Top 13 Small Basement Remodel Ideas for 2024

Small basement remodeling ideas that are more than just a storage space are right here, before you! If you’re looking for the best small basement remodel ideas to make proper use of the space you have and make the best bang for your buck, we think you’ll love these.

These 12 inspiring small basement spaces can make a great difference in your plans, especially when you need or simply want to move fast when renovating your basement. Give your small basement space purpose and use your living space just the way you need it with these small basement remodel ideas guide for 2024.

1. Turn Your Small Basement Into a Kitchenette

Kitchens are the most important rooms in any home and there is never enough space for preparing and cooking food, let alone entertaining. So, one of the best ideas for small basement renovation is turning your basement into a kitchenette. These charming rooms are gaining more and more popularity not just in the U.S. but across the globe. A kitchenette will surely make your basement a warm living area, give you more space to do the things you love and add to the value of your home.

Before you start realizing the renovation project, contact us so we can assess the situation and the state of your basement. Questions like is your basement finished or not are important for the start and future progress of the project. If your small basement is already finished, we will be able to move much faster with work. In case your basement needs finishing, electricity, and plumbing, we’ll have to start and build your kitchenette from the ground up.

Our basement remodeling contractors say that ventilation and safety are very much important when discussing small basement remodeling ideas, especially if you’re planning to turn your small basement into a kitchenette. Our kitchen remodel NJ services are available for you to start making progress on the idea of giving your small basement one of the most practical functions.

Adding adequate security precautions and making sure your new kitchenette is free of odors, you will be able to turn your small basement space into a beautiful functioning room where you’ll actually want to spend time. Kitchen remodel ideas on a budget are always convenient to explore and apply to go big on the appearance and function while staying on the budget.

2. Transform Your Small Basement Into a Second Living Room

One of our favorite ideas for small basement remodel is turning it into a second living room. A small basement space that is not big enough for any other purpose, can prove as a great space where you can spend time with your family or friends. With proper lighting and, if you’re lucky enough, some windows, a basement can function as a room where you can get more privacy or simply take an afternoon nap. If your small basement space doesn’t have windows, make sure to add plenty of warm artificial lighting – overhead, and wall lights, as well as some soft lamps strategically placed for more enjoyment.

Deon Design basement remodeling experts say that turning a basement into a living room doesn’t require any special treatments. Making sure the ventilation and electricity work properly is the most important. Consider a different kind of flooring, a material that will look stunning, be easy for maintenance, and be low-budget, like epoxy flooring. After adding the desired floor and wall solutions, you can start implementing decorating elements. Just be careful, a basement living room planned for relaxation can easily turn into an entertaining center if you’re not careful enough. 🙂

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3. Add a Guest Bedroom Space

Creating extra bedroom space for guests is one of the most common small basement remodeling ideas 2024. The idea is especially great for homeowners who like to entertain and have guests on a regular basis. Your guests will stay comfortable without disrupting the family space and routines for the night.

When your kids reach an age when they need an extra bedroom space, turning your small basement into a bedroom will prove to be one of the most genial small basement renovation ideas.

If you want even more convenience and there is some more space available, you can add a small bathroom, or even a kitchenette. This way, your guests will feel pampered and truly welcome.

When decorating your guest bedroom space, make sure the ventilation is up to par, and, if you’re including a bathroom and/or a kitchenette, ensure the electricity and plumbing are flawless. You need to talk with your basement remodeling contractor about the safety of the space. Our home remodeling services include a wide variety of options, and among them, also a possibility to turn your basement into an additional guest bedroom space. We’re always focused on value, function, and beauty, so you can rest assured that this will be one of the most practical spaces in your home, even when you’re guests are not visiting.

4. Create a Home Gym Out Of Your Small Basement

There are many great ideas for small basement renovation in 2024 but only some make you say that you’re immediately ready to go for it. Turning your small basement space into a home gym is one of those small basement remodeling ideas that you’ll love.

The COVID-19 pandemic showed us just how much we need some sort of exercise equipment in our homes. However, turning a whole room into a gym can be too much of an ask for some homeowners. With your family and their everyday activities, with guests and entertainment needs, you can hardly make space for a home gym.

And this is where your small basement shines like a star, as one of the best small basement remodel ideas. Even the smallest basement can host a small home gym. Depending on how equipped and how modern you want your home gym to be, you can turn your small basement into a gym on a small budget.

Deon Design basement remodel contractors can help you finish your basement space, install quality ventilation, which is very important for any exercising space to have, and even add a tiny washing station to make your exercising experience even more convenient.

5. Design a Cinema Room in Your Small Basement

Small basement remodeling ideas include many options, and one of them is turning your basement into a home cinema room or, as often called, a home theater.

Basements are ideal spaces to transform into a cinema – little to no windows whatsoever make them very convenient for this purpose.

Deon Design basement renovation contractors recommend everyone who plans on taking this idea to realization to consider investing a bit extra besides simply adding a couch and a TV. You can take your home cinema theater to the next level by raising the floor, replacing your standard TV set with a large, movie-like screen, adding lights that you can dim to the minimum when the movie or a game starts and investing in recessed fixtures.

Whatever your home cinema style may be, Deon Design basement remodelers can help you turn many ideas for small basement remodeling into reality.

6. Turn Your Small Basement Into a Home Office

With the pandemic and so many of us working from home, a home office is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Being able to create a separate room just for work where you can be productive and effective just for work is not something that we often plan when building a dream home for our family.

If you’re wondering what to do with a small basement space, consider turning it into a home office, among many other ideas for small basement renovation 2024.

Deon Design basement remodelers NJ advises you to plan for lots of natural light if possible, create a large window if there isn’t one, and equip your workspace to suit your particular working needs. Working on many various projects we’ve learned just how important natural light throughout the day is important for any home. Since we’re talking about basement space where natural light is scarce, we will see if the possibility of windows is an option and do our best to create them. If windows are not an option, we’ll procure the best lighting fixtures and options for your basement home office so there is always enough light regardless of the time of day.

Quality furnishings like quality, ergonomic chairs, enough storage, and updated technology solutions, will be perfect additions to your basement home office. Of course, basics like quality and functional wiring, the right placement of water heaters, and sturdy structural beams and pipes, will need to be in place before you start adding all the fancy gadgets any productive home office needs.

7. Entertain Guests with a Fancy Wet Bar

A modern and fancy wet bar is an increasingly popular design among many small basement remodeling ideas. A wet bar won’t take up a lot of space, offers instant refreshments, and is a fantastic idea for remodeling any basement.

If there is an option, you can even combine a kitchenette with a wet bar, but you don’t have to if there isn’t enough space. Permanent seating, an island, and some shelving for displaying your favorite items and bottles of wine s one of the most common and most effective ideas for a basement wet bar.

A wet bar can easily become a central point where you gather your family and friends, or where you entertain in your family’s home. If your wet bar is in the basement space it’s even easier if you have small kids or if you simply want or need to isolate yourself with your friends from the kids. And what is really great — there is no definition of a perfect wet bar — it can be customized exactly to fit what you need. Whether you wish to add a snack bar for kids, some seated bars, a small island, or a couch, it can be done. Transforming a part of your basement into a wet bar is a surefire way to add function, flair, and more value to your home.

Deon Design basement remodeling contractor experts advise installing some cabinets, a counter, and some bar stools to make sure there will be enough space for socializing. Also, think about adding fine touches such as a countertop beer tap and built-in fridge. And don’t forget about snacks! Our basement remodelers, contractors, and designers are ready to customize your basement and turn it into an award-winning wet bar that will be your favorite room.

8. Display Your Wine Collection

Another attractive idea, among many small basement remodel ideas, is upgrading your basement to a display of your wine collection. If you don’t have a wine cellar and you actually don’t have that many bottles of wine, you can certainly think about turning your small basement space into something you’ll enjoy.

Deon Design basement renovation contractors recommend finishing your basement the way it will suit your preferences, installing a cutting-edge air ventilation system and insulation, and shelves for storing and displaying your bottles. One of the most functional finished basement ideas when you don’t have a lot of space or you have an unused part of your basement that is not big enough for another room but can serve a purpose is turning that part of your basement into a wine bottle display. What is even better, a wine collection display can be easily upgraded with a chair or two for some luxurious wine tasting.

Also, storing your wine bottles on a level that is below ground is ideal. Temperatures are naturally cooler on a level below ground all year long which is ideal for storing wine. So the function is there, but style can also be added to the function, and you can get a custom-designed wine racking center ideal for wine storing, wine displaying, and wine tasting. When planning for a wine collection display in your home basement, just make sure to carefully plan it. If the ground is wet or damp, make sure to lift off the storage shelving of the ground. Also, make sure your wine bottles are stored against subterranean walls to keep them fresh and safe.

9. Give Your Kids (or Yourself) an Ultimate Playroom

When looking at many modern small basement renovation ideas, one of the more common ideas is to create a playroom for your children. Consider insulating your basement additionally, then adding soft and warm flooring, proper storage for toys and games, and a colorful wall design. Both gym play center, play area, and storage for toys and games are possible if you have enough room in your basement. A kids’ playroom is often the most underlooked area. Usually, we don’t have enough space for additional spaces like this particular one. The living room, kitchen, and bedrooms take up most of the space. However, kids’ bedrooms often doesn’t offer enough space for all kids’ games and toys and then the common living room becomes the space where these toys and games are commonly used and stored. However, stepping on that lego is one of the scariest events for any parent. This is why a playroom is very much needed for any family with children.

Well-insulated and finished basement space can be the perfect space for a kids’ playroom. But why stop there?

If you have some more space, think about adding a playroom for adults, as well. A dart board, a pool table, and/or a large screen with seating would be just enough. There is an upside to this particular arrangement of two playrooms situated one next to another – you’ll be able to keep an eye on your kids all the time.

When creating a combination of a basement kids’ playroom and a family room, feel free to use creative-themed designs, kid-friendly furnishings, easy maintenance, washable, and durable fabrics, lively colors, bright lights, warm and fun flooring designs, and solutions. You can also plan for a quiet corner where anyone who needs some quiet time can retreat. Adding a basement bathroom here is also a smart idea. Our bathroom remodeling services can provide you with easy, smart, functional, and budget-friendly solutions.

10. Create an Ultimate Laundry Room in Your Small Basement

One of the most practical ideas for small basement renovation is transforming your basement into a laundry room. Even if you’ve never thought about a laundry room as a cutting-edge designer space, you can be sure that it can be. A basement laundry room saves space and gives you plenty of options to create more room for everyday living. Moving your washing machines, drying machines, and laundry baskets to the basement will save you plenty of space upstairs.

Deon Design basement renovation contractors recommend focusing on installing cutting-edge air ventilation systems and plumbing. Finishing your basement before designing is another great idea because this is how to achieve the look you want. To make your basement laundry room a joy to use, consider some attractive and engaging design ideas to apply.

Adding a pop of color and a fresh coat of your favorite paint color to the walls or cabinets can brighten up the space. If you’re set with walls and cabinets, consider adding a touch of luxury to your basement laundry room with fancy hardware in a gold or brass finish. Take care of your flooring, make it warm and safe, but also ensure it features an interesting and uplifting design. Add statement lighting fixtures with lots of bright light for easier work and a fancy feeling. Go all white with walls and cabinets to brighten up the space.

One of the best small basement remodeling ideas, according to our clients and what they did with their basement laundry rooms, when transforming it into a laundry room is to go bright white on the walls for a brighter ambiance and to add finishes like gold hardware and beautiful cabinetry. You can also double your basement laundry room as a mudroom, as well, with just one bench, some extra cabinetry, and a wall hook.

11. Turn Your Small Basement Into a Cozy Nook

One of the best and most space-efficient ways to add value and function to your small basement is to turn it into a multi-purpose cozy nook. You can use it for books and magazines reading, as a quiet space when you’re overwhelmed with work and obligations, for deep one-on-one conversations with your family members, to fall asleep in quiet away from everyone else, or just to relax and recharge your batteries.

Turning your small basement into a cozy nook is easy by using soft, dreamy fabric textures, patterns, and colors, and deep wall colors that inspire coziness, relaxation, and rest. Fill it up with your favorite things — blankets and perfectly soft pillows in your favorite colors, all those books you didn’t get to read yet, soft but strong enough lighting for reading, pictures, photos, and posters, important and dear memorabilia, textbooks, diaries, and all those items you need but that can get in the way in the common rooms. A small basement can be just the perfect cozy nook and a retreat for any members of a family, your quiet and safe space away from all the fuss of everyday life.

12. Custom Storage Space as a Functional Small Basement

Is your small basement too small for an additional living room or a guest bedroom, and even for a nook? Is it so small that you don’t even have the space for a wine rack and a couple of chairs for wine tasting? We understand that it is small but do you have walls and some space in between? We’re sure you do! 🙂 If you do, then you have enough space for a custom-designed storage space you’ve always needed but you’ve never had enough additional space for it upstairs.

Turning your small basement into a custom storage space is one of the most effective small basement remodel ideas you can make come to life. Highly effective, practical, and even beautiful, custom storage will be your go-to destination when you need to store overgrown or seasonal clothes, for example. You can use it to store family items from the kitchen or for kids’ toys. Options are endless. It’s truly one of the most effective ways to make the most out of your small basement space. Your living space will never again look cramped or cluttered, and you’ll have just enough space for all your things with custom-designed storage space in the basement.

If you decide to listen to this advice and turn your small basement into storage, first think about what you need to move away from upstairs. Combine custom cabinets and custom shelving, closed and open cabinetry and shelves, and pull-out designs. Also, make sure to use every inch of the space — from floor to ceiling, from wall to wall. If there is additional space under the basement stairs, make sure to use that space for storage as well. Our basement remodeling services provide homeowners with plenty of ideas and tested, practical, effective, and budget-friendly solutions that make life easier. We’ll be happy to help you get additional storage space in your basement.

13. Turn Your Basement Into a Library

Transforming your basement into a cozy library is a brilliant and contemporary renovation idea for 2024, offering both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Start by evaluating the space’s layout and lighting conditions to optimize the reading environment. Consider installing energy-efficient LED lighting or incorporating natural light sources through window wells.

Invest in sturdy, wall-to-wall bookshelves to maximize storage and display space for your literary collection. Opt for modular shelving units that allow flexibility in arrangement and future expansions. Create comfortable reading nooks with plush seating, throw pillows, and warm lighting to foster a relaxing atmosphere.

Incorporate smart home technology for added convenience, such as automated lighting controls or a climate control system to maintain a comfortable temperature year-round. If space allows, introduce a small coffee or tea station to enhance the reading experience.

Choose a theme or color scheme that aligns with your style, creating a harmonious and inviting ambiance. Additionally, soundproofing elements can be integrated to ensure a quiet and serene reading environment. Budget for quality flooring materials like laminate or carpet for a cozy underfoot feel. Finally, consider versatile furniture pieces that can serve multiple purposes, such as foldable tables or convertible seating. By transforming your basement into a library, you not only maximize the utility of the space but also create a retreat that celebrates the joy of reading in a contemporary and comfortable setting.

Small Basement Renovation Ideas FAQ

Do you still have questions about small basement remodeling and finishing? We’re happy to say that our designers have the answers you’re looking for

How to design a small basement?

When looking to imagine, reimagine, plan, and design a small basement renovation, one of the smartest and most effective ideas is to collaborate with the contractor you will hire to do the job. First, you will need to decide on the basement’s purpose and come up with a small basement floor plan. Based on the measurements and initial sketch, a floor plan layout will be drafted. As a homeowner, you will have to review and approve this floor plan. Don’t worry if you’re not happy with it at first. It’s natural for these revisions to take place as additional refinements and improvements are possible. Don’t stop with these until you get everything you’ve envisioned in your small basement. When all involved in the process of design agree, the construction drawings will be finalized, and you’ll be then able to submit it for the necessary permits. From this point on, everything is much easier. When you get all the permits, you can start with the basics and work with your contractors and designers on the rest of the design.

What can I do with a small basement?

All of the above small basement remodeling ideas are something that you could do with your small basement. However, there are no two same homes and homeowners with the exactly same needs and requirements. What you will do with your small basement space will depend mostly on what you need or lack in your upstairs living space. Extra storage, a library, an additional living room, a workout room, a kitchenette, a small bathroom, a guest bedroom, a playroom, and a rest area — all of these are possible if you need them. The decision will also depend on how large your budget is. Of course, you can always balance quality, materials, and style. But since it’s the basement we’re talking about, make sure that you don’t skimp on the quality of groundwork — insulation, moisture protection, and heating — these are more important than the style of your project space, at least in the beginning, if you’re on a limited budget.

How do you renovate a small basement?

These are the basics, necessary steps to take when planning to renovate a small bathroom:

• You’ll start by deciding on the purpose of your small basement, measuring the space, and working with your contractors on the basement floor plan.
• Then you’ll apply for a city permit, insect, and make sure the construction quality meets standards and local building codes.
• Insulation installation and moisture protection application for noise, cold, and moisture protection.
• Right egress windows installation — these windows are crucial for letting light in, as well as escaping emergency hatches. If necessary, make room for proper egress windows and expand the window space.
• Assess damage caused by pests and rot — inspect all materials like concrete, wood, and stone for any possible damage caused by rot or termites. This is absolutely necessary to proceed with the remodeling process.
• Once the basics are in place, you can proceed with finishing and style design and improvements. Work with your designer on these.

Get More Small Basement Remodeling Ideas with Deon Design Custom Builders

Our small basement remodel ideas for 2024 don’t stop here. We have many more ideas and advice for small basement renovation, just let us know what your needs are and what would you like to achieve. There are many ideas for small basement remodel but only some will suit your needs and taste.

We have been working with numerous homeowners across the state of New Jersey on many ideas for small basement remodeling – these ideas have been widely different in purpose, style, and function, and each homeowner chose what they need and truly like. And this is exactly why we love working with homeowners – to provide them with ideas for small basement renovation that don’t stop there but turn into reality that is even better than an idea. We are also commercial remodeling contractors more than comfortable working with commercial and business clients on remodeling and repurposing their basement spaces.

Contact us today for more information and for a free estimate on your small basement remodeling project.