What furniture is best for a basement?

When finishing a basement, one of the most important considerations is choosing the right furniture. The basement presents some unique challenges that make furniture selection different than decorating other rooms in your home. Doing it right, however, can transform your basement into a functional, inviting living space.

What are the key questions you need to ask when outfitting your basement with furniture? What types of pieces work best in basement spaces? Read on for tips on choosing basement-friendly furniture that is durable, comfortable, and stylish.

What Are the Main Considerations When Buying Basement Furniture?

Choosing furniture for your basement requires taking a few special factors into account:

Moisture resistance: Basements tend to be damper and more humid than upper levels of a home. Look for furniture made from moisture-resistant materials that can withstand excess moisture.
Durability: The basement is often a high-traffic area with kids and pets running through. Furniture needs to be family-friendly and able to withstand wear and tear.
Size: Basements often have lower ceilings, columns, and ductwork that eat up space. Measure carefully and look for compact, smaller-scale furniture that fits the basement layout.

Lighting: Many basements have limited natural light. Choose furniture with lighting built in or pieces that are easy to place task lighting around.
Style: Make sure the scale and style of basement furniture cohesively flows with the rest of your home’s decor.

What Types of Basement Furniture Work Best?

Certain categories of furniture are particularly well-suited for basements:

Upholstered Furniture

Upholstered couches, chairs, and sectionals can warm up basement spaces. Prioritize pieces with moisture-resistant fabrics like leather or microfiber. Avoid delicate fabrics like chenille or velvet that could easily mold or mildew. Look for family-friendly, durable upholstery that can handle kids and pets.

Wood Furniture

Wood furnishings like bookshelves, cabinets, tables, and desks add beauty to basements. Opt for solid hardwood or wood veneers over particleboard, which can swell and warp from moisture exposure. Consider a dehumidifier if your basement is excessively humid. Use coasters, placemats, and tablecloths to protect wood surfaces.

Wicker and Rattan

Inexpensive, lightweight, and casual, wicker and rattan are ideal basement furniture choices. Natural fibers have antimicrobial properties that resist mold and mildew. Look for synthetic wicker furniture made from all-weather resin wicker that holds up to dampness.

Metal and Iron Furniture

Metal furniture like iron coffee tables and stainless steel cabinets are right at home in basements. Metal resists moisture, mold, and mildew while adding an industrial vibe. Powder-coated finishes prevent rust and add durability. Wipe metal pieces down regularly to keep them looking new.

Plastic Furniture

Plastic patio furniture, folding tables and chairs, and storage bins are affordable, waterproof options for furnishing basements. Look for heavy-duty plastic furniture made to withstand the elements. While not the most stylish, plastic works well for playrooms, utility areas, and storage spaces.

Tips for Buying Different Types of Basement Furniture

Keep these tips in mind when buying specific furniture items for your basement:

Sofas and Chairs

Choose leather, microfiber, or performance fabrics treated to resist moisture and stains.
Avoid down-filled cushions which can develop mold and mildew.
Look for tight, fixed cushions rather than loose cushions which tend to shift and sag overtime.

Select furniture with exposed feet to prevent moisture buildup.
Consider a reclining sofa with storage compartments built in for remotes, blankets, etc.

Sectionals

Configure small modular sectionals to make the most of tight basement spaces.

Anchor sectionals to the wall on one side to prevent shifting.
Incorporate chaise lounge extensions for lounging and movie nights.
Choose family-friendly, cleanable microfiber or performance upholstery.

Coffee Tables and End Tables

Opt for wood, metal, or glass coffee tables over upholstered ottomans.
Look for tables with storage drawers and shelving to maximize space.
Select rounded edges for safety in high-traffic areas.

Anchor area rugs under tables to prevent slipping on cold basement floors.

Media Storage

Look for TV stands and media consoles with ventilation to prevent electronics from overheating in confined basement spaces.
Choose metal, glass, or sealed wood to resist moisture damage.

Built-in cabinets keep electronics secure and organized while hiding cords and clutter.
Floating wall-mounted shelving is great for displaying media collections.

Bookshelves

Select solid wood bookshelves with thick shelves that won’t sag under the weight of books.

Include cabinets or baskets to corral clutter out of sight.
Mount bookshelves securely to the wall for safety in earthquake-prone areas.
Angle corner bookshelves to maximize usable space in a basement.

Tips for Arranging Basement Furniture

Proper furniture arrangement is key to creating usable space in a basement. Here are some layout tips:

Break up open floor plans into separate conversation and media viewing areas.
Float furniture away from damp external walls and allow airflow on all sides.

Angle furniture to create interesting nooks and sightlines.
Layer area rugs over cold concrete floors to define spaces.
Place furniture under ductwork and pipes running along ceilings.

Allow ample walking space around and between furniture pieces.
Use furniture to partition utility areas like laundry rooms.

Best Fabrics for Basement Furniture

Certain fabrics stand up better to basement conditions. Here is an overview of the best fabric options:

Fabric	Characteristics
Leather	Extremely durable and moisture-resistant. Easy to clean. Gets softer with age. Expensive.
Microfiber	Soft, affordable, and family-friendly. Resists stains, spills, and moisture. Available in many colors.
Nubby Fabrics	Textured fabrics like tweed and boucle hide stains. Natural fibers offer antimicrobial properties.
Performance Fabrics	Treated with stain repellents and moisture barriers. Examples include crypton and silicone-coated fabrics.
PVC Vinyl	Waterproof and extremely durable. Used on budget upholstered furniture. Can feel sticky in warm environments.
Polyester	Affordable, stain-resistant, and colorfast. Good budget choice for family furniture.

Best Materials for Basement Furniture

Consider furniture made from these basement-friendly materials:

Material	Benefits
Solid Wood	Beautiful and durable when properly sealed. Oak, teak, and maple recommended.
Wrought Iron	Heavier and more moisture-resistant than other metals. Prone to rusting without proper treatment.
Stainless Steel	Sleek, modern look. Resists corrosion and rust. Easy to clean and sanitize.
Aluminum	Affordable, strong, and rust-resistant. Looks lightweight compared to steel.
Teak	Naturally weatherproof hardwood. Requires no sealants. Develops silvery patina with age.
Wicker	Lightweight and casual. Synthetic all-weather wicker is durable and easy to clean.
Laminate	Affordable wood-like finish over moisture-resistant composite. Scratches easily.
Plastic	Waterproof, affordable, and easy to clean. Not very aesthetically appealing.

Choosing the Right Colors and Textures

Color and texture choices can help make a basement feel warm, inviting and pulled-together:

Warm neutral paint colors disguise dampness and create cozy spaces.

Natural wood finishes add warmth while camouflaging dirt and wear.
Bold accent colors enliven dark corners and make the space feel cheerful.
Soft fabrics and rugs add comfort underfoot and help absorb sound.

Layering textured throws and pillows creates visual interest.
Glossy surfaces reflect light to brighten up dark areas.

Recommended Color Schemes

Neutrals: Off-white, beige, taupe, and warm grey basics.

Earth tones: Rich browns, greens, terra cotta, and mustard yellows.
Blues: Navy, denim, and sky blue hues recall relaxing oceans and skies.
Pops of color: Coral, teal, chartreuse and other bright accent colors.

Lighting Basics for Basement Furniture

Proper lighting transforms a dark, gloomy basement. Follow these guidelines:

Add layers of ambient, task, and accent lighting.
Space recessed cans consistently to evenly illuminate rooms.

Use floor and table lamps near furniture to create pools of light.
Accent architectual features with directional lighting.
Install dimmers to adjust lighting levels for different activities.

Bounce light off pale ceilings and walls to brighten up the space.

Recommended Sources of Light

Recessed can lights
Pendant lights over tables and islands

Floor lamps next to chairs and sofas
Table and desk lamps
Sconces flanking furniture

Under cabinet lighting in wet bars
Picture lights highlighting artwork

Conclusion

Furnishing a basement comes with its own set of challenges. Moisture, limited light, low ceilings, and cramped spaces require careful furniture selection. Focus on pieces made from materials that resist moisture, mildew, and wear. Choose smaller-scale, multi-functional furniture that makes the most of confined square footage. Arrange furniture thoughtfully to allow water to evaporate and air to circulate. Finally, inject color, texture, and ample lighting to make basement spaces feel warm, dry and welcoming.