16 Best Basement Ideas to Ramp Up Functional Space
Gone are the days of dark, dreary basements that are home only to a water heater and some spiders. More and more homeowners are coming up with great finished basement ideas and turning these once neglected areas into functional spaces. Spaces that benefit not only your family but also your property value!
Check this list of the best basement ideas full of design tips and inspirational photos!
What Should You Do with a Finished Basement?
When people choose a new home, having the right amount of space is an important factor. We need the right number of bedrooms, enough kitchen space, and an area or two to spread out and relax. But what about the things you give up? Maybe you wanted a place for your hobbies, a home office, or a private guest suite. With a bit of renovation and imagination, your finished basement can check any of these dream list boxes.
1. Informal Living Room & Home Theatre
One of the most popular basement remodel ideas is to turn your basement into an informal family room or den. Turning the area into a communal space with a more laid-back vibe gives your family a place to come together and relax without the restrictions often placed on the home’s official living room.
Adding features like a mini fridge full of snacks or a popcorn machine is an easy way to guarantee the entire family is excited to gather here to watch movies or the newest episode of a favorite show.
via @engagingspaces
Use bright colors and funky patterns to give the space a fun aesthetic that will help everyone let their hair down. Using sturdy furniture and easy-to-clean fabrics is also a good idea if you have a rowdy bunch.
An oversized, plush gray couch with room for the whole family to stretch out makes an excellent addition to your den. Be sure to add plenty of throw pillows and soft blankets for optimum relaxation. And have you noticed a narrow shelf around the perimeter of the room that does a great job balancing the high narrow windows?
Needless to say, your new informal living space is the perfect spot for a media room or home theater. Basements tend to have plenty of open wall space and low natural lighting, making them ideal for movie nights with friends and family.
via @edgehomes
2. Home Bar
If you enjoy getting together with friends for a night out but don’t love crowded bars and overpriced drinks, consider building yourself a basement bar. Then, whether you prefer a laid-back tavern feel or a more modern style, with a bit of imagination and renovation, you can have your own watering hole and never have to worry about driving home again.
This home bar does a fantastic job of mixing rustic elements like the brick archway and bold light fixtures with light-colored countertops and white cabinets to keep the space from feeling heavy. Keep in mind that with their limited natural light, it’s easy for basements to feel dark or gloomy.
via @bethpicard1
Here is a good proof you can style a great bar even in a small basement. A built-in counter and an island are really the only things you need. However, we love the addition of the open corner shelves for displaying your alcohol collection.
via @2undertut
These homeowners have made great use of an unneeded closet in their basement by turning it into a space for entertaining guests. The corrugated steel and strand lighting give the bar an industrial feel without breaking the bank.
We love the old-school vibes this basement bar is giving off. From the wood paneling to the small library, this room is just the place for sipping whiskey and entertaining guests.
via @sdcarson55
3. Kids Play Zone
Kids bring so much joy into a home! And mess, too. Anyone who has kids knows how quickly they can take over your living room with toys and art projects. Turning your finished basement into a fun space just for them gives them room to be kids and helps keep your main living space clutter-free.
Storage bins are one of the best organizational options for kids’ spaces. The shelf shape and size are so easy to customize, and with so many bin options, there is a color and pattern to match any design style.
via @sarahguiler
A playroom is a great spot to use that bold color you love but have been hesitant about actually putting on a wall. However, if it is a dark color, you might want to stick to an accent wall so it doesn’t make the basement seem dark. Instead, pair it with white walls and plenty of lighting.
via @thebohochaser
A bright, funky area rug is a fantastic way to tie your basement playroom together. In addition, choosing a carpet with a kid-friendly pattern such as clouds or a rainbow adds a sense of whimsy to the space.
via @lexi.pratz
When designing your fun playroom, remember to give the kids some space to take a break and wind down as well. A seating area to relax with their favorite books or to color quietly is a great addition.
4. Teen Hangout Space
Once your kids get older, or if they already are, that kids’ play area can be converted into a teen hangout space. Giving teenagers their own space separate from the main living areas will give them a sense of privacy and make your house the place where they want to hang out with their friends.
You don’t need to break the bank renovating your teenagers’ basement space. Funky furniture and fun light fixtures will go a long. Don’t forget to include them in your design ideas and let them add their touches in the form of fandoms or hobbies.
via @minimalist.ish
When creating your teens’ basement space, think about function as well as fun. This separate space might be the perfect area for a quiet study nook. Having a designated spot to work on homework and projects without being distracted by the bustle of the house can make all the difference.
5. Game Room for Adults
A finished basement represents the potential for an entertaining space for everyone in the family, but it is a perfect spot for dad to build his man cave. Now, he can yell at the game or stay up late with his pals without disrupting the rest of the household.
A basement game room is just the place for all of those posters and bits of sports memorabilia or fandom items that just don’t quite fit with the rest of the home’s decor.
via @liv_companies
A pool table is high on many men’s wish lists, but it can be loud and take up a lot of space. Finished basements with their open concept and ample square footage are the perfect solution. If a pool isn’t your game, it would also be a good fit for an air hockey or ping pong table.
via @brandiut
This basement has enough space so the owners were able to add not only a comfortable couch and TV area but also a poker table for a game night. Whether your game of choice is poker, D&D, or even bridge, a card table is always a smart addition.
6. Wine Cellar
If you like the idea of having your own space to gather with friends for a drink but are looking for something a little more sophisticated, consider creating yourself a home wine cellar. With its cool temperatures and low natural light, your finished basement is the perfect spot.
Building different zones in your wine cellar is a great way to make the most of your square footage. While your wine prefers a chilly room, you and your guests will appreciate having a seating area that’s a bit warmer.
via @mcdstudio
We love the open shelving in this basement wine cellar. The narrow shelves take up minimal space but also allow the bottles to be displayed with labels out, making it easy to find your favorite drink.
7. Home Office
Working from home is a goal for many of us, but the reality is often more difficult than one assumes. Having a designated workspace that is quiet and set up for work in your finished basement can significantly help with productivity.
Here, the homeowner did a fantastic job using white walls and bold lighting fixtures to keep their basement office bright and elegant. The built-in storage is beautiful and practical: it provides ample space to store work necessities and makes the room feel taller.
via @thesaltyforkco
This basement renovation is like night and day. It’s incredible what difference some nice tile on the floor and a fresh, light coat of paint on the walls can make in a small space.
8. Workshop
Whether you like DIY home projects or work with your hands, turning your basement into a workshop will definitely pay off.
This homeowner has done a great job using a built-in counter to create a functional working area. Wall storage hacks that you might already be using for garage organization will be of great use in the basement workshop too.
Lighting is one of the most crucial factors when designing your home workshop. A dark basement is not an ideal workspace but can easily be brightened with suitable lamps or lighting.
via @damnationaudio
9. Craft Room
Any of us who are avid crafters know just how quickly your supply collection can grow and take over an area. That is why turning your basement into a craft room is one of our favorite basement remodeling ideas.
This clever crafter has made great use of her track lighting to brighten up every nook and cranny of her work counter.
via @lilyruddadams
Built-in shelving is a smart way to save space and keep your supplies organized. Adding bins and binders helps give the room a tidy, uniform look.
via @amongallofthis
10. Kitchenette
A finished basement lounge area seems a perfect space to entertain guests and spend quality time with family. However, hauling food and drinks in and out of your main kitchen can be tiring and time-consuming. This makes adding a kitchenette a really smart move. Even more so if you have a walk-out basement and can easily reach it while relaxing in your backyard pergola.
You can build a functional kitchenette with even a small area. This narrow galley-style kitchen is lovely and has everything needed to help prep a fun afternoon meal.
via @little_georgian
We love how the light-colored floors and white cabinets give this wet bar a crisp modern feel.
via @candidlycady
This basement kitchenette is sweet and straightforward and could be built without the need to hire a plumber or do any major renovation.
11. Laundry Room
Most washers and dryers don’t take up much square footage and can fit in a large closet, but having a dedicated laundry room is so much more convenient. Designating some of your basement living space as a laundry room makes it easier to store your cleaning supplies and take care of your clothes the way they deserve.
These homeowners have done an excellent job with their on-the-budget laundry room organization by adding open shelving, as well as a rack for the ironing board and clothes that need to hang dry.
You don’t need to create a separate room for your laundry. This one has been cleverly positioned in the space behind the stairs most basements have. It also makes clever use of limited space by adding a counter to the top of the washer and dryer, creating a work area out of an area that is often wasted.
via @leoniedavs
Take your cleaning to the next level by installing a sink in your basement laundry room. Now you have somewhere to soak those exceptionally tough stains.
via @taykay_russell
12. Home Gym
Working up a sweat is great for our physical and mental health, but expensive gym memberships, having to stay at home with kids or even Covid-related closures can ruin your fitness goals. That’s why the idea of building a home gym in a finished basement is becoming more and more popular.
Add some mats to your basement floor to make pre- and post-work-out stretching more comfortable. This is also a good idea if you enjoy yoga or pilates.
Looking for a nice way to make the small gym area in your basement look stylish and airy? Separate it with glass doors. This will allow having a dedicated, well-ventilated workout space, without giving up an open concept design or blocking the limited natural light.
via @amirrorimage
People are using their imaginations to build home gyms suited to their lifestyle and hobbies, and in some cases, that means much more than a treadmill and some weights.
13. Additional Bathroom
Anyone who has ever had to share a single bathroom knows that a home can never have too many. This is why adding an extra bathroom is one of our favorite basement ideas, especially if you already use your finished basement as an extra living space.
The contrast of the white subway tiles and dark wall color give this half bath a striking appearance that is sure to impress.
via @lifelovelarson
If you have enough room, adding a shower to your walk-out basement is a great way to keep kids from tracking mud and debris from their adventures through the rest of the house.
14. Guest Bedroom
When guests come from out of town, it’s nice to be able to offer them a place to stay, and having a basement bedroom is much more comfortable than an air mattress in the living room.
Many basements have small windows and little natural sun, so be sure to choose light colors for your guest room. Pairing this with soft fabrics will create a cozy, luxurious space for your friends and family.
via @paulamalgueiro
15. Reading Nook
Reading is an excellent pastime for family members of all ages. However, finding a quiet space to enjoy your newest book in a busy household can be tricky. So why not use some of your finished basement space to build a reading nook?
These homeowners are making the most of a small area with built-in bookshelves and drawers under the bench, which are perfect for storing coloring books and art supplies.
via @bogartinteriors
Already made plans for under stairs design? With a cozy barbed and bookshelves, the family here is making the most of their basement, not letting any room go to waste.
16. Storage Space
One of the easiest basement remodel ideas is to turn the unused area into storage. But do not let your basement be full of unorganized clutter! Here are some beautiful storage solutions to get you inspired!
Large plastic totes are always a great organizational tool, but this owner has taken it a step further by using clear bins with tidy labels. No more hunting for which container you need.
via @riorganize
These stylish built-in drawers would be the perfect spot to store out-of-season clothing or extra linens.
via @lot29_co
We love the look of these rustic storage cabinets and that they are large enough to tuck away items like fishing gear or holiday decorations.
Separating several square meters for a walk-in storage area will work great too. Consider using barn doors that will hide a closet with heavy-duty shelving in a super stylish way.
Best Unfinished Basement Ideas
Taking a basement from unfinished, unused square footage to a beautiful area you want to show off can take more time and money than you have on hand at the moment. But don’t let that dampen your renovation dreams. There are plenty of ways to spiff up your unfinished basement on a budget.
Something as small as painting the naked brick walls can make your basement feel more like a living space and somewhere you want to hang out.
via @sjblom26
Decide on one most important function you want in your finished basement and start working towards it. Even if that means only adding a small work area or a few storage cabinets.
Focus on one area at a time to keep from being overwhelmed by the project’s scope. Once that space is complete, move on to the next part of your basement renovation.
via @alexjoel75
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and the perfect basement living area won’t be either. However, you shouldn’t let that keep you from giving life to your basement remodeling ideas. The first step of any journey is the most important; hopefully, some of these suggestions have inspired you to take that leap.