The Top 43 Basement Apartment Ideas

The phrase “basement apartment” doesn’t exactly bring to mind a life of luxury. But you don’t need to let this undeserved stereotype dictate how you approach your own living space.

Even if you own a single-family home, think about converting your basement into a guest suite or rentable apartment. These are both excellent ways to add value to your property.

Decorating a trend-forward, comfortable basement apartment is as easy as any other home. You just need a few tricks up your sleeve. Keep reading for some great basement apartment ideas that prove that basement-living doesn’t need to be cold and drab.

1. Bar Ideas for Basement Apartments

Basement bars are very common in contemporary homes. While you don’t want to sacrifice functional living space to install a bar in your basement apartment, this can be a great addition to a basement suite that serves as a guest room.

Source: @abby_coyne via Instagram

Source: @architexture_design_soultions via Instagram

Source: @billsbars via Instagram

Source: @jr.realty via Instagram

Source: @mommymixology via Instagram

Building a simple wet bar into your finished basement is more useful than you might think. After all, many home bar designs basically double as tiny kitchens. So don’t add an entirely new bar area to your basement apartment. Instead, consider engineering a space that acts as a kitchenette as well.

Whether your basement bar takes up an entire room or a few square feet, be sure to give it some personality. Hardwood floors are a classic choice that will stand up to accidental spills and scuffs. Include plenty of storage in your bar design in the form of cabinetry, shelving, and a dedicated beverage cooler.

2. Bathroom Ideas for Basement Apartments

Since space is often in short supply in a basement apartment, you’ll want to pay close attention to the room’s details. Use a light color palette to maximize light and visual space in your basement bathroom. Dark shades should be reserved for small accents — avoid using them for any large surfaces.

Source: @astridinteriors via Instagram

Source: @camelle_veloso_design via Instagram

Source: @charmadawn via Instagram

Source: @designbyshieka via Instagram

Source: @jen_noble_home via Instagram

Source: @laurieyappdesign via Instagram

Source: @majestichomesolutions via Instagram

Source: @my_victorian_rehab via Instagram

Source: @painterplacehomeco via Instagram

Source: @siblanchard via Instagram

Source: @thisoldtownhouse via Instagram

Source: @wheremymindwonders.design via Instagram

Choose decor that’s also functional. Swap out your regular bathroom mirror for a traditional medicine cabinet with built-in storage. Hang shelves over your toilet for even more storage space. Baskets can help keep things that won’t fit into a cabinet or closet well-organized.

Ideally, your finished basement apartment is well-heated. But if not, invest in several plush bathroom rugs. A wall-mounted towel warmer is a compact way to add comfort and luxury to your basement bathroom.

3. Bedroom Ideas for Basement Apartments

Choose a light-to-medium paint color for your bedroom walls. Painting or wallpapering a single accent wall can help make the space feel more open without sacrificing style. Hang a large statement mirror on one wall to further brighten up the room.

Source: @_uptownshortie via Instagram

Source: @ashleykix via Instagram

Source: @behinddoorsdecor via Instagram

Source: @katie_gelsheimer_home via Instagram

Source: @my_chevychase__home via Instagram

Source: @myhomemyadventure via Instagram

Source: @mylittleshop_kingston via Instagram

Basement windows are rarely as large as ground-level ones. Take full advantage of the room’s natural light. Full-length curtains may look awkward on smaller windows, so opt for custom-sized blinds instead.

The last thing you want is for your basement apartment bedroom to feel like a dungeon. Install a compact light fixture overhead — supplement with additional recessed lighting if necessary. String lights can help create a cozy atmosphere.

If your bedroom floor features tile or hardwood, lay down a plush area rug. Not only will this be more comfortable, but it can also help keep your basement bedroom warm during the winter months.

4. Decoration Ideas for Basement Apartments

When choosing decor for your home, don’t think of it as decorating a basement. Instead, approach the space as you would any other apartment. Choose decor that’s both functional and stylish to save on square footage. And, perhaps most importantly, take full advantage of your apartment’s vertical space.

Source: @homeonportsmouth via Instagram

Source: @myessentialhome23 via Instagram

Hang wall-mounted decor high up to make the space feel taller and more open than reality. A simple gallery wall is an excellent way to fill empty wall space without adding bulk to your room design.

If your apartment is dimmer than you’d like, invest in decorative lamps or wall sconces. Large mirrors are another great way to maximize the amount of light in your living space.

Potted plants make versatile home decor. When it comes to decorating a basement apartment, though, there’s a good chance natural sunlight will be lacking.

Opt for faux plants or install a discreet grow light over your indoor garden. If your apartment has a bright window or two, low-light plant species may be an option.

5. Kitchen Ideas for Basement Apartments

If making your basement kitchen look as big as possible is high on your priority list, go with white cabinetry. Simple hardware will make the space look clean and tidy. Install cabinets and shelving close to the ceiling to maximize the available storage space.

Source: @deliadurber via Instagram

Source: @jerainnovations via Instagram

Source: @randyselzer via Instagram

Source: @utahcontractor via Instagram

Cabinets should make up the bulk of your kitchen storage. Floating shelves are an easy way to fill empty wall space and supplement your kitchen organization. Mix-and-match practical items and decor when designing your shelves.

To save on space, you may want to sacrifice some appliances. Ditching things like the dishwasher, microwave, and toaster can free up a ton of usable space. Think about how often you use these items and if it’s worth giving up your workspace to various countertop appliances.

6. Living Room Ideas for Basement Apartments

It’s easy to overlook your apartment’s living room design. Often, this space ends up being a catch-all for various furniture and decor. But implementing a few thoughtful decorating ideas can ensure your basement conversion feels like a home rather than a bunker.

Source: @kymacy via Instagram

Source: @lindsaymcw via Instagram

Source: @meant_to_bee_home via Instagram

Source: @nhdconstructiondesign via Instagram

Natural lighting is often hard to come by in any apartment. If you’re lucky enough to have a basement window in your living room, be sure to arrange your furniture to take full advantage of it. Add simple curtains to your basement windows for convenient privacy when you need it.

Conserve floor space by designing your living room around a built-in entertainment center or bookshelf. An L-shaped sofa is an excellent way to enjoy the comfort of a sectional without taking up so much room.

Carpeting will give a family room a more comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. If your basement apartment features cement or hardwood flooring, invest in a plush area rug to soften the space.

7. Modern Basement Apartment Ideas

Modern design is an excellent way to make a finished basement apartment feel fresh and up-to-date. Start with white or gray walls for a clean backdrop. Details like exposed brick or support beams will add intrigue without cluttering up the space.

Source: @larkin_living_spaces via Instagram

Statement light fixtures are a staple in all kinds of modern decor. Since overhead space is often limited in a basement apartment, look to your walls instead. Unique sconces and floor lamps will brighten up your apartment with ease. Recessed lighting is another great option — LEDs are an affordable alternative to more expensive built-in fixtures.

Floating shelves can add lines and angles in a space without much else going on. Avoid cluttering up shelving and other surfaces — invest in a freestanding cabinet or hutch if you need more storage.

Modern design takes much inspiration from the minimalist movement. While you don’t need to do away with all unnecessary items, choose your decor carefully. Displaying fewer items in a single space will keep everything from fighting for visual attention.

8. Small Basement Apartment Ideas

Almost everyone knows that white makes a space look bigger. You can add style to a white wall by painting over existing brickwork, adding a wood overlay, or installing ceramic or marble wall tiles. If the white-on-white aesthetic isn’t for you, liven up the place with a single accent wall.

Source: @fusettiadonis via Instagram

Find ways to give each space a dual purpose. Designing a family room that also doubles as a dining room will conserve valuable square feet. The same is true for combining a small bathroom with your laundry room. Even if you don’t opt for a full-on studio apartment, this technique can make a small space feel significantly larger.

Storage is a hot commodity in any living space. But space-efficient design ideas are especially important for those living in small basement apartments. Built-in shelves offer a great spot to display decor and maximize your storage space. Choose furniture with hidden storage compartments to keep your home well-organized at all times.

9. Basement Apartment Suite Ideas

Open floor plans aren’t just popular in single-family homes. An apartment suite — whether located in a basement or not — often looks and feels larger than its divided counterparts. If you’re willing to take on the design challenge of a suite apartment, then this is one of the best floor plans for a basement space.

Source: @thestoreytellersindia via Instagram

Source: @whitebrassandmarble via Instagram

Coordinating your furniture and decor is necessary to make a suite feel like one cohesive space. However, choosing items that are too matchy-matchy will dull your design as a whole. Select a broad style and color palette for your living area and give each “room” its own version of this theme.

Accent colors are quite useful in this type of space. Sprinkling pops of one or two colors throughout your apartment will bring together each living space.

When designing each section of your suite apartment, think about what is directly adjacent to it. For example, if you can easily see your kitchen from your living room sofa, you want to be especially careful to match the decor in these two spaces. Rooms that aren’t immediately visible to each other offer a bit more leeway in terms of design.

10. Unfinished Basement Apartment Ideas

While not ideal, you can absolutely turn an unfinished basement into a livable apartment. This is a great option if you’re halfway through a basement remodel or need a guest suite on short notice. As long as the space has an egress window or exterior door, you’re good to go.

Source: @cambridge_cr via Instagram

Source: @joyeverafter via Instagram

Source: @sabrinasamuelphotography via Instagram

Source: @trendymama519 via Instagram

Source: @katie_gelsheimer_home via Instagram

Use hanging curtains or screen dividers to break up a studio apartment into multiple “rooms.” Wall and floor lamps will illuminate your basement dwellings until you install permanent fixtures.

A full-size kitchen might not be possible with an in-progress basement renovation. Instead, outfit a corner of the space for a small basement kitchenette.

If you have no plans to finish your basement apartment ceiling, paint the exposed beams and ductwork a single color. This will give the space a cleaner look and can make a low ceiling feel less imposing.