Many homeowners struggle to make their basements feel like anything more than storage. Basements are typically dark and dank, and most people only use them as a place to store holiday decorations. Fortunately, there are several options for how you can make your basement more comfortable and explore new ways to enjoy the additional floor of your home.
Lighting Options
One of the main reasons why basements always seem dark and dreary is that they don’t have the best lighting options. Many basements have an exposed lightbulb fixture. You can always add some floor lamps or hanging fixtures to try and make the space feel cozier. While many people illuminate their homes with cooler lights that offer more of a white or blueish color, you can change your basement’s ambience with warmer light.
Remove Humidity
Basements tend to accumulate a lot of humidity, so one way to make your basement more comfortable is to remove as much moisture as possible from the area. If you live in an area with a lot of rainfall, a sump pump system can keep your basement dry. Another common option is to install a dehumidifier. Since many basements have drains, you may be able to hook a hose up to the device to drain the captured humidity straight into the drain rather than needing to empty it periodically.
Install Activities
Rather than only using your basement for storage, you can get a lot of mileage out of it by installing some engaging activities. A few helpful options are to turn your basement into a home theater. Putting down a few couches and a big-screen TV or projector makes it a great room to enjoy your favorite movies or TV shows. You can also transform your basement into a game room with a dartboard or a billiards table.
