9 Finished Basement Design Ideas

By
Ashley Knierim
Photo of Ashley Knierim
Ashley Knierim

Ashley Knierim is a home decor expert and product reviewer of home products for The Spruce. Her design education began at a young age. She has over 10 years of writing and editing experience, formerly holding editorial positions at Time and AOL.

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Updated on 02/20/22
Fact checked by
Jessica Wrubel
Jessica Wrubel
Fact checked by Jessica Wrubel
Jessica Wrubel has an accomplished background as a writer and copy editor, working for various publications, newspapers and in public libraries assisting with reference, research and special projects. In addition to her journalism experience, she has been educating on health and wellness topics for over 15 years in and outside of the classroom.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
finished modern basement

Photo by Tamara Flanagan / Styling by Beige & Bleu Design Studio

A finished basement has endless potential. From a bedroom to a studio apartment to the coveted "man cave," finishing your basement not only adds value to your home but also a lot of functional square footage for the whole family. Once you've considered the basics of finishing a basement, it's time to decide how you want to use the space. 

  • 01 of 09

    Studio Apartment

    Finished basement converted to an apartment
    April Force Pardoe Interiors

    Whether you're hoping to make a little extra income or you want a place to make family memories, try turning your finished basement into a studio apartment. You'd probably never guess that this gorgeous studio apartment from April Force Pardoe Interiors is actually a basement. It has the character, charm (and natural light!) that most of us only dream of, and makes a perfect in-law suite or rental space.

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  • 02 of 09

    Design a Modern Basement Bar

    a modern basement bar

    @tarakantorinteriors / Instagram

    Want to embrace your inner bartender? This modern basement bar from Tara Kantor Interiors gives us major speakeasy feels in the best way possible. Art deco had a major comeback, so why not get in on the trend with this Gatsby-inspired in-home bar that looks like it's straight out of a fancy New York City hotel.   

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  • 03 of 09

    Go Hygge-Wild

    finished modern basement

    Photo by Tamara Flanagan / Styling by Beige & Bleu Design Studio

    Here's another cozy finished basement design that adds a lot of living space to your home. This living room from ​Beige & Bleu Studio Design utilizes natural light to create a Scandinavian-inspired retreat that provides a great area to lounge or host guests. Keep the furniture and color palette neutral and relaxed to maintain a low-key, modern vibe.

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  • 04 of 09

    Add Attractive Built-In Storage

    Finished basement storage
    Leslie Goodwin Photography / Houzz

    Sure, an unfinished basement can store boxes, but who likes to dig around in a dank, dark basement to find what you need? Instead, consider adding charming built-ins to your basement living space—like these photographed by Leslie Goodwin. Not only will you have more space to store photo albums and knick-knacks, but this storage unit also anchors the basement living space and provides an attractive focal point. 

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  • 05 of 09

    A Delightful Basement Kitchen

    blue renovated basement kitchen

    @ew_kitchens / Instagram

    Whether you want to add a second kitchen to your home for entertaining or you're creating a lower-level apartment, this aqua blue kitchen from @ew_kitchens and Ryln Construction is nicer than most above-ground kitchens. We love how the design plays into the darker space rather than fight against it. The open shelving and floor-to-ceiling tilework make the kitchen feel airy and open while offering ample workspace for all your family meals. 

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  • 06 of 09

    A Great Guest Bedroom

    finished basement bedroom

    @dimplesonmywhat / Instagram

    A finished basement can be a great place to host overnight guests when you're lacking in spare bedrooms. And with a bedroom like this one from @dimplesonmywhat on Instagram, your guests will be thrilled to spend the night in the basement. We love this cozy den with enough natural light to get ready in the morning and enough charm to make any guest want to become a permanent resident.

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  • 07 of 09

    A Game Room for the Whole Family

    finished basement game room

    @ourhumblehive / Instagram

    A finished basement can provide the perfect canvas for a family game room. This space from @ourhumblehive on Instagram allows the whole family to play pool, watch a football game, or finish a game of Monopoly. The beauty of a basement game room is that you don't have to fuss over keeping everything perfectly in its place (as you may upstairs) so you can focus on the fun instead. 

    How to Turn a Dark Basement Into the Perfect Finished Space
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  • 08 of 09

    Create an Enviable Teen Bedroom

    Modern bedroom

    Reena Sotropa

    Want to give your teenager a little more privacy? This gorgeous teenage oasis created by Reena Sotropa is an attractive way to move your teen to a basement bedroom and create a space that can host both homework study groups and Saturday night movie marathons. The space is mature and chic, with fun elements like the wallpapered accent wall and open shelving that keep it young and fresh.

    42 Unique and Fun Room Ideas for Teens
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  • 09 of 09

    Increase Productivity in a New Home Office

    Basement home office

    Casa Watkins Living

    As remote work becomes more and more popular, so does the need for a productive workspace at home. Consider transforming your finished basement into a wonderful home office, like this bright and colorful office from Casa Watkins Living. The bright design and use of color are perfect for boosting creativity. We love the use of multiple textures, and the wallpapered ceiling adds dimension without making the space feel small or cramped.

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