Bedroom Planning

9 Tips for Basement Bedrooms

Naturally cool and quiet, a basement bedroom can become one of the most inviting retreats in the house. As you plan a basement remodel, keep these 9 planning tips in mind.

1. Consider the best dimensions for your needs. A good size for a bedroom is at least 125 square feet to comfortably fit a double bed and 150 square feet for two twin beds.
2. Codes usually require a wall-mount light switch immediately inside the door.
3. You also must provide direct access to the outside—an egress—in case of fire or other emergency. If your basement is not a walkout, plan for an egress window or door.
4. Be sure to install a smoke alarm outside the bedroom door and another over the stairway. A carbon monoxide alarm is also important.
5. In the bedroom, carpeting provides warmth and comfort underfoot.
6. In the ceiling, fiberglass insulation between joists quiets the sound of footsteps overhead.
7. Consider shrubbery or a fence in front of windows to enhance privacy.
8. Locate a bathroom near—or even adjoining—the bedroom as an added convenience for overnight guests. Be sure to include storage for linens as well as for any toiletries, cleaning products, and other necessities.
9. If you're short on space in the basement, consider furnishing the bedroom to serve multiple functions. For example, include an armoire that opens to reveal a home office. Or furnish the space as a home office and include a pullout couch or install a pull-down Murphy bed in one wall so the room can also serve as a guest room.