Basement Floor Plans

Have you wanted to expand your home? A finished basement with heating and cooling, electricity, and finished walls and flooring adds valuable space and raises the property's value.

Popular Basement Uses

Here’s a look at some of the most popular basement floor plan options, with tips and ideas.

Family Room. Finishing a basement as a simple open-concept family room space (without adding a bathroom or kitchen) is one of the least expensive ways to develop your basement area. Furnished with couch seating, a TV, and storage for games and toys, you’ve got a relaxed area away from the main living space.

Game Room. A ping pong or pool table requires a larger room than found in the average home, so how about converting your basement into a game room? As you lay out your design, remember to allow at least 5 ft (1.5 m) around each side of a pool table and 3-4 ft (1m) around a ping pong table. Other popular and smaller game room options are foosball, air hockey, darts, and pinball. Add a square or round table and chairs if your family enjoys cards and board games.

Gym or Workout Area. A basement gym is a great option to exercise at home. The space can be as simple as free weights, a space for stretching and yoga, plus a mirror, or it could include equipment such as a treadmill, exercise bike, rowing machine, or integrated weight machine. If you do include gym equipment, two things to keep in mind: Be sure to plan a route for bringing large equipment into the space, and check that the ceiling height accommodates you when standing on top of a treadmill or stair machine.

Guest Room, In-law Suite, or Rental Unit. Converting your basement into a bedroom suite may be the perfect option if you've needed extra space for guests or in-laws. Ideas to consider: At a minimum, plan for a bedroom, closet, and a ¾ bathroom. Consider a seating area, mini-kitchen or wet bar area, and a full-size bathroom if you have the space. It’s also a good idea to offer separate heating and cooling. When converting a basement into a bedroom, check the local building codes in your area - most will require two entrances/exits to the space. For example, the basement entrance from the house and an egress window no more than a certain height off the ground (check your local regulations).

Home Office. Do you dream of a dedicated home office away from the household bustle? For this layout, plan for multiple electric outlets and strong Wi-Fi access as you design your space. Consider extra soundproofing in the walls and ceiling to block family noise or if you spend a lot of time on video calls. Extras may include a wet bar, a coffee area, a mini fridge, and a powder bath. As you plan the furnishings, consider a large desk, shelf space, file cabinets, and a credenza to store supplies and provide a place for a printer.

Kids Playroom or Teen Room. If you have kids, turn your basement space into a playroom and convert it into a teen hangout spot as they age. For younger children, consider a kid's height table and chairs, toy storage, a bookshelf, a craft area, and a place to hang their artwork. As they grow, add taller desks for homework, a TV, and comfortable couches for teen hangouts.

Laundry Room, Mud Room, and Storage. A large laundry/mud room and indoor drying area are perfect home additions in cold climates. You can also include storage cabinets, a drop zone, or a large closet - perfect for sleds, skis, boots, and other bulky items.

Media Room or Home Theater. For movie buffs, a dedicated theater room is a great basement option. In addition to that large-screen TV, consider extra electrical outlets, Wi-Fi access, and built-in surround sound for upgraded audio. As you build out the room, upgrades include adding additional sound insulation to the walls and a raised floor section for tiered seating. Check out leather reclining seating for the ultimate movie theater experience. If you have the space, a wet bar area with a mini fridge is an excellent option for those movie treats, and if the basement has windows, be sure to consider room-darkening curtains.

Music Practice Space. A dedicated music space is a dream for those who love to create music. Add soundproofing to the walls and ceiling, plenty of electrical outlets, a desk or table for equipment, and storage for various musical instruments and gear. Finish off the room with concert posters, or hang your guitars on the wall.

Wine Cellar/Tasting Room. Would you love to share your wine-tasting hobby with family and friends? Imagine rows of your favorite wine bottles chilled to perfection and beautiful cabinets for your wine glasses. A bar area allows you to chat with friends while you serve drinks, and a comfortable sofa is another great option. Finish with warm and cozy decor for the ultimate entertaining area.

Workshop or Craft Area. A basement craft area is a popular option for those who want to keep a potentially messy workshop area out of sight from the main living area. Depending on your needs, add a large work table, a sewing area, a workbench, or custom storage.

Combination. If your space is large enough, create a basement floor plan with multiple rooms to combine several of the above functions. For example, a family room, a game room, and a guest suite.

Are you ready to increase your home’s space and value with a finished basement? Whether you are looking to create an additional family room, a playroom, a guest suite, a gym, or something else, we have many basement floor plans and templates for you to browse and customize.