The 10 Most Popular Basements of 2020
Home bars, kitchenettes, game tables, cozy reading spots — see the features that made these the top spaces
This Trending Now story features the most popular basement photos uploaded to Houzz since Jan. 1, 2020.
A beautifully finished basement can play the role of movie theater, game room, cocktail lounge, rehearsal space or play area. But creating an inviting basement takes more than installing a TV and calling it a day. In this countdown of the most popular basement photos uploaded to Houzz in 2020, you’ll find plenty of ideas for functional layouts, comfy furniture and fun features. Plus, check out how the designers addressed common basement challenges like awkwardly placed ducts, ugly structural posts, a lack of natural light and low ceilings.
A beautifully finished basement can play the role of movie theater, game room, cocktail lounge, rehearsal space or play area. But creating an inviting basement takes more than installing a TV and calling it a day. In this countdown of the most popular basement photos uploaded to Houzz in 2020, you’ll find plenty of ideas for functional layouts, comfy furniture and fun features. Plus, check out how the designers addressed common basement challenges like awkwardly placed ducts, ugly structural posts, a lack of natural light and low ceilings.
9. Comfortable Cave
Architect Luther Paul Weber embraced the cave-like feeling of this basement in Washington, D.C. Stone walls, rough-hewn timbers and a dark ceiling give the space rustic appeal. Other features include a built-in bar, a nearby wine cellar alcove and musical instruments at the ready.
Architect Luther Paul Weber embraced the cave-like feeling of this basement in Washington, D.C. Stone walls, rough-hewn timbers and a dark ceiling give the space rustic appeal. Other features include a built-in bar, a nearby wine cellar alcove and musical instruments at the ready.
8. Casual and Cheerful
Decorated Interiors created an inviting space in this home in Upper Montclair, New Jersey. An overstuffed sectional with three comfy corners invites a family to snuggle in for movie night. Custom built-ins accommodate books, toys and media equipment. And colorful accents and great lighting give the subterranean space a cheerful vibe.
Browse sectional sofas in the Houzz Shop
Decorated Interiors created an inviting space in this home in Upper Montclair, New Jersey. An overstuffed sectional with three comfy corners invites a family to snuggle in for movie night. Custom built-ins accommodate books, toys and media equipment. And colorful accents and great lighting give the subterranean space a cheerful vibe.
Browse sectional sofas in the Houzz Shop
7. Contemporary-Industrial Mix
This lake house basement in Nova Scotia has it all — a family room space, a pool table and a home bar. A mix of wood tones, metal accents and vintage-looking light fixtures gives the space contemporary industrial style.
This lake house basement in Nova Scotia has it all — a family room space, a pool table and a home bar. A mix of wood tones, metal accents and vintage-looking light fixtures gives the space contemporary industrial style.
6. Table Tennis and Drinks
It’s all fun and games in this basement in Cranbury, New Jersey. Legacy Contracting added a convenient wall-mounted wood counter to serve table tennis players and spectators. White tongue-and-groove paneling and gooseneck barn lights on the wall add modern farmhouse character.
Hire a local general contractor
It’s all fun and games in this basement in Cranbury, New Jersey. Legacy Contracting added a convenient wall-mounted wood counter to serve table tennis players and spectators. White tongue-and-groove paneling and gooseneck barn lights on the wall add modern farmhouse character.
Hire a local general contractor
5. Reading Corner for the Younger Set
Well Design transformed this Bernardsville, New Jersey, basement corner into a cozy reading spot for Harry Potter fans. A soft rug, a sheepskin throw, throw pillows and fuzzy beanbag chairs make it an inviting area for budding wizards.
Well Design transformed this Bernardsville, New Jersey, basement corner into a cozy reading spot for Harry Potter fans. A soft rug, a sheepskin throw, throw pillows and fuzzy beanbag chairs make it an inviting area for budding wizards.
4. Ready for the Big Game
Recessed lights and a light color palette brighten this basement in West Chester, Pennsylvania. While there’s lots to do down there, the main event is watching sports and movies on the large TV. Rudloff Custom Builders surrounded the screen with adjustable shelving and lots of cabinets for storage.
Recessed lights and a light color palette brighten this basement in West Chester, Pennsylvania. While there’s lots to do down there, the main event is watching sports and movies on the large TV. Rudloff Custom Builders surrounded the screen with adjustable shelving and lots of cabinets for storage.
3. His-and-Hers Compromise
Interior designer Martha O’Hara struck a delicate marital compromise with this beautiful basement design in Minneapolis. The wife wanted a traditional family room while the husband wanted a media room with stadium seating. A sofa, a recliner and three bar-height stools behind the counter created the look she wanted and the layers of seating he wanted. A projector is mounted to the reclaimed-wood ceiling.
See more of this home
Interior designer Martha O’Hara struck a delicate marital compromise with this beautiful basement design in Minneapolis. The wife wanted a traditional family room while the husband wanted a media room with stadium seating. A sofa, a recliner and three bar-height stools behind the counter created the look she wanted and the layers of seating he wanted. A projector is mounted to the reclaimed-wood ceiling.
See more of this home
2. Industrial Meets Rustic
James V. Coane & Associates mixed industrial and rustic styles in this basement located outside of Los Angeles. Industrial elements include a system of caged ceiling light fixtures with exposed wires and a polished concrete floor. A striking reclaimed-wood accent wall and cabinets with grille inserts contribute a rustic touch.
James V. Coane & Associates mixed industrial and rustic styles in this basement located outside of Los Angeles. Industrial elements include a system of caged ceiling light fixtures with exposed wires and a polished concrete floor. A striking reclaimed-wood accent wall and cabinets with grille inserts contribute a rustic touch.
1. Sleek Basement Kitchenette
This Omaha, Nebraska, basement by Bearded Builders is all about gathering and watching sports on TV. The TV mounted in the kitchen can be viewed from a long open island with a waterfall counter. And anyone preparing food and drinks won’t have to miss a single play.
More on Houzz
10 Dream Basements for Watching the Big Game
Browse more basement photos
Hire local design and remodeling pros
Shop for game room and home bar decor
This Omaha, Nebraska, basement by Bearded Builders is all about gathering and watching sports on TV. The TV mounted in the kitchen can be viewed from a long open island with a waterfall counter. And anyone preparing food and drinks won’t have to miss a single play.
More on Houzz
10 Dream Basements for Watching the Big Game
Browse more basement photos
Hire local design and remodeling pros
Shop for game room and home bar decor
In this Minneapolis basement, R|House Design Build alleviated typical not-so-high basement ceilings by playing with proportions. The long firebox, fireplace surround, mantel and TV screen emphasize horizontal lines. A round tufted ottoman lets everyone sink into the sofa and put their feet up.
Find a local design-build firm on Houzz