How to Maximize Space in Your Basement or Lower Level

Designer Amy Leferink shares her tips on how to use every square inch of your basement space to create a multi-functional lower level.

By: Lauren Fansler

From: Amy Leferink

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Photo By: Mackenzie Merrill Photography

How to Maximize Your Basement Space

Interior designer Amy Leferink has recently noticed an increase in lower level design projects and is sharing her 10 tips on how to make the most of your basement space. Find out why you should invest in your lower level and turn it into livable square footage for entertaining, recreation, working out and guest visits.

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From: Amy Leferink

Make a Second Kitchen

Why have just 1 kitchen when you could have 2? Leferink explains, "we added a wine refrigerator, pizza/toaster oven, microwave, sink, and wine storage to this bar space, so it has a ton of flexibility."

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From: Amy Leferink

Maximize Seating and Bar Area Use

In your lower level, it is essential to make every square inch count. "We opted for a table style island with a durable quartz top, rather than a typical peninsula bar, so it can be used for entertaining, family meals, games or kids craft projects," she says.

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From: Amy Leferink

Add Floating Shelves

"Add floating shelves to hold books or baskets that can give you more storage and space to add personality," Leferink suggests.

From: Amy Leferink

Add Seating Options Wherever Possible

The more seating, the better! "We added these adorable built-in benches on each side of the fireplace, which provides a fun spot for the kids to hang out. The floating shelves above and pull-out drawers below also make the niches functional by providing storage. We also added a high-top counter with stools behind the sofa to fit 3 more people on game or movie-watching days," explains Leferink.

From: Amy Leferink

Use a Sectional Sofa

"A large sectional will hold more people than a sofa and a loveseat, plus it’s more comfortable to snuggle up on," she says.

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From: Amy Leferink

Go Smaller Scale

She says, "go smaller scale with lounge chairs so you can fit more into a room. So often, people go with oversized chairs and ottomans that take up so much of the room. You can still get comfortable chairs that aren’t quite so big, which would allow you to fit 2 chairs for more seating."

From: Amy Leferink

Add Ceiling-Height Cabinetry

"Add some full-height cabinetry to the bar or kitchenette. You don’t require quite as much counter space in a lower level bar or kitchen, so running some of your cabinets all the way from the countertop to the ceiling will give you more storage space," Leferink says.

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From: Amy Leferink

Create an Open-Concept

She suggests that to give your lower level maximum effect, make it open-concept. "Having the family room and bar area and or game area all in one open space will make it feel more spacious and allow you to have more flexibility. This typically allows you to maximize square footage because you have fewer walls taking up room."

From: Amy Leferink

Use Sliding Doors

For a better use of space, install sliding doors Leferink explains. "Use sliding doors on small rooms so that the door swing doesn’t impede with furniture placement inside the room."

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From: Amy Leferink

Create a Multi-Purpose Room

"Create a multi-functional room that can serve as a guest room, or home office, or exercise room, or craft room/playroom, or all of the above," she says.

From: Amy Leferink

How to Maximize Space in Your Basement or Lower Level

Related To:

Shop This Look

How to Maximize Your Basement Space

Make a Second Kitchen

Maximize Seating and Bar Area Use

Add Floating Shelves

Add Seating Options Wherever Possible

Use a Sectional Sofa

Go Smaller Scale

Add Ceiling-Height Cabinetry

Create an Open-Concept

Use Sliding Doors

Create a Multi-Purpose Room

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