Top 11 Basement Renovation Ideas

1. Home theater

A classic for basements, home theatres let you watch the latest movies or hockey games on the big screen from the comfort of your own home. Everyone can use them, which is partly why they’re so popular!

Home theatres are relatively dark, so consider getting some architectural lighting installed on the ceiling to really emphasize the movie-going experience. Also, add some soundproofing and carpeting so that sound doesn’t travel too far.

2. Wine cellar or home bar

Love wine? How would you feel about sipping your favourite bottle of red with your significant other after a long work day? What about mixing drinks for your friends or family during a get-together? Yeah, we thought you’d like that. 🙂

A wine cellar or bar is a great choice for folks passionate about spirits. And, if the space you’re working with is small, you can always opt for integrated storage to elegantly show off your collection. You’ll also need good insulation, ventilation, and lighting to create the perfect atmosphere.

3. Children’s game room

The basement can be the perfect space for your little ones to have fun and keep all their scattered toys in one place. They can have hours of fun, rain or shine! Install custom storage with shelves for books and board games and closed cabinets for less-used toys. Transform your basement into an arts and crafts room, a basketball court, a gaming room, or anything your heart desires! Rainy days will no longer be the same.

4. Living room

More often than not, the main living room is generally used as a place to host guests. It’s not the first choice if your kids bring home friends that want to sit and watch movies or play games while loudly chatting. In these moments, it’s great to have a second living room in the basement. You can also soundproof to ensure that noise travel to the other floors.

If you’re thinking of having a fancier or quieter second living room for the adults, consider adding a fireplace and a minifridge. Who wouldn’t want to relax by the fireplace while sipping a glass of wine during winter?

5. Adult game room

Adults need to have fun too! If you’re looking to create an entertainment room, consider getting a pool table, a ping pong table, or a dartboard. As the kids get older, they’ll also be able to enjoy the space. You’ll be able to create unforgettable moments with your friends and family.

6. Home gym

Say goodbye to expensive gym memberships and cold commutes and hello to easily accessible at-home workout sessions. You’d be surprised how much equipment you can get with a small budget, especially if you shop around. Start with a few free weights, an exercise ball, a yoga mat, and an elastic band, and then add in fitness equipment such as a stationary bike, and exercise bench, or even a treadmill as the space gets more use.

Complement your home gym by installing a large mirror, shelving to store towels and nutrition books, and a mini-fridge for bottled water. Be sure to get a mounted TV if you love to watch exercise videos or Netflix while working out. Now all you need to do is throw on some sportswear and a pair of sneakers!

7. Bathroom and laundry room

If you’re sick and tired of running up and down the stairs to use the bathroom, then build one in your basement. You can opt for something small and practical or go all out with a fancy ensuite for your guest room.

If you have the space, consider adding a laundry room and a pet grooming corner for your furry family members. No more splashing around and dealing with ripped shower curtains and knocked over shampoo bottles. Plus, a dedicated grooming corner gives you a place to store your pet care products within reach.

While you’ll have to take a few extra steps to do the laundry (unless you install a laundry chute), you won’t have to deal with noise from the washer and dryer. It’ll make your day just a bit more peaceful.

8. Bedroom

The basement is the perfect place for a child’s bedroom or even a guest suite. You have a fair bit of space to work with, so you can create a large room featuring a dedicated play area, an ensuite, or even a hobby area. As for decor, let your creativity shine. Play with colourful bunk beds for kids or matte wall panels for some sophistication.

9. Home office

Looking to add some quiet to your 9 to 5? A basement is the ideal space to convert into your dream home office! You can find unique furniture like a desk with extra storage space, integrated lighting, and a retractable worktop. You can also add ferns and flowers to create an indoor plant oasis.

Of course, in addition to being well organized, you should also care about having a good posture, so a comfortable chair and an adjustable desk must be at the top of your list. Choose materials that are durable and easy to clean – they will last for years, which is perfect if you get the opportunity to work remotely full time.

10. Basement bachelor

Do you ever use your basement? If not, why not convert it into a basement bachelor? If done right, your return on investment will be great: you can earn rent from tenants, and your home’s resale value will increase. Though, before moving forward with this idea, be sure to check with your city whether or not converting the space into a rental property is a possibility.

Keep in mind that this new apartment in your basement will need an independent entrance, a kitchen, and a bathroom. We suggest getting the work done by qualified basement contractors to ensure everything runs smoothly. As for décor, go for something fairly neutral since your tenants may want to decorate according to their taste.

11. Relaxation room

Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have seen our habits change. An ongoing trend is to have your massage therapist or other professional come to your home. To do this, you can create a dedicated relaxation room, and what better place than the basement to create a cozy environment?

Use natural colors such as blue (for calm and serenity), brown (for nature), and green (for harmony). Add some plants to the design to benefit your mental health and well-being as well. Grab some fake plants and vines for your ceiling or the real deal if you have a green thumb. You can also add water fountains, dimmer switches, and more!

Bonus: Dream Basement

Get inspired by celebrities’ basements – their setups are definitely worth a look! A wine cellar with an archway, an indoor pool, a mini-golf course, a glass garage… literally nothing is too much when money is no object. Realistically, most of us won’t be able to recreate these basements, but they provide a great jumping off point.

Explore more basement renovation ideas

Need more basement inspiration? Browse through our completed basement projects. You’ll find a ton of real-life basement renovations done by our contractors, complete with pictures and prices!