20 Ideas for Making a Basement Bedroom Feel Cozy on Budget
The basement bedroom remains the project we’ve tackled in the shortest amount of time. We also updated it on a major budget. Despite its small size, quick makeover, and low ceilings, it has become one of my favorite rooms in our home. It’s filled with character, is inviting, and is a space I’m really proud of. Today, I wanted to share 20 ideas for making a basement bedroom feel cozy on a budget. Click through for my best tips with examples of each, and to peek at how the basement bedroom currently looks- though not much has changed!
Basements can be notoriously tricky to design, and it seems I’ve been heavily focused on our basement the past year or two. We just completed our basement media room, the basement bar, and I’m finally calling the basement bedroom finished after having installed the hardwood flooring over the concrete floors. We also tackled the basement bathroom a few years ago. Whether you’re looking to increase the value of your home or extend usable space, the basement is a great place to gain functional square footage. These are the best ways to create a beautiful bedroom or guest bedroom on a tight budget… in a tricky space, like the basement.
1. Install A Wall of Curtains or Drapery Panels
Basement walls can be cold and drab. Adding a wall of curtains or drapery panels not only helps to soften a space, providing visual warmth- but they’re also a good idea for privacy, basement acoustics, and enhancing a cozy aesthetic.
2. Use a Paint Color with an Appropriate LRV
Contrary to what you might expect, white walls are not the answer to creating a bright and cozy basement bedroom- it often lands flat. Be sure to choose a paint color with an appropriate LRV, or light reflective value… which is the percentage of light a paint color reflects. This is especially important in a basement! Another option? Cut your paint for a lighter look… check out this post on how paint color percentages work and when to use them. A fresh coat of paint always goes a long way.
3. Plan Adequate Storage
Among one of the easy ways for friends and family to feel at home in a room, is to provide storage for guests. Storage space is especially helpful if you have a small bedroom, like mine. This could come in the form of a dresser, closet, a storage ottoman, or even a folding luggage rack is helpful.
4. Disguise Basement Architectural Features
Due to building codes and the nature of basements… you often have to design around architectural eyesores like an egress window, ductwork, or low beams. My best tip is to try to disguise those unwanted architectural features. Check out my faux reeded glass window DIY to conceal an ugly window well, or consider painting exposed ductwork the same color as the ceiling or walls, allowing it to better blend. There are lots of creative ideas for creating a seamless look.
5. Incorporate Layered Lighting
In addition to overhead lighting, be sure to add a wall sconce or two, along with floor and table lamps for a well rounded and cozy lighting plan. For more tips on proper lighting, check out this post on tips for layering lighting like a designer. Light fixtures make a huge difference in making a basement bedroom feel inviting.
6. Use Textural & Cozy Textiles
Use textural and cozy textiles such as faux fur, bouclé, waffle weave blankets, area rugs, and soft upholstery, layering them throughout the space for a lived in look.
7. Make a Statement with Artwork
A great way to distract attention from the negative aspects of a basement is to create impressive focal points throughout. I like to do this with statement making artwork. In my basement bedroom, I installed these oversized central station studies for a classic and striking look.
8. Install A Super Soft Area Rug
Having a soft place for feet to land, rather than a cold basement floor is key. Layer a large area rug, sheepskin, or vintage rug in a basement bedroom for added comfort and warmth.
9. Layer on the Bedding
From nice sheets to a down duvet insert, matelassé, quilt, throw blanket, and everything in between…. don’t be afraid to layer on the bedding for cozy and functional warmth.
10. Incorporate Warm Wood Tones
Never underestimate the power of adding visual warmth. A great way to do this is with warm wood tones. I found a vintage bed and side tables, both in warm wood that made a huge difference in creating a cozy basement bedroom.
11. Install A Warm Flooring Material
I also installed warm toned hardwood flooring throughout the entire room (and throughout our basement). In addition to the warm color, it is also a warm material. Other “warm” flooring materials include heated tile, carpet, and area rugs. Make the most of your basement square footage and choose a material that feels cozy underfoot.
12. Include Cozy Upholstery
Be sure to include upholstery, which softens and warms the space. Consider styling a chair, sofa, bench, or ottoman for added functionality and seating.
13. Maximize Natural Light
While not all basement bedrooms have windows, if you are lucky to have natural light… use appropriate window treatments that maximize brightness. If you have little natural light (or none at all), consider installing a wall mirror to bounce light around the room.
14. Style the Space Thoughtfully
There’s a fine line between a cluttered bedroom and a space that feels collected, cozy, and intentional. When designing small spaces or guest rooms, it’s important to keep the room looking collected and complete, without being totally overwhelming. Use an editing design eye and style the space thoughtfully.
15. Paint Millwork The Same Color As The Walls
Because the ceiling height in a basement is typically lower, I like to paint the base and crown the same color as the wall… making the ceiling height look taller. It’s a design trick I learned ages ago- give it a try!
16. Add a Candle
Perhaps the most simple way to add instant ambiance is to add a candle to a basement bedroom. Sometimes it really is the little things! Candles evoke warmth, ambiance, fragrance, and provide good energy.
17. Insert Personality with Vintage Furniture or Decor
You know I’m a fan of all things vintage and thrifting. I scored the antique bed and vintage bedside tables on Facebook Marketplace (separately), and they truly add so much character to this otherwise boring bedroom. Don’t be afraid to insert personality. Vintage furniture and decor is great way to do that.
18. Install Practical Appliances (If Needed)
Basements often get a bad reputation for being musty or smelly. Depending on what your basement needs, consider installing practical appliances: a humidifier (or de-humidifier), heater, air purifier, Pura diffuser, etc. Keep in mind, the end goal is to create a functional living space.
19. Add Florals or Greenery
Adding florals or greenery to a basement bedroom goes a long way. I keep an arrangement on the bedside table to add a cheerfulness to this bedroom vignette and corner of the room.
20. Stock Cozy Comforts for Guests
Last, but not least… tuck away or stock cozy comforts for guests. Since our basement does get chilly, I keep a heated blanket tucked away in a basket, in the corner of the room. Alternatively, you could keep slippers or a robe in a dresser drawer, tuck a space heater into the closet, or provide some overnight essentials. You might also find this post on stocking a guest bathroom for visitors helpful!
Basement Bedroom : Get the Look
Click directly on each item below to be redirected.
I’ll link the sources for you above, but please let me know if I missed anything! For more of this space, check out the basement bedroom here.
FAQ
It’s a twin extra long. Honestly- it’s one of the most comfortable beds in our house. I’d choose this bed over others in our home. Nieces, nephews, friends, and siblings have all slept here and commented on how comfortable it is. Not bad for a thrifted find!
We have recessed lights, and I was able to supplement with a sconce, floor lamp, and a table lamp for a layered look (my preference). Rather than spend money on adding a flush mount light fixture (that would make the ceiling appear lower), I opted to spend that portion of the budget on the hardwood flooring.
Related
Looking for more posts about this particular lower level bedroom, or other spaces and projects relevant to our basement? I’ll link some for you below!
- Basement Bedroom Sources & Tour
- How to Install Hardwood Flooring in a Basement
- Basement Bedroom Reveal
- Faux Reeded Glass Window DIY
- The Basement Bathroom
- Basement Bedroom Design Plan
- The Basement Media Room
- Tips for Making a Cold Basement Bathroom Feel Cozy
- The Basement Bar
I hope these budget-friendly basement bedroom ideas come in handy at some point! If you have additional space in the basement, it’s a great way to add an extra bedroom or guest room to your home. There are definitely plenty of affordable ways to style a cozy room… even in a basement. Please let me know if you have any questions or thoughts. I love to chat in the comment section below. Cheers to a wonderful weekend ahead!