Jenn Cohen
Inspiration for a mid-sized 1950s look-out carpeted basement remodel in Denver with white walls and no fireplace

Modern Mancave

Manlove and Company Interiors

To obtain sources, copy and paste this link into your browser. https://www.arlingtonhomeinteriors.com/retro-retreat Photographer: Stacy Zarin-Goldberg

Charlestown Basement Remodel

Circle Furniture

Photo Credit: mattwdphotography.com
Mid-sized 1950s underground concrete floor and gray floor basement photo in Boston with gray walls

Browse By Color

Explore Colors

Magnolia Remodel

MB Architecture + Interiors

Rafael Soldi
Basement - mid-sized 1950s walk-out concrete floor basement idea in Seattle with white walls, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace

Lakeshore Dr.

Level Ground Enterprise, LLC

Jenn Cohen
Example of a mid-sized 1950s look-out carpeted basement design in Denver with white walls and no fireplace

Swanky Lounge Basement Conversion

Martha Murray Design

Steve Tauge Studios
Basement - mid-sized 1960s underground concrete floor basement idea in Other with a tile fireplace and beige walls

Holman

Morris Builders, Inc

Full basement remodel. Remove (2) load bearing walls to open up entire space. Create new wall to enclose laundry room. Create dry bar near entry. New floating hearth at fireplace and entertainment cabinet with mesh inserts. Create storage bench with soft close lids for toys an bins. Create mirror corner with ballet barre. Create reading nook with book storage above and finished storage underneath and peek-throughs. Finish off and create hallway to back bedroom through utility room.

LIBRARY-LOWER LEVEL LIVING

Princeton Design Collaborative

Hall leading to stack rows for book collection
Example of a mid-sized 1950s look-out cork floor and beige floor basement design in Philadelphia with white walls

Northgate

White Tree Design

Example of a mid-sized mid-century modern travertine floor basement design in Chicago with white walls

Ravine Ridge

Tim Schollaart Builder LLC

Inspiration for a mid-sized 1960s walk-out carpeted and beige floor basement remodel in Grand Rapids with beige walls

Basement Suite in Ruxton

Bearded Builders, Baltimore

Example of a mid-sized 1960s walk-out vinyl floor, coffered ceiling and wood wall basement design in Baltimore with gray walls

Mid-Century Hillside Cottage

Kai Cross Design: Home Staging + Renovations

Example of a mid-sized 1950s walk-out medium tone wood floor basement design in Los Angeles with white walls and no fireplace

Remodel in Alexandria

AXIS ARCHITECTS

Basement - mid-sized mid-century modern look-out basement idea in DC Metro

Modern Redding Revival

APK Designs LLC

Example of a mid-sized mid-century modern underground vinyl floor, gray floor and wood wall basement design in New York with beige walls

Mid-Century Modern Basement Family Room

Jenna Steckler Interiors, LLC

Basement - mid-sized mid-century modern walk-out bamboo floor and wallpaper basement idea in DC Metro with gray walls and a standard fireplace

Basement Bar

exactly.

Example of a mid-sized mid-century modern walk-out laminate floor and gray floor basement design in Detroit with gray walls, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace

Reno Road Addition

Alair Homes Arlington

Addition off the side of a typical mid-century post-WWII colonial, including master suite with master bath expansion, first floor family room addition, a complete basement remodel with the addition of new bedroom suite for an AuPair. The clients realized it was more cost effective to do an addition over paying for outside child care for their growing family. Additionally, we helped the clients address some serious drainage issues that were causing settling issues in the home.

Example of a mid-sized 1950s walk-out laminate floor and gray floor basement design in Detroit with gray walls, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace

Mid-Sized Mid-Century Modern Basement Ideas

Because of their expansive layouts, mid-century modern basements are often catch-all rooms. When browsing 1950s basement remodeling ideas, always think in terms of your family's needs and whether the space could best serve as your playroom, media room, home bar or storage space — or all of the above. Although finishing a basement is a large investment, it can add much-needed square footage to your home, which can also up the overall resale value. As you get ready to take the remodeling plunge, take time to map out your basement layout and determine all its separate functions. Think about what your family needs the space for, and pick a layout that best suits those needs. Once you finalize your plan, determine whether built-ins are worth pursuing. In a vast, undefined space, they're an easy way to differentiate one space from another — the extra storage space doesn't hurt either. Finally, decide what type of basement furniture you want to fill the space with, like comfy couches, armchairs or a big game table. Since there's so much room to cover, picking the right pieces is a little more challenging than usual, so look at other 1960s basement design ideas to get a feel for what to look for when shopping.

What are mid-century modern basements used for?

Every family is different, so when looking for finished basement ideas make sure you pinpoint how you spend your time and then cater to those hobbies and interests. If you host parties often or are beer and wine aficionados, focus your 1950s basement remodel on creating a home bar or wine cellar. If you're looking for a kid-friendly hangout, become the neighborhood hot spot with a massive family and media room combo. Give the guy in your family the ultimate escape with a man cave, game room and home gym, or be practical above all else by adding extra bedrooms and another bathroom.

Should I use built-ins in my 1960s basement design?

With such large spaces, basements can hard to define; clever built-ins can help clarify room divisions while simultaneously aiding organization. For the ultimate video game/movie hub, install a custom entertainment center, complete with bookshelves and cabinets for storing small electronic accessories, movies and books. For those family movie nights, add a wet bar that includes a microwave and mini fridge for popcorn and beverages. A craft room with a built-in counter and shelves, or a long booth or bench for extra seating are also popular basement ideas. The options are endless, so consult a designer or builder to see what works for your mid-century modern basement remodel.

How should I decorate my mid-century modern basement?

If you take a look at most retro basement decorating ideas, you’ll see that typically bigger is better. Unlike other rooms where space might be tight, basement designs usually have room to spare, so your furniture can be oversized and chunky to help fill them up. Sectionals are a great way to avoid an empty-looking room, and they provide plenty of seating for when guests come to visit. Be sure to add other common living room pieces — like armchairs, side tables and coffee tables — to fully complete the look. If your family loves games, add a pool table, foosball or poker table, or include an oversized table for regular board games. Other excellent mod basement ideas include giving your kids their own corner with an indoor playhouse or swing, or creating your ultimate getaway with a daybed and bookshelves for reading, napping and relaxing.

Niles Ave

Studio Nor Design

Example of a mid-sized mid-century modern medium tone wood floor and brown floor basement design in Minneapolis with white walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace