstools, coffee tables, and more.

If your basement has a window, using a shade makes more sense when hanging drapes would impede the positioning of furniture, or a floor-length curtain when this isn’t a problem. A drape that falls just below a sill will emphasize a low ceiling height.

6. Opt for custom storage

(Image credit: David Cleveland/Future PLC)

If you are wondering how to make the most of your basement, know that good storage is a must in a small space. Places to tidy away are even more crucial in a smaller area than a large one because it can easily look cluttered and cramped.

Custom shelving and cabinets are often the superior solution, allowing the use of every inch of space from floor to ceiling. They’re also best for the area under the basement stairs as they can be built to follow the slope. Consider pull-out designs for storage fitted here to make access to contents easy.

7. Use a small basement as a laundry room

(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)

Laundry room ideas can be great for small basements if yours is super compact; an efficient version doesn’t demand a large area.

It’s an option interior designers Sims Hilditch took advantage of in one of their projects. ‘We installed bespoke joinery in which we stacked the washer and dryer,’ says design director Louise Wicksteed. ‘We also installed a Belfast sink complete with useful storage around and beneath it. Although this is a functional space, why not bring an element of fun to it with some colored or patterned floor tiles?’

8.

Let mirrors work their magic

(Image credit: Future/Rachael Smith)

Decorating with mirrors is a tried-and-true way to make a room feel larger – and small basements can benefit as much as other rooms. This can be especially the case in a small basement bathroom as these are often windowless with any window given to living or bedroom space instead. Either way, they can help to bounce around and increase natural light.

If you have chosen this solution for a basement bathroom, follow this example by sizing the mirror to the wall above the basin to boost the light and visually stretch the space. Fitting shelves alongside and displaying decorative objects is a neat trick, too, helping to make the small room feel deeper.

9. Create display space

(Image credit: Michael Sinclair)

A basement without decorative accessories can feel bland and uninviting, but if it’s small it can be hard to accommodate the furniture on which to display these pieces. Hanging a shelf can be the answer, providing a place for objets as well as artwork without filling the floor area.

This room features a warm wall color that also makes the space welcoming and cozy. When adopting a deeper palette, painting the ceiling white and selecting pale upholstery and wood finishes can provide the necessary balance.

10. Slim down

(Image credit: Future Publishing Ltd Photograph: Simon Brown)

In a basement that’s small, and especially if it’s narrow, too, slim wall-hung furniture can prevent it feeling overcrowded and preserve circulation space. Here a chic wall-hung desk provides a place to work, and there’s even a slim bar to make the basement an appealing place to spend time.

A color palette of black and white makes the space cohesive, and sophisticated to boot.

What can you do with a small basement?

A small basement provides the opportunity to add a host of different rooms, despite its compact dimensions. Think about using it as an extra cozy family room, or a playroom, or a space apart for older kids. It could make an intimate movie theater, or consider it for a home gym or games room neither of which necessarily require large square footages.

And while it might be unsuitable for a basement kitchen, it might be a good venue for a home office to avoid disturbance by the rest of the family, and would make a good study space for the same reason. Depending on the layout of your home, it could make a convenient mudroom. A small basement can also be a sensible location for a laundry room, avoiding the noise of appliances on the main floor.

Which flooring is best for a small basement?

A wide choice of flooring is available for a newly constructed or remodeled small basement that’s been correctly waterproofed when teamed with the appropriate sub-floor. Engineered wood has the appearance of solid hardwood, but will resist warping in response to changes in humidity.

For a cozier feel, carpet is an option. It’s also a good noise insulator and warm for young kids to play on – area rugs on a hard floor are an alternative.

Consider, too, tile for durability: both ceramic and porcelain might suit and they can replicate the look of wood if that’s your preference.

Sarah is a freelance journalist and editor. Previously executive editor of Ideal Home, she’s specialized in interiors, property and gardens for over 20 years, and covers interior design, house design, gardens, and cleaning and organizing a home for H&G. She’s written for websites, including Houzz, Channel 4’s flagship website, 4Homes, and Future’s T3; national newspapers, including The Guardian; and magazines including Future’s Country Homes & Interiors, Homebuilding & Renovating, Period Living, and Style at Home, as well as House Beautiful, Good Homes, Grand Designs, Homes & Antiques, LandLove and The English Home among others. It’s no big surprise that she likes to put what she writes about into practice, and is a serial house renovator. 

Basement in a townhouse: five ways to use it wisely

Having moved from city skyscrapers to a comfortable townhouse, you want to fully enjoy all the advantages of country life. Many people dream of buying an apartment with a courtyard near Kyiv. When the dream finally becomes a reality and the full realization of the scale of the significance of this event for the life of a single family comes, it’s worth sitting down and figuring out: how to competently and rationally use the treasured meters.

If you're lucky and your townhouse in the suburbs has a basement, then the task becomes more complicated, because you need to think about what to do with every centimeter of this usable area. But, with proper planning, the “minus first” floor will give you a huge number of additional benefits and amenities. But to approach the solution of the "basement" issue should be thoroughly and as responsibly as possible.

Here are five popular basement solutions:

Cold cellar for food storage

Every hostess, when she thinks about buying an apartment with a courtyard near Kyiv , certainly dreams of finally allocating square meters for household needs. Since our country is rich in seasonal fruits and vegetables, and Ukrainians are industrious and thrifty people, jams, preserves, compotes and pickles “peep out” from all free corners of a city apartment by the end of summer. And then there is a rare opportunity to prepare a lot of seasonal vegetables at affordable prices, buy a couple of oak barrels for pickling and then “rush into all the bad”. And no winter is terrible when under your feet (in the literal sense of the word) a real fruit and vegetable base. nine0003

Laundry room or household storage room

In the basement of your own house, you can easily equip a mini-laundry room, install a washing and drying machine and modern ironing equipment. If the area of ​​​​the room allows, with proper zoning, the laundry can be combined with a change house, where a variety of things will be stored that are traditionally a pity to throw away and rarely used. As a rule, in each family there are a couple of bags of such things that drift and are always on the verge of being needed or unnecessary. nine0003

Gym or mini fitness center

One has only to buy an apartment with a courtyard near Kyiv - and the issue of physical education of all family members can be considered closed, provided that there is a basement, of course. If sport plays an important role in the lives of people close to you, then why not turn the basement into a gym. In this case, you need to provide a sufficient number of outlets and carefully consider sports equipment that will make each member of the family happy. It is necessary to take into account the interests of all - both small and large. After all, it is much more pleasant to train in the company of close people than to contemplate other people's bodies and biceps for hours in public fitness clubs, and even pay a lot of money for this opportunity. nine0003

Family club / games room / home cinema

Depending on the composition and interests of the family, the basement can be used as a family leisure and pastime room. Moreover, the solution of this problem can be approached wisely. Basement square meters can be divided into functional areas that will take into account the interests of everyone without exception. If there are children in the house, then you can equip a cozy play corner for board games and pampering, where would you be without it ... And if you get a good home theater, then all the most interesting, including movie premieres and significant sporting events, will take place in the basement of your house . nine0003

Basement hotel / basement office

Today life dictates its own terms and many people work from home. The development of information and communication technologies has saved many people from the need to visit offices and has opened up unlimited opportunities for those who want to earn extra money in the evening. In any case, many people, especially those in creative professions, simply need their own space, which will belong to them alone, where everything will be scattered “in a strict order” and where you can just calmly and thoughtfully work. If there are such representatives in your family, why not, having bought an apartment with a courtyard near Kyiv , do not think about organizing a study in the basement. In addition, having equipped the office with a good sofa, you can safely include a guest room in the list of rooms. It is convenient, practical and very original.

Of course, we have not listed all the ways to use the basement wisely and profitably. From dozens of possible, each family will choose exactly the option that suits it. But regardless of the choice of one or another functional area, the basement opens up new opportunities and perspectives. In fact, this is another full-fledged room. Well, if you consider that laying a basement in the estimate of a country house increases the cost of construction by an average of 20-30%, then the possibility of to buy an apartment with a courtyard near Kyiv a narrowly finished underground space is just an unprecedented success that cannot be missed.

8 facts about life in townhouses

Shared walls with neighbors, private garage, controlled heating and utility bills - how convenient is it to live in a townhouse?

Photo: Ross Joyner/Unsplash

Townhouse is a compromise between a city apartment with all amenities and own housing outside the city. Such cottages were built in England in the last century, and in Russia they appeared in the 1990s in the Moscow region. We figure out what pros and cons you can expect from a multi-level apartment with separate entrances.

Expert in this article

adv.rbc.ru

Townhouse is a suitable option for those who dream of their own home, but cannot afford to buy a cottage with a plot of land. The cost of multi-level housing with several rooms is approximately equal to the price of a two-room apartment in the capital. But keep in mind that utility bills will be several times higher compared to a regular apartment. The maintenance of a section in a townhouse will cost a little less than a fully redeemed house, you can only save money here on walls shared with neighbors, otherwise the cost of living in a townhouse is approximately equal to the cost of living in a house with an identical area. nine0003

It's up to you to put it in the pros or cons category. It all depends on how often, on which highway and at what time you need to drive into the city. Transport accessibility is one of the most important factors when choosing housing, but it takes at least one and a half to two hours from most villages with townhouses to the center. Among the advantages, of course, is the environment, incomparable with the gassed streets of large cities, the opportunity to relax in nature and take a walk in the forest, and not in city parks limited by streets. nine0003

Photo: Ross Joyner/Unsplash

Multi-family buildings involve neighborhoods with different people from above, below, to the side, and this can be dozens of apartments on several floors, as well as shared elevators, entrances and stairs. In a townhouse, you are the owner of a private entrance, the appearance and functionality of which you dispose of as you wish: you can arrange a porch for relaxation, install hidden cameras or force it with bicycles. You will have fewer neighbors compared to an apartment, but you will not be left alone, as in a separate house behind a high fence. Some see townhouses as a great opportunity to be friends with a limited number of families, while others consider it a disadvantage and dream of a separate house. In any case, other people will live behind the walls on one or two sides, and you should worry about soundproofing in advance. nine0003

Standard housing area varies from 70 to 300 sq. m. m. In addition, you can dispose of it at your own discretion: make a pool on the basement floor or a gym with showers. Build a fireplace in the living room or lay out flower beds and a garden in the adjoining area, or maybe fill it with concrete for a parking lot or build a playground. By agreement with the neighbors, you can divide the common area into a parking lot and a recreation area for everyone, which you will work with together. A townhouse is a two- or three-story apartment where each family member can make their own room and private bathroom. The disadvantages of a large area are obvious: cleaning in a townhouse cannot be compared with a two- or even three-room apartment. nine0003

Heating boilers are installed in each block of the townhouse: you can control and change the temperature in the house as you wish. Here, too, lies a minus: the boiler must be constantly monitored, especially in the cold season. In this case, acquaintance with the neighbors will be useful. Experts advise additionally installing a system that allows you to control the pressure in the pipes from your smartphone and automatically sends an emergency service to the residents in the event of a breakdown.

Most communications are provided at the construction level, and some townhouses are sold already finished. If you are doing repairs from scratch, you will have to invest in engineering systems that you would not have to do in an apartment. In townhouses, you cannot make an extension, as is the case with private houses. In addition, the owners are forbidden to change the design and color of facades and windows, because the overall appearance of the village depends on them. nine0003

Photo: Jonathan Wilkins/Pixabay

Letting the kids go for a walk is much more peaceful in a closed protected area than on city streets. Developers are trying to provide infrastructure for large families, which means that kindergartens, schools and shops are provided for residents. It is not a fact that there will be a polyclinic in the cottage settlement, get ready for trips or spending on private medical centers. Familiarize yourself with the infrastructure of the area in advance, because if you need to go to educational institutions and hospitals by wayposts, then without a car it will be difficult. nine0003

About the car, if any. Returning from work late at night, you dream of getting to your apartment as soon as possible, but first you need to find a parking place, if there is no paid one, and you do not have a garage. In a townhouse, this issue does not need to be resolved: you know for sure that you will not spend another half an hour searching, because the place is assigned to you in the village. Some townhouse projects include garages on the ground floor of the house. In addition, the developer often provides villages with additional parking at the entrance, which guests of residents can use. nine0003

Expert comment

Sergey Goryainov, Head of Country Real Estate Department Point Estate:

— In general, the price of townhouses is growing, there is a demand for such housing, especially given the pandemic.

The ideal option, in my opinion, is to buy a townhouse as an apartment. In this case, the land under the house will be transferred to the property. In fact, it will be a full-fledged apartment. This will save the owner of the townhouse from various redevelopments that his neighbors may want to do - for example, make the roof exploitable and damage someone else's property.

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