Regardless of the size of your basement, there are plenty of options for decorating effectively. Decorating effectively helps you get the most out of your space, including creating additional storage or improving the Feng shui.

First, it is important to think about what you want from your space: a comfortable guest room for visitors, a hangout area for friends, a playroom for your kids, or a basement family room. For example, if you want a guest room, you will likely also want a bathroom. If you are creating a hangout area, you may want a fireplace or a basement wet bar. If your basement is larger, you can divide it into several smaller rooms with different functions. Regardless, you will need to plan accordingly and consider the cost. On average, a basic basement renovation costs about $35 per square foot, which comes out to about $35,000.

Depending on what you want, there are a few different ways decorating can help you achieve your end goal. Since the basement is often an unfinished space, it is usually the most challenging room to remodel. These tips for decorating your finished basement will help you expand how you and your family use your finished basement space.

Use Neutral Colors

Painting your basement walls with eye-catching colors will add flair to the room, but they will also make your basement look and feel smaller. The ceilings will seem lower and the walls will feel like they are closing in. Instead, to make your basement feel more expansive, paint your walls a light neutral color like white. Monochrome helps the eye ignore odd angles and bulkheads, which makes the room appear larger. Gray or taupe is also suitable for this application.

In a home office, neutral-colored desks and cabinets will add to this effect. Use similar neutral colors for shelves, sofas, and tables, and instead, use strong and bold colors for your throw pillows, curtains, rugs, and vases to add color and character to the room.

Layer Lighting

Since basement windows are often the smallest of anywhere in the house or totally nonexistent, lighting is crucial. For a base level of lighting, install recessed lighting such as pot lights on the ceiling. These lights are discreet and will not make the ceiling feel lower than it is. They often come with a dimmer setting which is optimal for a home theater. Next, floor lamps, table lamps or wall sconces will provide ambient lighting for your basement. Mirrors are also an option if you want to reflect light through the room.

Install a Basement Wet Bar

If you want to go all out when decorating and drastically change the look of your finished basement, a basement wet bar will certainly do the trick. Think of a basement wet bar as a galley kitchen combined with a bar. It includes all the common kitchen components: cabinets, countertops, sink, and even other kitchen appliances, but all for the purposes of entertaining guests. Wet bars are usually conceived as an addition to the main space within the basement.

While you will want to opt for neutral colors for the countertop and cabinetry, the flooring and backsplash are a great opportunity to showcase a bolder style since you will want the wet bar to stand out from the rest of the basement. For example, use colorful mosaic tiles or a bold backsplash to deliver this look.

Make the Most of Your Space

No matter the size of your basement or your budget, you can create a decorated space to be proud of. Use these tips to create a pleasant atmosphere that you and your guests can enjoy for years to come.