How to Decorate a Basement Apartment

Create comfortable spaces in a basement apartment with clever lighting techniques.

In a basement apartment, creating a homey, comfortable living space includes overcoming the challenge of low light levels and the chilly atmosphere that comes with being set, at least partially, below ground level. Whether you're moving into a basement apartment by choice or from necessity, tackle the situation with a creative decorating approach. With little window space to let in natural light, alternative light sources, color management and room layout take on an important role in decorating. Budget-sensitive solutions transform the space from dull and dreary to warm and welcoming.

Things You'll Need

• Creativity
• Tools
• A decorating budget

Instructions

1. Supplement existing installed light fixtures with two or three different types of lamps in each room to increase brightness and emulate nature's light patterns. Illuminate upper walls and the ceiling with floor-standing torchiere lamps. Enhance seating areas with table lamps and floor lamps with full-spectrum light bulbs. Set can lights on the floor, tucked in corners and behind furniture edges, with the lenses directed upward to bathe walls and dark areas in ambient lighting.

2. Paint the walls light, neutral colors to gently reflect the nominal light that comes in through small windows and avoid the uncomfortable institutional feel of all-white walls traditionally used in basement settings. In a particularly dark room, cover one or more walls with a brilliant yellow to liven up the area with color. If rental restrictions prevent painting, hang a series of floor-to-ceiling light-colored fabric or lightweight wood panels on a wall to mimic the effect of paint.

3. Arrange a few good-quality, modest-sized, pieces of furniture in each room. Promote a sense of spaciousness in rooms that are already partially underground, instead of overcrowding with bulky, or too much, furniture. Stick with pieces that are similar in color for a monochromatic design theme, accented with bold color accessories, to maintain an open, airy ambiance.

4. Dress basement windows with floor-to-ceiling curtains that emphasize the vertical dimensions of the room. Increase the visual impact of windows, making them appear larger, by expanding the curtain coverage one to two feet on either side of the window. Choose fabric that complements the room's color scheme, yet stands out, to draw the eye upward and create the perception of higher ceilings than typically exist in a basement apartment.

5. Scatter small throw rugs and arrange area rugs in seating areas and at bedsides for barefoot comfort and a warm ambiance. Because of their below-grade construction, and the damp that comes with it, basement apartments often have wood, tile or vinyl floor coverings rather than carpet. Soften the visual -- and physical -- impact of the hard surfaces with rugs in warm, mellow colors and patterns that coordinate with each room's décor.

6. Accessorize your basement apartment sparingly to maintain a sense of openness. Arrange a few bright colored paintings on the wall, interspersed with mirrors that reflect the room's light, for example. Display small items, memorabilia and books in a single, attractive shelving unit, reserving the other flat surfaces in the room for one or two outstanding decorative pieces.

Tips & Warnings

• Houseplants suitable for low-light conditions, such as Boston fern and heart-leaf philodendrons, bring a visual, warm touch of nature to a basement apartment's decoration.

• Measure the doors and evaluate the entrances, elevator or stairs to the basement apartment before you purchase furniture to ensure that you will be able to get the piece inside.

References

• Apartment Therapy: Up With Light -- Using Can Lights on the Floor
• Sheffield School of Interior Design; Interior Design Colors -- Brilliant Yellow; Sarah Van Arsdale
• Country Living; Decorating Ideas for Small Spaces; Beth Ann Fennely
• House & Home: How to Treat Basement Windows
• "Renovation"; Michael W. Litchfield; 2005

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• University of Illinois Extension: Houseplants for Low Light (Minimum)