Basement Rec Room Ideas

A basement rec room is the ideal space for entertaining family and friends. Discover your personal style with these tips for making the space your own.

Basement Pool Table

By: Caroline Shannon-Karasik

While a rec room is, naturally, designed as an area to have fun, it can also be a space that sports a particular style.

Start by deciding on a layout for your rec room. Assess your basement space so you can use it to its fullest potential, and think about how furniture will be arranged in order to make guests comfortable. You may also want to decide on a theme for the rec room. Perhaps, you want it to look like an old-style billiards room or maybe it will simply be a place for your weekly family game nights. Those elements are important to deciding the style of your rec room.

A Kid-Friendly Basement Full of Games

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If you have a large family and plan on the room serving a multi-use purpose, then decide how the room should be divided. Maybe there is a small fitness area for some members of the family, and an arts and crafts space for those who enjoy quieter activities.

Consider also adding warmth to the space by installing a rug or carpet, and adding a lighting design that will highlight specific areas throughout the rec room, like the pool table area or playroom for kids. Be sure to also take proper measurements for all furniture and appliances that will be added to the room — it's no fun when you purchase a piece only to find out it won't fit through the door!

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