Your Basement is Ugly
Here’s the thing…
Basements are tricky. Most of them let in minimal to no light at all, making the space suffocating and claustrophobic. Without a design plan, basements can wind up being a catch-all space for your unwanted or less desirable furniture pieces. However, basements are often used as a home’s primary lounging space. This is where you put the big TV, the bookshelves, a wine cooler, workout equipment, you name it. Your basement should radiate comfort and not become that dark, creepy place that your kids are scared of.
The first and most important step to take in furnishing your basement is to choose its lighting. Recessed lighting is ideal for basements; they’re tucked out of the way and typically have a dimming switch so you can control the majority of the space’s brightness. Recessed lights are small, so you can easily line the basement borders with them. Wall sconces are another compact, yet unique choice to add light to your basement walls. Sconces can either produce uplighting or downlighting, the former of which can make the space look taller and less stuffy. Of course, the classic floor lamp is a must for your basement. They’re uber-flexible and can be moved wherever necessary to create softer, more concentrated light flow.
Your basement should more or less double as a family room, so this is where you want to put one or two sofas, or a big sectional. With an ample amount of comfortable furniture, everyone can gather in the basement without having to bring over a dining chair or sit on the floor. Bring in furniture with neutral tones that emphasize relaxation to give the basement a low-key, casual vibe.
Some finished basements feature a small kitchen area. If you’re hosting or even just enjoying a drink by yourself in the basement, the kitchen area can allow for extra storage and fridge space. You can prevent having to precariously climb a flight of stairs while carrying food or beverages with some extra glassware and drink or snack options in the basement.
If you’re working with a lot of extra space in your basement or simply want to keep the living/family room elsewhere in the home, consider designating it as a game room. A basement game room is an opportunity for you to unwind with a game of pool and not stress so much about organization and presentability, as you would in the home’s main level. Focus on the fun of this room and keep it light; bring in some board games, a table tennis setup, shuffleboard, darts, whatever your heart desires!