How to Transform a Basement to a Living Area

Author: ovalwallmirrors | Posted: 07.03.2012

Although basements are normally used for storage as well as a washer and dryer, they can serve a number of other purposes when set up right. Creating an incredible man cave or having an extra room to rent are two things that individuals do with the extra space. Whatever the case, it is important to plan the room’s design to fit the purpose, and there are a few good ideas that will get anyone on the right track.

The people first must decide what they will use the basement for. Although most people will already have a good idea, it is important to take into account certain features that the basement has that cannot be modified. Most basements contain small windows which bring in almost no light. Being in a dark room throughout the daytime is not very fun, and it is important to either fix the problem or compensate for it. Size is also a major consideration, since the room will be smaller once appropriate flooring and walls are installed. Typically, basements are best for movie rooms, bedrooms and social gathering rooms. It is important to stay away from rooms that are intended for use daily or every couple of days.

Hardwood and vinyl floors are used most for basements, but carpeting is nice if the main idea is to make the basement feel similar to a part of the house. Leaks from the house above can ruin a fantastic carpet floor, and since many of these rooms are for partying, they get stained easily, too. Installing sheet rock walls throughout the room is a fantastic way to make it feel like a real room, but many get away with just painting the concrete. Many different things like hanging round wall mirrors can be carried out with sheet rock, and eventually it can be replaced so the room looks new again. Placing carpet and other sound deadening materials is a good bonus of having these walls, too.

Given that the room has very little light to begin with, a lot of people prefer to keep the walls and ceiling a bright shade. Lights must be installed for most rooms, and these can enable various color schemes to be used if placed correctly. It is a fantastic idea to install round mirrors to both keep the room bright and still provide the feeling of a large room, even when it is small.

Many basements are extremely large and can serve multiple purposes. Extra room is usually closed in and used as a small storeroom to have a place to store things away. This allows for an area dedicated to storage which can be locked away, and additionally helps keep the property looking clean and organized.

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