An intelligently designed basem*nt can be as beautiful and welcoming as any other room in the house. Fortunately, the stereotype of the dark, spooky basem*nt bedroom is now a thing of the past. With modern lighting, ceiling, flooring, and textile options, a beautifully finished basem*nt bedroom is within reach regardless of your budget.
Tackling a basem*nt bedroom space doesn’t have to be a scary prospect. Browse our favorite basem*nt bedroom ideas and find the inspiration to create your own subterranean paradise.
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Table of Contents
1. Creating a Light and Spacious Ambiance
“Bright” and “airy” probably aren’t the first two adjectives that come to mind when someone mentions the word “basem*nt.” But there’s no reason that they cannot apply to a basem*nt bedroom or other basem*nt living space. Using light wall colors, pale-colored bedding, and white furniture all contribute to creating a bright basem*nt space.
Avoid clunky, dark furniture and opt for an open wrought iron bed instead. Although a dark floor can help anchor the space, a light-colored flooring material contributes to an open, airy feeling. Lace or sheer window treatments provide privacy while allowing light to filter through freely.
2. Stylish and Functional Bunk Beds
Bunk beds aren’t just for kids’ rooms anymore. Built-in bunk beds are an ideal feature in a basem*nt guest bedroom or even along one wall in a basem*nt living room. If you frequently have overnight guests, bunk beds are one of the most efficient basem*nt ideas around.
Whether stacked two or three beds high, bunks can reach from the floor to a few feet below the basem*nt ceiling. Install recessed lighting over each bed and be sure top bunks have a guard rail. If your basem*nt remodel includes built-in bunk beds, add as many storage drawers as you can.
3. Embracing Dark Tones
While it’s common for the aim of a basem*nt remodeling project to brighten a dimly lit space, some people will prefer a darker, cozier atmosphere. People who work the night shift may prefer a dark basem*nt bedroom, even to the point of hanging blackout curtains on the basem*nt window. Even so, a darker basem*nt bedroom design needn’t be black and gloomy.
Rich blues and dark greys, or walnut and cherry wood tones can be just what a basem*nt man cave needs to feel cozy and peaceful. Dark slate tile is an ideal material to use on your basem*nt floor, and its charcoal hue goes with whatever dark color palette you choose. Add luxury and softness with a variety of textiles and textures, and install plenty of lighting for when you want the space a little brighter.
4. Welcoming Guest Bedroom Ideas
At first, you might feel concerned about putting an extra bedroom in your basem*nt. Will your guests feel like they’re prisoners in a dungeon? There’s really no reason for your guest bedroom to feel any less welcome below ground than above. The basem*nt can be an ideal spot to add a spare bedroom, especially if you also have a finished basem*nt bathroom nearby.
Keep the decor simple in the additional bedroom. You want your guests to feel welcomed, not overwhelmed with loud colors or lots of clutter. Farmhouse or Scandinavian design ideas work well in a basem*nt bedroom. Their clean lines and light colors make the entire room feel homey and inviting.
5. Fun and Functional
What’s more fun than bringing all your most colorful, creative ideas to life in a fun kids’ room? A basem*nt bedroom for kids should be light and friendly, featuring all their favorite colors and creatures. While the basem*nt may not be the ideal location for a nursery, it can be a great place to add an extra bedroom or two for older siblings.
Good floor choices in a kid’s basem*nt bedroom include carpet squares or tile. A concrete floor can be stained or painted in a variety of colors. Consider hiring a professional to make the concrete floor look like grass or water – or both – underfoot. A mural accent wall is another good way to bring outside elements into your child’s bedroom.
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6. Elevate Your Space
A basem*nt bedroom can showcase many luxurious features. Cover a basem*nt wall with stacked stone or brick veneer, or replace ceiling tiles with stained hardwood panels and beams. Built-in bookcases are an elegant basem*nt storage solution, and a fireplace is a luxurious must. Throw soft rugs underfoot and dress your bed with a silk duvet.
Basem*nts can be quite spacious, making it possible to create a guest or master suite with a lot of extra room. A luxury basem*nt bedroom could include a sitting area, workout zone, bathroom, and office. A large basem*nt bedroom is a great place for an oversized four-poster bed and other large-scale furniture.
7. Designing the Perfect Man Cave
A man cave is the modern man’s home within the home. Often, you’ll find these masculine sanctuaries tucked into basem*nts, equipped with everything a man needs to relax alone or with the guys. Ideally, a basem*nt man cave will include a fridge and microwave, a recliner, and a large-screen TV.
A man cave doesn’t always include a bed, but if your basem*nt has room for one, you’ll have an ideal place to nap. Decorate with personal touches, including favorite sports memorabilia, movie posters, and military or career awards and trophies. Dimmable lighting is ideal in a man cave.
8. Maximizing Space
Multipurpose rooms are a great way to make the most out of a small basem*nt space. Combine the best features of a family room, bedroom, and kitchenette for a fun multipurpose basem*nt room. This type of space is great for overnight guests, especially those with children. Line built-in bunk beds along one basem*nt wall, leaving the other side of the room open for living and dining purposes.
Murphy beds that fold up into the basem*nt wall are also ideal for multipurpose rooms, especially if the room is small. Use the space as an office or living room during the day, then pull down the Murphy bed when it’s time to sleep.
9. Simplicity and Comfort
Basem*nts are, by nature, simple rooms. They usually start as cavernous areas just waiting for definition. Simple design styles, such as minimalism, modernism, and Scandinavian, are free of clutter and uncomplicated.
Keep your color palette basic, perhaps white or ivory, with accents in blue or gray. Solid textiles with interesting textures are more simplistic than busy patterns or bright colors. A simple basem*nt bedroom only needs a bed, a dresser, and a window for natural light.
10. Small Space Solutions
A basem*nt bedroom doesn’t have to be big to be functional. Even small basem*nt bedrooms free up space on your main floors. If you have several children, tiny bedrooms can restore peace by allowing siblings to have their own space. Use light colors, plenty of mirrors, and sheer window treatments to expand a small basem*nt room.
Storage can be a problem in a small basem*nt bedroom. Make use of space beneath your basem*nt staircase, using it to store seasonal clothing, toys, or sports gear. Bunk beds are essential to have floor space in the smallest bedrooms.
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11. Teenage Dream
Teenagers usually love the idea of a basem*nt bedroom. It separates the space enough to make it feel like their own, but close enough to the family in case of emergency. High schoolers have their own distinct design preferences and should be encouraged to use them, within reason.
When creating a basem*nt bedroom for your teenager, be sure to include a desk and chair. Built-in bookcases lined with baskets are a fun alternative to a traditional dresser. Bunk beds make it easier for friends to sleep over, but you can also choose a twin or full bed with a pull-out trundle.
12. Utilizing an Unfinished Basem*nt as a Bedroom
An unfinished basem*nt is a blank canvas, ready to accept your design ideas. If you enjoy rustic or industrial-style decor, you might want to leave many raw elements in place. Exposed ductwork, support columns, as well as concrete walls and floors all mesh well with industrial design. Floor beams above make for an interesting ceiling – one that’s easy to decorate with string lights, mobiles, and other dangling elements.
Even if you’re going for an unfinished vibe, certain elements need finishing for structural integrity. When finishing your basem*nt bedroom, prevent moisture damage to windows at or below grade by installing the right type of window wells. Including window well covers can help keep out pests and debris, as well as moisture.
13. Adding Style and Personality
Basem*nt bedrooms can accommodate most of the same kinds of wall coverings and paint ideas you would use upstairs. While light paint colors expand and brighten a room, no color is taboo in a basem*nt bedroom. Wainscoting, beadboard, and shiplap all look great in the basem*nt and are available in vinyl or other moisture-resistant materials.
Stone and brick veneers are also good choices for basem*nt bedrooms, especially when going after a rustic or farmhouse design. Murals can help break up long basem*nt walls. Hire a professional artist or purchase a wallpaper mural you can install yourself.
14. White Is Always a Good Choice
White is one of the best colors for basem*nt bedrooms. White rooms feel clean and spacious and are best for multiplying available light. Soften the harshness of solid white by choosing an ivory, cream, or eggshell shade of paint. Add texture with shiplap or beadboard walls or ceilings.
Small basem*nt bedrooms need the visually expanding power of white. As a neutral, white also works well beside any other color, making it easy to change the room’s look if you tire of the current color scheme. Keep white as your background canvas by choosing white floors, white furniture, white walls, and trim. Change the rest as needed.
15. Masterful Retreat
Relocating the master bedroom to the basem*nt may be a great idea if you need a bigger master suite. Be sure to include a generous walk-in closet, if possible. Add custom features that are important to you, perhaps a wine cellar outside your bedroom door, or a sprawling bathroom suite.
If you have a walkout basem*nt, use it to create a private patio. Use French doors to maximize the amount of light flowing in. Although water-resistant floor materials are the typical preference in the basem*nt, don’t be afraid of installing a luxurious carpet if you know your basem*nt is free from moisture issues.
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Basem*nt Bedroom FAQs
Can I make a bedroom in the basem*nt?
Absolutely! If you have the space and can meet building code requirements, you can use your basem*nt space however you wish. Specific laws vary by state, but generally speaking, a room must be at least a certain size and have two ways out to qualify as a bedroom. For example, it must include a door and an emergency exit, often an egress window.
How can I brighten up my basem*nt room?
The same basem*nt lighting and design tricks used to brighten other dark rooms work equally well in a basem*nt room. Do the following to brighten up your basem*nt renovation:
• Use white wall paint. Make windows as large as possible
• Use glass exterior doors instead of solid ones
• Trim greenery from around basem*nt windows to allow in more natural light
• Hang up plenty of mirrors
Is sleeping in the basem*nt bad for you?
You can eliminate or reduce some of the risks commonly associated with sleeping in basem*nts like mold or radon exposure or getting trapped in a fire. Hire a professional to inspect the basem*nt for mold or radon, and follow their recommendations to fix any problems. Make sure each basem*nt room has at least two ways to exit in case of fire.
