If you are lucky enough to have a basement, you might find yourself struggling with how to gain the maximum use from this often hard-to-decorate area. In this feature, we look at some of the best ideas and inspiration to ensure that you are using every inch of the space available to you, in this excellent room. From using rubber mats as practical flooring to ensuring the space remains dry and damp-free, we’ve got you covered.
How to make your basement useable and liveable
The first thing that you should do, before getting carried away with ideas for your basement, is to ensure that it is in a suitable living condition. Basements are prone to many different issues, including damp and structural support problems. The first step might be to bring in a builder or a structural engineer to assess the safety of your basement. You may also want to run any ideas surrounding renovations past them before implementing these yourself. This could save you time and money down the line.
Next, you should check for signs of damp and condensation issues that may make regular use of your basement undesirable. There are treatments such as ‘tanking’ that can be applied to prevent damp and moisture from being an issue. A professional tradesperson will be able to advise on all aspects of damp prevention and the appropriate solutions.
Finally, unhealthy air in the basement can pose serious risks. Think respiratory issues and mold-related illnesses, often caused by poor ventilation, dampness, and the accumulation of pollutants. To mitigate these dangers, consider using a high-quality air purifier designed for basements, along with dehumidifiers and proper ventilation, to ensure a healthier living environment.
Flooring choices for everyday use
Choosing the correct flooring for your basement is incredibly important. You will require a flooring solution that is practical, hard-wearing, and easy to clean. Rubber mats are the perfect choice as they will protect any sub-flooring and require little to no maintenance other than general cleaning. Rubber mats will also allow you to place heavy items of furniture into your basement, without causing damage. If you intend to use your basement as a home gym, this is the perfect sweat-resistant flooring choice that can help to stabilise treadmills, bikes, and any large machines.
The best decor and paint for your basement
Consider the moisture levels in your basement before committing to a paint type. If moisture may be an issue, opt for a specialist paint or one that’s suitable for use in kitchens and bathrooms as this will likely resist condensation. The decor should be functional, and simplistic, whilst including plenty of storage options.
What can basements be used for?
Basements have a variety of different uses, depending on their size and condition. Common uses for a home basement include: –
Storage options – a basement makes the perfect place for storing all those lesser-used belongings. With good shelving and proper organisation, you should be able to gain maximum space from this area of your home. You may also like to use it as a laundry room, moving your washer and drier downstairs into this area.
Home gyms – a home gym is the perfect way to use your basement for something beneficial. This could save you money and improve your health long term.
Home office – why not use your basement as a home office solution? This works especially well for those who work best in a quiet and less accessible area of the home.
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