The Top 76 Small Basement Ideas

Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home.

If your basement is more humble than huge, you may wonder if there’s anything you can actually do with the space. Is a basement renovation worth it when your lowest level has a small footprint? In nearly every case, the answer is a resounding, “Yes!”

As you can see from our gallery, your small basement ideas are limited only by your imagination. Scroll through to discover how you can creatively reclaim every inch of your home’s valuable square footage.

1. Bar

A great basement bar doesn’t require much floor space. In fact, one wall or corner in a finished basement family room is enough to create a wet bar that will quickly become everyone’s favorite gathering spot.

If beer is your thing, add a countertop beer tap. If you love wine, add a small wine cellar cabinet or wine cooler to your bar or man cave.

Let your basement bar ideas express your personality. Create a replica of a classic British pub or go for a retro bar theme. Add lighting to shelving to enhance that classic bar ambiance when night falls.

Antique neon signs are a great way to add personality and perhaps traveling memories to your basement bar décor.

 

2. Bathroom

No matter what you plan to do with the rest of your small basement space, you should try to leave enough square footage for a bathroom.

Even if it’s just a half bath, everyone will appreciate not having to climb the basement stairs to use the facilities. A toilet and a small pedestal sink are sufficient for a small basement space.

If you have enough room in the basement bathroom, consider relocating your washer and dryer there.

You may be able to install a laundry chute from the floor above to avoid lugging heavy baskets down the basement stairs.

Another bonus to a basement laundry room: the mess is out of sight when company comes. Don’t forget to include adequate storage space for your cleaning materials.

 

3. Bedroom

Often, a family first considers remodeling an unfinished basement when their teenager grows tired of sharing a bedroom with a younger sibling.

Adding an additional bedroom is a great way to use available basement space, whether it’s for a teen, an older relative, or overnight guests.

Before investing in a new basement bedroom, learn how many bedroom windows and exits are required by your local building codes.

Basement bedroom ideas for truly tiny spaces include creating a studio basement apartment space with a sleeping alcove.

A fold-up Murphy bed or built-in stacked bunks are other good bed alternatives in a small basement bedroom.

 

4. DIY

If you have excellent DIY skills, basic basement remodel tasks may not seem daunting. Installing insulation, framing walls, creating a drop ceiling, and finishing the basement floor may all seem easy to you.

Keep in mind that even a highly-skilled DIYer will likely need to hire a professional to hang drywall and install plumbing and electric fixtures.

One of the easier DIY basement ideas is to create a home gym. Tailor your workout room to meet your specific interests.

A mirrored wall visually doubles the size of a small basement and allows you to perfect your form. A hardwood floor topped with rubber mats makes a great yoga surface and helps muffle noise.

 

5. Kitchen

A basement kitchen is a great addition to the home, especially if it’s part of a teen, in-law, or guest suite.

If space permits, try to replicate as many full-size elements and appliances as will fit. You will appreciate extra fridge storage space or a backup oven when the holidays come.

Even the smallest man cave probably has room for a basement kitchenette. A small sink, microwave oven, and under-counter fridge or wine cooler is all you need to create a tiny, functional basement kitchen.

If you must add an egress window to meet building codes, the basement kitchen is a great location for it. Make sure the basement window opens for air circulation when needed.

 

6. Living Room

Adding a second living room is an excellent way to make use of small basement space. Make the basement addition a casual family room where the kids and teens can watch movies while the adults relax upstairs.

Because most basements have few windows, they are an ideal dark space to create a movie theater vibe.

Comfortable recliners or a large sectional sofa provide comfortable seating. Add dimmable light fixtures and a wet bar for making drinks and snacks.

Acoustic wall and ceiling tiles and a surround sound system are other essential elements for creating a theater-like basement living room.

 

7. Modern

If your unfinished lower story is a walkout basement, this “glass wall” of windows is a perfect modern design element.

Keep the windows the focal point of the room by using a simple color palette, furniture with clean lines, and glass or metal surfaces.

Modern flooring options include vinyl plank flooring—which looks like hardwood but is more durable and less expensive.

If your modern basement has a moisture problem, you can buy tile flooring that looks like hardwood. Of course, tile is a classic modern flooring choice and a creative pattern can add a lot of flair to your small basement ideas.

 

8. Remodel

A small basement can be a great location for a studio apartment. Instead of a full-size kitchen, create a kitchenette with cabinets, a wet bar sink, microwave, and dorm refrigerator.

A half basement wall can separate living and sleeping areas, or shop for dual-purpose furniture. A futon, day bed, or Murphy bed are all good choices for a finished basement studio apartment.

If toy clutter is getting to you, one of the best small basement ideas is converting the space into a playroom.

Incorporate built-in basement storage ideas and fun features, such as a slide and climbing wall. Use durable flooring, such as vinyl or laminate, instead of hard concrete or tile under slides or climbing zones.

 

9. Rustic

Your unfinished basement ideas may be inspired by rustic or industrial design elements.

If so, leave your basement ceiling beams and ductwork exposed, perhaps painting it all black to fade into the background. Use sliding barn doors instead of traditional doors wherever possible.

Natural masonry finishes are perfect for creating a rustic vibe in any type of basement room.

Brick walls look equally amazing in a basement kitchen or man cave. Stacked stone, painted concrete, or a mixture of textures are an inviting element of rustic basement room design.

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