Easy Furniture Swaps That'll Double The Storage Space In Your Basement

Is your basement in need of new furniture? The best use of a finished basement (and the ideal furniture to match) depends on your family's needs, with common options including a theater space, family room, or playroom. Regardless of how you use your basement space, having the right furniture helps maximize the square footage. Multipurpose furniture pieces with built-in storage keep clutter under control and offer more flexibility for how you use the space. Seating and tables with hidden storage are two popular options.

If your basement serves as an entertainment spot, having extra seating comes in handy for large gatherings, but adding bulky chairs and couches takes up a lot of space. Storage ottomans and benches offer cushioned spots off the floor with a smaller footprint. The inside storage compartment can hold toys, blankets, and other items. When it's just you and your family, ottomans let you kick up your feet and get comfy.

You'll find a wide range of storage seating options ranging from small square ottomans to long benches that seat two or three people. Consider how much extra seating and storage you need when choosing the best option for your basement. Portability and size are also important to consider. Smaller pieces that you can move around easily help you utilize the storage furniture effectively. The hidden storage compartments also vary. Some cushioned options have lift-off or hinged lids that double as the seats. Storage benches might also have open compartments below the seat that hold baskets or storage bins.

Finding additional budget-friendly pieces of furniture that can also maximize your storage space depends largely on your uses of your basement. For a standard living or family room, incorporate a coffee table with drawers or shelves to hide away games, puzzles, and remotes. Lift-top coffee tables also provide a surface for working or eating and can make your space more functional and comfortable. End tables also provide a storage opportunity. If you want hidden storage, choose tables with drawers or shelves concealed behind doors.

If you have a TV in your basement, choose an entertainment center with the type of storage that works for the space. Drawers hold small items like remotes and cords for electronics, while shelves keep items convenient. Using a dresser instead of a traditional TV stand gives you lots of drawers and can come in handy if the basement doubles as a guest room. Use the drawers to store linens for your pull-out couch, or leave a drawer open for guests to use for their clothes.

Dividing the space in a large basement can also increase the functionality of the room. One way to do that and increase storage is by using bookshelves as room dividers. Open-back bookshelves that are finished on both sides look pretty from either direction and still keep the spaces connected to avoid a cut-off feeling. You can fill the shelves with baskets and other storage bins to stow your items and increase the visual division between the separate spaces in the room.