Basements have a bad rap for being dark and dusty, but that’s never stopped a good designer. While creating a welcoming space without a lot of natural light is a challenge, it’s certainly not impossible.
The beauty of basements is that they’re often large spaces that can serve any number of purposes. To make the most of your lower bonus space, we’ve compiled some design tips inspired by Room & Board furniture to help you create a bright, airy feeling. Get ready because the basement is about to become your favorite room.
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Set the Foundation with Warm Neutrals
Save the drama of dark hues for your upstairs rooms and brighten the basement with light, warm neutrals. Painting the walls beige, cream, and white can instantly make the space more open and spacious. Avoid colors like gray, as this will intensify the chill associated with basements.
Pops of Bold Color
Once your neutral foundation is set, add a bit of personality with a few pops of color. We recommend choosing one or two bright colors, like teal and coral or yellow and light blue. Weave these into your accent pieces – from a statement armchair to throw pillows to artwork. The basement is a great place to add an accent wall with a bright pop of color.
Maximize an Open Layout
As a basement can feel confined, don’t do anything to block energy flow through the room. Keep the space as open as possible, creating a seating arrangement you can walk through. Opt for fewer furniture pieces so you don’t overcrowd your basement.
Cozy Furniture
Whether you plan to use your basement as a kids’ playroom, or an in-home cinema, comfort is a top priority. An oversized sectional, like the Room & Board Metro Four Piece Chaise Sectional, will provide plenty of space for lounging and entertaining, plus it can be rearranged as needed for different gatherings. A large area rug is another great addition that will make your basement feel more cozy – especially if you have hard flooring.
Layered Lighting
Let there be light. We recommend spending time choosing different forms of lighting that will complement the needs of your basement. You might consider a floor lamp with a minimal frame, like the Room & Board Streeter Floor Lamp. This versatile fixture extends over a sofa or armchair to provide plenty of reading and general light. You should also aim to install a ceiling light option. Recessed lighting is the most popular option in a low-ceiling basement space, but make sure you install a dimmer switch. This will allow you to control the levels when hosting friends or watching a movie.
Reflective Surfaces
On that note, make the most of your lighting by investing in reflective accent pieces. This may take the form of a large mirror, or you might use several glass furniture pieces, like the Room & Board Dunn Modern Coffee Table, to add reflectivity and a luxe element. You can also get a reflective quality from flooring with a shiny finish, such as glossy hardwood.
Organic Elements
Another great strategy to brighten your basement is bringing the outside in. Light wood furniture and accent pieces instantly make a space feel more welcoming. Houseplants that don’t require a lot of sunlight are ideal, or you can decorate with faux or dried greenery and florals. If you opt for real houseplants, they’ll provide the added benefit of helping cleanse the air in your basement. There’s nothing less welcoming than the smell of a musty basement.
Organization
Keeping your basement clutter-free will help it stay fresh and have an open feeling. An open ladder shelf like the Room & Board Gallery Leaning Shelf is ideal for storing books and stylish accessories. If you’re looking for a media center, opt for one with an open frame, like the Room & Board Gallery Leaning Media Unit. You might also add a few hidden options like storage ottomans to house boardgames, extra blankets, and TV remotes.
Why Shop Room & Board on Kaiyo?
You don’t need to break the bank to create a bright and inviting basement in which you’ll love spending time. You can find dozens of stunning pre-owned pieces from Room & Board on Kaiyo for a fraction of the original retail price. Plus, we deliver and install your furniture for you – because we know how hard getting it down to the basement can be! With spring in full swing, now is the ideal time to refresh your basement space with new light and bright, modern furniture from Kaiyo. Shop our Room & Board collection here.
