LLStyle: Cozy Up Your Basement

It’s the afterthought of the home, the room that often goes unfinished, or where things go to be stored indefinitely: the basement.

Basements can be challenging from a design perspective, since they can be cold, more prone to water damage, and lacking in natural light from recessed windows. But with the right approach and some creative thinking, basements can be cozy, comfortable spaces where you or your family can go to kick back and relax.

Here are some ideas and tips to make your basement into a cozy haven, creating a purposeful space where you’ll want to spend time.

Comfort first

Finished basements should, first and foremost, be spaces where you can kick back and feel comfortable. Whether it’s a space to watch movies or a play space for kids (or both!), you want your furniture to be welcoming and warm, especially for basements that tend to run colder. 

Prioritize well-cushioned furniture with soft upholstery and, space allowing, think about adding a sectional that can comfortably fit multiple people.

Freshen up your floors

Moisture is a number-one culprit that can wreak havoc on basement floors, which can result in mold and mildew issues. To keep moisture from damaging your basement flooring, consider updating to moisture-resistant options like waterproof vinyl, laminate, or LL Flooring’s Duravana, all of which are specially designed to keep water from seeping into the boards and causing damage.

Organize your storage

Listen: everyone has that space in their home that purely serves to collect and store your extra stuff. Almost no one—save for perhaps Marie Kondo herself—can do without storage space, and if you have a basement in your home, that’s commonly where things tend to pile up. 

That’s why it’s important to install smart storage in your basement, where you can keep your stuff organized and orderly while not infringing on the design of the space. Consider installing shelving that can hold bins to contain toys, seasonal decor, camping gear, or other miscellaneous things that need to be stored.

A space to entertain

Whether you’re hosting kids or adults, basements are a great space to hang out and have some fun. To make your space into a home theater, adding a projector and a retractable screen can give you a true theater experience while taking advantage of the dimmer light in below-ground basements. Basements can also be great places to install fashionable wet bars or game rooms to entertain your guests. 

The biggest key to creating your perfect basement is to approach with function in mind. However you need the space to serve you and your household, basements should be fun, cozy multi-purpose spaces that draw people in and make them feel comfortable.