Turning your basement into a bedroom can be a great idea, especially if you want some separation from the main house. Basement bedrooms offer guests and family members a high level of privacy that many find appealing. However, choosing the right lighting, color palette, and furniture is critical to inviting the bedroom. Otherwise, the place can feel gloomy, cold, and lifeless. In this post, we discuss the pros and cons of turning your basement into a bedroom and discuss some steps and ideas to get you started.
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Pros and Cons of a Basement Bedroom
Some say that turning their basement into a bedroom was one of their best decisions, while others deeply regret it. When it comes to these types of modifications, there are some factors you should consider before hiring a contractor.
Pros of Having a Basement Bedroom
Here are some benefits of turning your basement into a bedroom:
- Privacy: With a basement bedroom, guests and family members will have their own space without having to leave the house. This is amazing because it provides privacy for your family and guests.
- Increase in the value of your property: As you may know, every investment you make in your home helps increase its value. A furnished and well-maintained basement bedroom will increase the property’s value if you sell your house.
- More space for your family: Basement bedrooms are a great way to create more personal space. Maybe your older son wants his own space in the house, or your twins want separate bedrooms. Either way, a basement bedroom can provide it.
Cons of Having a Basement Bedroom
Here are a few potential disadvantages of turning your basement into a bedroom:
- Humidity: Before turning your basement into a bedroom, a professional should inspect the space. Many basements attract mold, moisture, and mildew or are prone to flooding.
- More bills to pay: Turning a basement into a bedroom comes with additional expenses and bills. Most basements don’t have enough light, so your electric bill may increase. Not to mention your new bedroom will require heating and cooling.
- Pest control: Most bugs and pests are attracted to the basement of your home, and having a bedroom there won’t scare them away. That’s why regular pest control is highly recommended.
How To Turn a Basement Into a Bedroom
If you’ve decided to move forward with the process, here’s everything you need to know about turning your basement into a cozy bedroom, plus some ideas to inspire you:
Plan the Lighting
Planning your lighting is the first step to turning your basement into a bedroom. A basement bedroom can be just as cozy as a regular one if you get the lighting right. First, determine how much natural light the room has and then calculate how much electric lighting you’ll need.
For example, if the basement has windows, consider using light treatments to make the room airy and open. Voile curtains and blackout blinds work well with these types of windows. If there are no windows, use spotlights to create this warm environment. Don’t forget to pair them with a dimmer so you have full control over the light.
Consider Adding a Window Seat
Since most basements have windows at the top of the wall, you can add a window seat to get more storage and make the room more interesting. This is a great idea if you don’t want to spend significant money on wall decor, as the seat usually takes up the entire wall. Don’t forget to add a comfy bench cushion and plenty of pillows to make the room more inviting.
Choose a Light and Airy Design
Good basement bedrooms feel warm, lived in, and inviting. To achieve this, keep things light and airy by choosing a light color palette, especially if the basement is small and has little natural light. By choosing lighter colors, ceilings can seem higher than they are, and the overall environment can feel fresher. Consider using a variation of white for your walls and bringing them to life with vibrant decor, such as posters and unique lamps.
Insulate the Walls
While not necessary, adding insulation to the basement walls before decorating the space is a step you should take if you want a cozy basement bedroom. Insulation helps keep the room cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Not to mention, it also helps reduce outside noise and is resistant to moisture damage.
Pick Warmer Flooring Options
Choosing the right flooring for your basement is essential for a warm and cozy finish. Done wrong, it can look cold and uninviting. A good rule of thumb is to play with warm colors. If you choose carpet flooring, go for something light and simple to make everything feel more spacious. In contrast, if you choose wood flooring, stick to warm tones and consider adding an area rug to make things more interesting.
Play to the Room’s Strengths
For some, keeping things light and airy isn’t possible because the room doesn’t allow it. In that case, play to the room’s strengths. Maybe statement curtains and a boldly painted wall are just what the basement bedroom needs to look inviting. If general rules don’t apply to your basement, don’t feel pressured to follow them. Dare to be innovative and create a dreamy space.
As you can see, turning your basement into a cozy bedroom is possible if you know how to play to the room’s strengths. Hiring professionals to help you bring your dream basement bedroom to life is an excellent way to speed up the process and get top-notch results.
Here at Steiner Homes, we’re committed to providing our clients with the best real estate and new home-building services, so if you’d like professional help, contact us today. We’d love to help you make your real estate dreams come true. Whether you need basement bedroom ideas or custom home floor plans, we’re here to make things easier.
