Decorating your Basement

The most neglected room in home decorating is the basement. It is usually the room where everything that is not needed in the other rooms of the house is stored. The space can be used for so many other functional purposes.

In the past when homes were built, the basement was left unfinished. It was a dark, dreary room and not much thought was given to its use. Now, with homeowners needing more space for their various activities, the basement has become a room to decorate in the home.

If your basement has no windows, it can be used as a media room. With a low ceiling and low light, it is a perfect room for surround sound and theater style seating. The walls, floor, and ceiling should be a dark color. You can create the theater design of your choice with a big screen television or the same kind of screen used in a movie theater. Add tables for beverages or you can outfit the room with chairs designed specifically for home movie theaters.

If you are a musician, the basement is the perfect place for a music studio. You can soundproof the room and install the lighting you need. Add bench seating around the walls and you can have jam sessions for friends and family.

Basements can be partitioned into rooms. Sometimes the basement is used as a laundry room. You can partition off other areas into a playroom, craft room, or artist studio. If you do not have windows that give natural light, you will need to add the proper lighting. You can install shelves or rolling containers with drawers for art and craft supplies and toys. A futon can provide comfortable seating along with chairs or benches.

If you do not have space upstairs for a family room, you can create one in the basement. It can be a gathering place for watching TV, playing games, and doing homework. It can also be the home office with the computer set-up to pay bills or for the kids to use for their homework.

If you decide to decorate the basement in your home, you should seek the help of a professional to create the lighting you need for the room. Another consideration is that basements can be damp and high in humidity. You should purchase a dehumidifier for the room and some type of moisture barrier.

Before you start decorating your basement, you should have it checked for mold and mildew. A mold problem can be potentially dangersous to your health and that of your family.

Decorating the basement can turn a storage room into a fully functional room the entire family can enjoy.