If you’ve ever had the opportunity to see your basement, then you know that they are often overlooked and forgotten. This is especially true if yours is just a typical unfinished space with concrete floors and no windows. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. There are many ways you can spruce up your basement, so it feels more like an extension of your home instead of a dungeon for storage. From installing new lighting to using it as a game room or man-cave, these ideas will help you get started on making your basement feel less like a prison sentence and more like part of the family.
1. Home Theater
If you want a home theater setup, setting up an extension of your living room in your basement is a great way to maximize your entertainment space. However, there are some things you’ll want to consider before placing it directly below the main floor.
For example, you may want to soundproof the walls so that movies don’t disturb other people on the main floor. You should also consider putting your home theater in a part of the basement that already has good lighting and room for seating. That way, it feels more like an entertainment space rather than just another dark square on the map.
Finally, you’ll need to invest in furniture and some appliances. You’ll want a larger-sized TV or a projector to complete the theater experience. Since this is an extension of your living room, you’ll want to buy furniture for a family room. With these amenities, your family is comfortable while watching your favorite films. And a little theater decor wouldn’t hurt, too, in the form of popcorn machines and a concession corner.
2. Game Room
Do you have a set of darts, table tennis, or even a pool table? If you do, your next project should be turning your basement into a game room. It’s a great way to encourage everyone to play together and socialize as a family.
However, if you don’t own these games already, you can always purchase them at garage sales or find them on Craigslist. You can even consider purchasing different games for your game room every season. For example, you can get a new pool table in the summer and switch to an indoor putting green once it gets colder outside or in winter.
3. Home Gym
If you’re a fitness buff, the basement is the perfect place for your home gym. All you need to do is include it as part of your man-cave and turn one half into a weight room and the other half into a cardio area.
Since you can use your basement to help with your workout routine, you can find any storage you can. You can use shelves or cabinets for your weights and other equipment while using the basements’ unused space for free weights.
The only thing you might want to consider is soundproofing so your exercising doesn’t disturb others in the house. However, if you’re lucky enough to have a basement with a door to a backyard, you can open the door and run through the yard on lovely days.
4. Wine Cellar/Basement Bar
Everyone enjoys having a place to drink, relax, and have some fun. So why not consider turning your basement into a wine cellar or bar? It doesn’t matter if you’re single or have a family; it’s the perfect way to get people to come over more often.
You can even take this one step further and create your wine/beer at home using appliances like fermenters, juicers, presses, and carbonators. These are perfect for turning your favorite fruits into tasty drinks that everyone in the house can enjoy. Just remember to have a good ventilation system in place because you’ll be using chemicals and other elements that can have a strong smell otherwise.
5. Man Cave or She Shed
If you’re a man or woman who likes your time alone, consider turning the basement into a place where you can enjoy some peace and quiet. A man cave is an extension of the main floor’s living room, except it’s more masculine in nature. For example, there are no flowers or candles on display along with different furniture often found in the main living area.
And if you’re a woman who wants her own space to work on crafts, read books, or hang out with friends in private, consider turning part of your basement into a she shed where you can have some privacy. It’s the perfect spot for you to enjoy when no one else is home so it feels more like your own personal space.
6. Art Room
Many small business owners fail because they aren’t able to show off their products. If you’re one of these people, consider turning your basement into an art room where you can display your paintings, photography, or any other kind of artwork.
Since this will be a part of your living space that others will see on occasion, it’s important that it doesn’t look cluttered or messy. If you have a lot of space, consider getting matching desks, display tables, and file cabinets from IKEA to help organize your artwork. You can also use a large bulletin board in the back to pin pictures up with thumbtacks so you can change them out when needed.
While the majority of the basement has been covered up or forgotten entirely, there’s something about having an unused area that can greatly improve your home. So take the time to plan out what you want your basement to be and get started today!
With this additional room, you can do whatever you like with it. From using it for storage to creating a fully equipped gym of your dreams, there are no limits when it comes to defining its purpose in your life.
