5 ways to make your basement more enjoyable

A basement is a huge perk for homeowners, but unfortunately, it’s often a space that is closed off and not thought about enough. Most homeowners (especially if the basement is unfinished), just push the project off to the side and do not really make use of it. And I get it – unfinished basements feel dark and dingy, so at best, you might just use it as storage, or perhaps you’ve put a spare fridge or your washer and dryer down there. But finishing a basement opens up an entire world of possibility, not only giving you quite a bit more usable square footage in your house, but also upping your home’s value. While finishing your basement might be a big investment, it’s almost certainly one that’ll pay off. Check out some of these ways to make your basement more enjoyable, finished, or not:

Waterproofing

One thing that most people hate about a basement is that it always feels musty and damp. If this is the case, your basement probably has some issues with water. First of all, you want to make sure that you waterproof your basement because you do not want to run into mold issues down the road — trust me. Then, once you get that issue figured out, purchase a good dehumidifier. It is a quick fix and it will help keep your basement comfortable – especially during the summer months. It will not only help it feel better, but if you had (or have) bugs, it will help protect against them, as well.

Add in a pool table

What better way to make a basement more enjoyable than to add in games, such as a pool table, like this Olhausen Coronado Pool Table from Absolute Billiard Services? This one was handcrafted in TN and constructed of solid maple or oak. Plus, it is available in 35 different finishes and comes with all playing essentials, which includes four cues, bridge stick, wall-mounted cue rack, set of billiard balls, 8-ball and 9-ball racks. It also comes with a lifetime warranty! Absolute Billiard Services does not just sell pool tables, though. They are a full-service billiard company focused on providing master-quality work matched with exceptional customer service. They move, recover, assemble, disassemble, calibrate, and repair all makes and models of pool tables including antiques. So, if you need help moving, repairing, or maintaining your new pool table for years to come, definitely call them. Their ratings are fantastic and they have over 17+ years of experience!

Put down easy flooring

No matter if your basement is finished or not (although this is probably more useful if your basement is unfinished since you’ll likely already have flooring if it is finished), putting down flooring is easy. Carpet tiles are a smart solution for warming up cold and unattractive floors without the expense of a full carpet installation. They cost as little as a couple of dollars per square foot, and you can combine different colors to create a pretty pattern that won’t cost a pretty penny. Plus, installation is practically goof-proof because most versions are just peel and stick.

Add in a theatre room

Sure, basements are dark and quiet, which makes them all the better for a home cinema! Create a dungeon-like quality of a dark movie theater with comfortable sofas and armchairs. You could add a popcorn machine, a small bar area, and like I said, really comfortable seating. Your basement doesn’t seem so scary now, huh?

Add in some lighting

Most unfinished basements are lit with nothing more than bare bulbs, which can feel more like a horror story than homey. For less than $20, you can pick up some inexpensive shades that will instantly transform bare bulbs into elegant light fixtures, and you can do this completely without tools. If you’re looking for an even less involved solution, simply layer string lights throughout the space for instant charm and ambience.

Basements do not have to be scary – they can definitely be enjoyable! I hope these 5 ways to make your basement more enjoyable can help you create the basement of your dreams now or in the future.