Finished Basement Ideas To Get A Cool Hangout

These cool finished basement ideas share a variety of exciting ways you can get the most out of your extra living space. A finished basement design gives you, your family, and your friends a place to hang out and enjoy any time of year. From home bars, game rooms, home gyms, or movie rooms, there are tons of ways to create a finished basement you’ll love.

In modern homes, game rooms are becoming an essential part of the house. The modern basement game room shown in the image above, along with mood lighting, makes this area look just like a high-end nightclub. Gorgeous cone pendant lights over the pool table are ideal for focused lighting, which is perfect for the game. A stylish hideout for the man of the house and his friends.

Finishing a Basement

By definition, the Basement is the lowest habitable level of a building or a residential house, which is usually below ground level. Thanks to interior designers, these basements are now being transformed and remodeled from a dark, damp, and dreary place of the house into a functional living space that the whole family can enjoy.

The size of the basement doesn’t matter – whether it is a full, half, walkout, or cellar type. Basement remodeling could enhance the home’s value since it expands the square footage of the house, thus creating an additional, usable space and efficient storage when renovated. A finished basement can also be a good investment.

It is very important to first think about how you want your basement to function.

• Open Floor Plan – Allows you to incorporate several smaller working areas and different zones for various activities in one well-designed space.

• Stairwell – It is best to open the stairwell and install a banister for a more open feel. Another idea is to incorporate storage space with the stairs.

• Flooring – It is very important to select suitable flooring that will be durable and appropriate for all types of weather and withstand fluctuations in moisture levels.

• Lighting – Create a well-lighted basement using track lighting and recessed lighting, as well as incorporating other types of lighting fixtures for a more dramatic effect. Allowing natural light into a basement is a big challenge, and the best solution is installing window wells. Make sure you install window wells where you can make them as wide and deep as possible to bring much-needed sunlight into the basement.

• Colors – When renovating or remodeling basements, note that colors play an important role in each design concept you want to achieve. Choosing the right colors will make your design stand out and create a cozy ambiance. A neutral color palette is employed for many modern basement designs, which and elements like a small kitchen, bar, and living area with a fireplace are highly sought after to increase a home’s resale value. The result is a lovely and relaxed feel for this open floor plan multi-purpose room.  

• Soundproofing – Noise from the basement can travel up to the main house. It is advisable to choose engineered drywall to dampen the noise from this room.

Find inspiration for your basement makeover with our featured design and decorating ideas. Below are concepts and popular choices for different functions and activities for a basement renovation.

Basement Remodeling Ideas

Home theater – For homeowners who love to entertain, a basement can be transformed into a home theater or entertainment area. This can be a good reason to go downstairs and gather together with family and friends.

Extra storage – Every home needs extra storage space, and this extra square footage is usually the perfect spot to accommodate additional organization and storage of items.

Built-in shelving and cabinets incorporated with the stairs are a practical way of displaying personal items and providing extra storage space.

Game room – The basement is an ideal place for a game room. Bring in your favorite video game options like the console, large-screen TV, foosball, poker table, or pool table, and let the fun begin.

Wine cellars have become so popular, says Manfredini, that he has installed them in eight of the last 10 homes he’s worked on. And since it involves such a tight space, a wine cellar won’t bust your savings account. – The Smart Money Guide to Real Estate Investing, Gerri Willis

Home bar or wine cellar – A home bar is often paired with a lounge area for relaxing with your favorite beverage. For wine lovers, the basement space can be the perfect place to create a wine cellar for storing wine bottles with style.

Playroom, home gym, or multi-use space – This area can also be a great way to add a multi-activity space for the kids and incorporate a home gym or a home office so that parents can be with their kids working out or finishing paperwork.

Man cave – Another popular option to make the most out of a basement is to design a space for the man of the house by creating his own “man cave” featuring a game room or home bar.

Hobby or craft room – The woman of the house can also have her place for a hobby room – by transforming the basement into her own art studio. Whether it may be a sewing room, pottery room, or painting room, the basement is a perfect place for her to hone her craft.

Spa or sauna room – Looking for an additional area to relax, unwind, and be pampered? The basement could be a perfect place to design a home spa, sauna, or your own salon.

Library space – Bookworms can have a nice and quiet space tucked away in this quiet space. Transform your basement into a library and make use of the walls by installing open shelving for books and creating a cozy sitting area for reading.

Guest room – Need that extra privacy for guests? The basement is the ideal place to create a cozy and stylish bedroom for family or guests as well.

Windows – Adding egress windows to your basement can help you benefit from natural light, a more comfortable living environment and add resale value to your home.

Bathroom – A bathroom in the basement is convenient and is especially useful if you are converting the layout into a guest bedroom, in-law suite, or rental.

Laundry room – Create a basement laundry room where you can enjoy doing the chores and, at the same time, can double as valuable storage space.

Basement spaces have abundant remodeling ideas and design possibilities catering to any purpose and activity. Our photography gallery of cool basement design ideas will surely impress and excite you to create your own living space where everyone will love to hang out.

Basement Color Ideas

Whether your basement is for a game room, man cave, yoga retreat, or movie room, this room can be the best in the house. What color you choose depends on a few things, the most important being the tone you want to set for the room. Followed closely by how the room will be used and who will use it most. The color is really going to set the stage for this space, so you want to make sure you have the right color before you commit it to your walls.

Before you even consider color, you want to have lighting in the space figured out. Here are some questions to consider, followed by some tips you can use to get the paint and home decor you want. If you don’t have any natural light, how will you brighten up the space? Will you use pot lights or track lighting, or will you supplement with floor and table lamps? Your paint will look worlds different if you change your lighting after you paint, so try to sort out your lighting needs first.

If you are going for a movie screening room, then go with a dark neutral, or simply go dark. You want the walls to recede, and you don’t want a lot of glare from your projection equipment or tv.

Make sure to use flat paint and paint the ceiling in a dark neutral to prevent light from bouncing around and creating glares. For a classic, old-world movie theater feeling, go with a rich burgundy or deep navy. If you want a more contemporary feel, a gunmetal grey or lighter silvery grey would be perfect. Bold, dark colors aren’t the only choice, though. If you aren’t a fan of saturated color, choose a dark neutral in tones of grey or brown.

For a playroom, keep it cheerful and bright. A lovely lemon-curd yellow is a great choice, provided you have ample lighting. Any yellow tone will look muddy in a dimly lit room, so keep that in mind when selecting paint colors. If you want to be really adventurous, purple is perfect for a basement playroom. Purple inspires creativity and energy and is great for the playroom that will double as a creative space.

If serenity is what you are after, think of watery blues with undertones of green. Blue can read differently in different light levels. What looks relaxing on the sample strip can look downright neon covering an entire wall. Choosing a blue with green undertones will help prevent that electric blue look. These beautiful, watery colors will make your basement guest room feel light and airy. It will also provide a relaxing, outdoor vibe to a yoga or meditation retreat.

Finally, go bold. If you will use your basement as a sports hangout on game day, why not paint at least one wall your favorite team color? Yes, it is outrageous, but your basement is your playground, don’t be afraid to be bold and go a little crazy. There are no hard and fast rules about wall color in a basement, but there are ways to make your color look its best in a space that often has no natural light.

Ensure that your lighting is in place and adequate before deciding on a color, determine what the space will be used for, and consider the tone that you want to set for the space. Your basement is one of the few truly personal spaces in a home; make it yours!

Ideas For Finished Basements

These Instagram-worthy designs share a variety of different ways to plan your basement projects. Before getting started, make a list of the elements you want in your space which will help you narrow down and determine the most important details for your basement.

Make use of existing materials such as this basement stone wall; and add accent by hanging artworks and photographs of those treasured memories. Neutral and earth tone colors combined with a comfortable sofa, and cozy furnishings make this family room a warm and inviting space. A small kitchen and wet bar make entertaining convenient and much fun. Adding green plants is a nice touch that can bring some life into the space.

Transform your basement into a multi-activity play area dedicated to having loads of fun. Oversized bean bag chairs for relaxing, reading books, or just a space for adults to spend quality time with the kids and keep an eye on them while they are playing. Create a space for children’s games and toys by having a foosball table and some miniature rocking chairs. Light-tone laminated wood flooring is a good choice for this play area.

A man cave basement transformation can feature a wet bar with bar stools where snacks and drinks can be served while enjoying shows on multiple TV screens. Perfect place to host a Super Bowl Party! Open shelves and cabinetry with stone countertops provide more storage and preparation areas.  Check out this page for more man cave ideas for the home.

This multi-purpose room and entertainment area features a pool table, game table, and home bar transforming a boring layout into a family room where everyone can relax, unwind and enjoy. Many finished basement ideas incorporate a home bar, game area, and dining table to provide plenty of opportunities for entertainment and fun. Custom furniture, mini bar, and other classic arcade game creates a perfect place for kids and kids at heart to unwind and have a good time.

A fun and sophisticated football and baseball-inspired sports room basement, featuring leather seats and sleek modern furniture is a perfect place for family members and friends to gather and watch Sunday night football. The display shelves of sports memorabilia draw attention to a collection of all those valuable and unique sports souvenirs. Cool neutral colors with splashes of vibrant warm colors give this room a groovy, fun, warm, and welcoming ambiance.  Perfect hangout spot for teens and adults alike.

Home theater ideas can be the perfect way to utilize a basement to transform it into a room the entire family can enjoy. Sleek, wall-to-wall open shelves cabinetry provides an elegant space for displaying keepsakes and a place for the projector screen, stereo, DVD player, and other media equipment. Dark walls and comfortable leather movie seats are great for a movie night.

Traditional custom-made cabinetry with a natural wood finish is the best choice for this wine cellar; it is designed to prevent airborne contaminants from spoiling those vintage wines. The coffered ceiling with recessed lights, crystal chandelier, and patterned flooring complete the traditional rustic style.

Wine requires proper storage, and transforming basements into wine cellars is putting this extra living space of your house into good use. Choose wood that is good in quality, has resistance to rot and decay, is durable, and requires only a mineral oil finish, such as redwood, mahogany, walnut or cypress. Stone floors are an excellent flooring system you can install for your basement wine cellars because they are strong and durable. A granite countertop is a good combination as well.

For small finished bedroom ideas, a built-in bench that can be converted into a bed with under cabinet storage is a great space saver and can increase the home’s value. Bring in plants or flowers to match the bedding and other accessories. A focal point wall is a great way to build architectural interest in the basement by installing brick tiles for durable and easy-to-maintain walls.

For large basements with extra rooms consider converting the space into a workshop or craft room. Bring in a workbench and hang storage racks to keep things organized rather than making it a catch-all storage space for everything. 

Utilizing your basement space as a workshop can give you plenty of room to work on your favorite hobby or finish projects on a rainy day. To ensure your space is well equipped, ensure adequate ventilation, especially if you plan on working with noxious fumes or chemicals. Add plenty of electrical outlets so you can power all of your tools and appliances. In addition, install plenty of lighting fixtures, including task lighting, that you can direct exactly where you need it.

This contemporary basement media room features a living room with a comfortable long brown leather couch with a tufted ottoman; multiple TV screens are perfect when watching movies on a weekday evening or weekend or watching your favorite sports live. Components and other things are tucked away in the custom-built cabinets below.  Neutral, monotone colors, wood finishes, and a rectangular layout scheme with recessed lighting make the basement hangout open and bright.

The elegantly designed finished basement, which features an arched entry leading to the home bar, is an inspiration for a timeless European style design. Light-tone cabinetry provides more additional storage space.  The granite countertop blends well with the whole color scheme.  Neutral-colored patterned ceramic tile flooring works well with the whole design scheme.

A sophisticated media room featuring an open plan layout design scheme features a kitchenette and bar for entertaining, a light one wood cabinetry is designed for extra storage space and, at the same time, doubles as an entertainment area and a working/study corner. The fireplace serves as a focal piece and makes this room warm and cozy, together with the cool neutral shades of brown and tan.

Steps for Finishing a Basement

Finishing a basement can be a great way to add usable space to a home. Here are some general steps and tips for finishing this room:

Determine the Main Use of the Basement Area.

Basement Functional Room Ideas

• Guest Room 

• Home Theater

• BasementBar

• Home Gym

• Children’s Playroom

• Laundry Room 

• Craft’s Room 

Code Requirements. Check for local codes, as most states require the submission of a plan for all finished basements for the bedroom project.

Search Google for ‘city’ or ‘your state’s building codes to learn more about requirements where you live.

You can use a resource like the National Center for Healthy Housing to start your search for building codes in your area.

The general code requirements usually will include an emergency exit, especially for habitable rooms, a minimum percentage of glass area, openings for habitable rooms, insulation, stairwell clearance, and electrical requirements. 

Accessibility to Utilities. Serviceable connections such as shut-off valves, junction boxes, or cleanouts are usually found in here, and if these are present, they will affect the layout of the habitable space.

Seek a finishing contractor on how to conceal these, but at the same time should still be accessible when there’s a need for repair or replacement of these serviceable utilities. 

Internet and Wifi Connectivity. Regarding utilities, remember to evaluate if the signal of internet connectivity is weak. A signal booster can increase the signal. 

Waterproofing and Moisture Control. As basements usually receive less natural light coupled with being below grade and a typical location for serviceable connections, damp and water seepage is not uncommon.

Waterproofing and moisture control can be challenging and should be addressed early in planning. Even basements deemed to have a dry condition should still have a moisture barrier installed. 

Steps to Create a Livable Basement

Designing the Layout. After going through the major factors affecting the design plan, it is time to plant the layout for the project. At this stage, plans for architectural, structural, electrical, and lighting, as well as the plumbing, should be finalized along with the specifications and budget for the project. Extra specifications and plans on acoustics are needed for entertainment, a music room, or a home theater. 

Install Waterproofing. Major waterproofing systems include sealants and epoxy injections, which is an economical way to address waterproofing for masonry basements. The French drain or the interior drain is when a drain system and sump pump are installed to drain water out once flooding occurs. Exterior waterproofing can be employed as an additional layer of waterproofing. This exterior application usually has polymer and membranes. 

Frame walls. Once the moisture issues have been addressed, you can start framing the walls. Use treated lumber for the bottom plate to prevent moisture damage, and make sure the framing is plumb and square. Using pressure-treated lumber, frame the walls of the basement, leaving a gap between the framing and the concrete walls to prevent moisture buildup. Install a bottom plate along the perimeter of the room, then frame out the interior walls using studs spaced 16 inches in the center.

Install insulation. Insulation walls and other treatments keep away unwanted noise from the outdoors and, at the same time, improve the sound quality of the room for entertainment. Remember to choose insulation that is appropriate for your climate and local building codes. Install fiberglass batt insulation in between the studs, making sure to cut it to fit snugly and fill any gaps.

Install electrical and plumbing. Install any electrical wiring and plumbing necessary for the usage of the room project. This may involve hiring a licensed electrician and plumber for safety issues. 

Install Drywall. Install drywall on the walls and ceiling. Be sure to tape and mud the seams and sand the surface smoothly to seal off drafts. It’s important to note that basement walls can be prone to moisture problems, so it’s important to use materials that are specifically designed for use in damp environments, such as mold-resistant drywall and insulation. Additionally, to ensure the room is properly ventilated and any moisture issues are addressed before beginning the drywall installation.

Install Flooring and Trim Work. Install rubber tile or rubber sheets, which is great for basements that will function as a play or workout area.   

Paint and Finish. Once the drywall is installed, apply primer paint on the walls and ceiling. Then, after the primer paint has dried from the surface, it is time to use the first coat of paint. 

Furnish and decorate. Then, finally, it’s time to dress the space. Layered fabrics can soften and warm up the space. Window curtains can add privacy and contribute to the style. One can decorate the space to any preference. 

Did we cover everything in this list of basement designs? Please share your favorite products for the basement or elements that you feel the space needs in the comments below. See more basement flooring ideas on this gallery page.