Turn Your Basement Into a Hangout Spot

Is your basement an awkward and boring space where all your forgotten clutter goes to gather dust? We can totally relate. There was a time when our basement looked abandoned as well.

One of the reasons why it gradually regressed to that state is simply because we didn’t know what to do with that available space. Before we know it, it has slowly evolved into a storage room to hide all the random things we weren’t prepared to part with just yet. Does it sound familiar?

Well, what if we tell you that there’s a way to turn it into a cozy hangout spot for your family and guests? In this article, we are going to share with you the steps to turn your basement into the hangout spot of your dreams.

Get Your Basement Ready for the Makeover

Cleaning

The first step that you need to do is to clear all that clutter and make some space. Get rid of all your broken stuff. Donate items that others may still find useful and valuable. You can also hold a garage sale to sell things that seem as good as new. Who knows? You might even extend your makeover budget with your garage sale earnings.

Inspection

Once the area has been cleared, it will be easier for you to inspect how safe your basement is. Look for any damages to its structural integrity, mold growth, water damage, or even flooding. It’s wise to arrange plumbing inspection for a more professional opinion.

Finally, don’t forget to determine whether your basement has sufficient insulation or not. After all, you want to make this space comfortable to be in the whole year-round.

Moisture Test

Speaking of mold growth, too much humidity can be a common problem depending on where your home is constructed.

For instance, there are certain states with higher levels of moisture in their soil, like in Michigan or Louisiana. You can seek the help of a waterproofing company to have your basement inspected for good measure.

Finish Your Basement

Walls

One of the main reasons why basements don’t look very appealing to be in is due to their finishing. Fortunately for those who are confident with their DIY skills, finishing a basement’s walls actually only requires three main steps. These are installing insulation, framing the walls, and installing drywall.

Floor

You might also need to finish your basement flooring as well. Make sure to use waterproof materials to prevent flooding and water damage.

Ceiling

You have two options on how to finish your ceiling. Some people actually prefer their pipes to show for a more modern and industrial look. If that’s the look that you’re going for, then you can paint your pipes in a color that will match your preferred aesthetic. The second option is to hide your utilities by installing a drop-ceiling or drywall.

Start Decorating!

Paint the Walls

It’s finally time for the fun part一decorating. We recommend choosing a color that can potentially brighten up your space. White is a popular option, but don’t be afraid to experiment with your preferred paint, just make sure to prepare the room for the painting beforehand. You can also choose to give your walls some pattern or texture with reclaimed wood or wallpaper.

Install Lighting

The quality of your lighting can significantly impact how inviting and comfortable your basement will be. After all, chances are, your basement won’t have a lot of sources of natural lighting. There are different options of lighting but we recommend combining different types. Recessed ceiling lights are ideal for all-over lighting. Task lighting might be needed to brighten up specific areas (such as pendant lights over your bar, or hanging fixtures over a game table). Finally, don’t forget some indirect lighting as well. It will add to the overall ambiance of your space and help in highlighting artwork and collectibles.

Fill It up With Furniture and Decor

Finally, you can move on to fill up your space with furniture and decor. You don’t always need to buy new ones if you’re working on a budget. There are numerous resources online on how to refurbish old furniture pieces and refresh old decor items.

We also highly recommend installing storage and shelving units. Open shelving is best if you want to display collections such as books, games, or figures. In the end, what’s important is to turn your basement into a space that you will actually feel excited to hang out in. Good luck!