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12 incredible basement ideas: What to do with your bonus space

From entertainment to a cozy haven, check out these basement ideas to transform this unused area

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Gray basement walls
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The basement doesn’t have to be as extra storage space. While it can be the perfect location to store holiday decor totes or boxes of extra items like camping gear or a seasonal wardrobe, many homeowners find that there is plenty of space left unused in their basements even after they’ve stored all their necessities.

So, what can you do with this bonus space? Check out these basement ideas on how to transform your space and put it to good use.

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Create an entertainment space

Green basement with bar
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One of the simplest and most popular basement ideas is to create a space fit for entertainment. Whether you’re hosting guests or want to curate more family-friendly activities, the basement can be the perfect location.

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Add an at-home bar

An at-home bar is ideal for the avid entertainer. If you throw parties or host family gatherings, the at-home bar can be the perfect addition for adults. This gives you a classy space to relax, have a few drinks, and entertain guests. An at-home bar and small kitchenette can also boost your home’s resale value.

Turn it into a movie room

For movie lovers, the home theater is a must. It is one of the most popular transformations homeowners add to their basements. Thanks to its affordability and simple design, you can set up a home theater on a budget. A couple of couches, a mini fridge and cabinets for snacks or drinks, and a TV or movie projector can benefit the space.

Make a game room

Game rooms are another easy way to turn your basement into an entertainment space. Whether you use it for video games or table games, this is a great way to use the space. Add an extra TV or console or set up a gaming computer system for the video gamer in the family. Or, go for a classic approach with a pool table, ping-pong table, or even a retro arcade machine.

Have a separate playroom for the kids

If you have young kids, turning the basement into a dedicated playroom can help you keep your house in order. You’ll never have to worry about forgotten toys left around the house or loud background noise as you work in your home office or sit down to enjoy an evening movie.

Turn your basement into a relaxing space

Media room basement with dark gray walls
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Not everyone is an entertainer. Thankfully, there are plenty of relaxing solutions for revamping your basement bonus space.

Create a den

A den or informal living room is great for larger families. If you’ve ever argued over the remote to find a good movie to watch as a family, you might have dreamed of having a separate living room. Dens can also be great for those craving a man cave. A dedicated space to watch the games or have a drink with your friends away from the kids can be a must for many homeowners.

Build an at-home library

Book lovers may prefer to transform their basement into an at-home library. This can create a highly sophisticated and luxurious look. Or, for collectors, the at-home library concept can be used for collectibles or other items you want to put on display rather than used for books.

Revamp the laundry room

Not all laundry rooms are created equal, but if you have ample basement space, turning it into a laundry room can help make the chore easier to accomplish. With the extra space, you can add a laundry room sink, a permanent ironing board, or space to hang dry clothing.

Add an at-home sauna

Saunas are gaining popularity in many homes as people seek the health benefits they provide. A fantastic relaxing solution for your basement can be to add a sauna to your home. Rather than searching for the right space upstairs or building an addition to your house, use your basement to house your at-home sauna and turn the space into your own personal spa and retreat.

Other basement ideas to try

Finished basement seating area with white walls and carpet
Hendrickson Photography / Shutterstock

There are so many basement ideas to choose from if you have the space. Here are a few unique solutions many homeowners adore.

Build a home gym

If you’ve always wanted an at-home gym, an unused basement can be the perfect place for your setup. If your basement has enough square footage, you can install your gym equipment, lay down a cushioned floor mat, and set up some mirrors on the wall to create the ideal workout space.

Turn it into a guest bedroom

While you may need to brush up on local safety regulations before doing this option, turning your basement into a guest bedroom is possible. Make sure you meet the local requirements, including having an easily accessible window, before creating an extra bedroom.

Add an in-law suite or apartment

If your basement has a separate exterior door and plenty of windows, you could transform it into an in-law suite. This is a great option for homeowners who want to keep their parents close. While it will cost an upfront investment, you can get a good ROI with an in-law suite on the property.

Use it as a craft room

You might also consider using your basement as a craft room. Some people use it to store and use sewing supplies, while others create the ultimate LEGO storage setup. Whatever your hobby, there are plenty of ways to use the space for your crafts.

Having unused basement space can feel like a waste. Thankfully, there are several ways you can use your basement to boost your home’s appeal or create more function for you and your family. Be sure to try these ideas to get the most out of your situation.

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Amelia Wilson
Amelia Wilson
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Amelia Wilson (author pen name Amelia J. Wilson) is a content writer in Greenwood, IN. She often enjoys topics on…
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