Before You Build: Basement Bedroom Musts
A basement bedroom needs more than just a bed. From legal requirements to moisture control and lighting, the right upgrades can turn it into a safe, cozy, and livable space.
Whether you need extra space or a guest room, a basement bedroom is a smart option. But before decorating, you’ll need to tackle key upgrades to make it safe, cozy, and truly livable.
Is it Legal?
Before you spend any money on a basement bedroom, you need to check local building codes to see what is required. You can be sure that there are requirements under the Uniform Building Code for a basement bedroom. These can vary state by state or town by town. You can certainly plop a bed down and call any space a bedroom but for safety’s sake, you want it to be a legal one.
A window is a must in any basement bedroom. The window has to be big enough for a person to climb out in case of an emergency.
- Any window opening has to be at least 5.7 square feet.
- The opening has to be a minimum of two feet wide and 20 inches high to be legal.
- If the window sill is below grade, there has to be a window well outside that also has to meet local codes.
The window sill can’t be too high up. In a legal bedroom, the window sill has to be low enough that you can actually use it. Generally, this means no more than 44 inches above the floor. So, if you have a small horizontal window at the top of the wall, it won’t count.
It has to have natural light and exterior ventilation. Building code requires that a legal bedroom have natural light and ventilation from outside. For these reasons, the window size cannot be less than 10 percent of the floor’s area. Moreover, the part of the window that opens can’t be less than 5 percent.
You might need a closet. Some local building codes require a built-in closet for a space to count as a legal bedroom.
If you’re set from legal and safety standpoint, here’s what’s next.
Deal With the Damp
In a basement bedroom, the main thing that keeps it from feeling homey and cozy is the damp, which also makes basement bedrooms feel cold.
Insulation
If you’re finishing the space, make sure that you added enough insulation to the basement bedroom walls. This keeps the chill out and the heat in — and guests warm. If the area already has drywall or other walls, make sure it’s properly insulated. If you have bare concrete walls, it pays to spend a little more to add wood panels or even a frame and insulation with drywall.
Dehumidifiers
It doesn’t matter if you’re creating a basement man cave, basement family room or basement bedroom. In general, basement spaces need a dehumidifier to keep the dampness under control. Not only does a dehumidifier increase comfort, but it will keep mold and mildew from growing due to dampness.
Add Bright and Layered Light
After the damp, darkness is the next biggest issue in basement bedrooms. Without the right kind of lighting, it will feel like a tomb since there’s no way to get more natural light..
Even if one wall is above grade, you still need more lighting than in an average above-ground bedroom. Layers of lighting are more critical in basement spaces since there really isn’t any natural light.
First, you will need plenty of bright overhead lighting. This provides enough illumination for activities and to navigate around the room safely. After that, sconce, pendants, floor lamps and table lamps will help create the right mood and cozy atmosphere that you want for a basement bedroom.
Consider the Ceiling
Many basements have low ceilings, so take that into account before you plan to add something like a drop ceiling. It might be fine for walking, but if a taller person raises their arms to get dressed, they might hit the ceiling or a light fixture. One option is to play up industrial elements and just paint all the pipes and fittings that run along the ceiling. If painting the ceiling, go for a satin finish that will help reflect some light.
Flooring Is Important
Basements have humidity so not all types of flooring work in basement bedrooms. For that reason, forget about solid wood. A painted floor or laminate tile are good options. These surfaces can be warmed up with area rugs, which also provide some texture and color.
Many people choose wall-to-wall carpeting with padding because it makes a basement bedroom feel warmer. It can be a good choice. However, keep in mind that if your area is prone to any kind of flooding, wall-to-wall carpet cannot be salvaged and will have to be replaced.
Make it Look Bigger
You might have a small bedroom space, a low ceiling, or both. In all cases, you want to make the room feel more expansive, this will help combat some of the closed-in feeling you get with a basement bedroom. Use the same tricks as elsewhere in the house to create a sense of openness. Mirrors, paint color choices, and furniture scale are among the great basement bedroom ideas that create more visual space.
Pick the Right Paint
Picking the right paint to create a cozy basement bedroom is all about color. A basement space doesn’t have natural light to warm things up so choose colors that warm the space.
Instead of opting for hues like bright white, cool blue or steely gray, opt for shades that have warm undertones. Creamy whites, earthy colors and bold hues that are at the warm end of the spectrum are best. These will subconsciously create a sun-warmed vibe that improves the feel of the space.
It also helps to limit your palette to just a couple of main colors to help create a serene and coordinated vibe.
Stick to a Style
Basement bedrooms often lack a sense of style and end up being a jumble of leftover bits and pieces. If you choose a style when you start creating a basement bedroom, you can let it guide your choices. This way, you’ll end up with a purposeful space that’s stylish, welcoming and comfortable.
Ready to start creating your own lovely basement bedroom? Check out these basement bedroom ideas that will inspire your own space.