A finished basement can be used as a family hangout or a home gym, but no matter what kind of space you use, you need to properly organize what you store in your basement. Whatever your needs or goals, a basement can quickly become cluttered without a system in place, so make the most of your space with smart basement storage ideas. Make the most of your extra living space with these basement organization tips that combine storage and style.
underground bar storage
edmund barr
Instead of cluttering your kitchen cabinets with liquor bottles and barware, create a home bar storage area at the base of your basement stairs. Use the console to store essentials and greet guests with your favorite spirits and décor on a tray.
decorative basement storage ideas
david rand
Even if you don't need a traditional media center to house your TV, a console is a basement storage idea you can use to keep electronics and more organized. Floating shelves on the surface and above display small stacks of books and souvenirs from recent travels, creating a functional yet beautiful space.
Book storage location
Bree Williams
For those with a book collection, a wall filled with open shelving is an ideal basement storage idea. If you don't have a built-in one, you can install multiple bookshelves to create a library wall. This homeowner makes a style statement by organizing books by color for functional storage.
stairs as storage
werner straube
When considering storage ideas for your basement, be creative with your design. This unique storage under the basement stairs doubles as an attractive wall panel. Drawers are perfect for storing extra blankets or extra linens. The bright white color matches the staircase, and the drawer fronts are recessed to add some texture interest.
minimalist basement storage ideas
adam albright
In your basement lounge area, it's important to keep clutter to a minimum so you can relax after a long day. A built-in bookshelf and base cabinet surrounding the TV provide ample storage space for your essentials. Fold blankets neatly into matching baskets on shelves and organize electronics behind closed cabinet doors.
basement laundry room storage
edmund barr
Floor-to-ceiling basement storage ideas can go a long way in organizing the clutter in your home. Cleaning supplies are stored in sealed cabinets in this basement laundry room, and sunlight streams in through a small cutout window to the left. The countertop can be used to display personal items or as a workspace.
basement office space
brain motes
The basement may be the perfect place to put your workspace in your home. Set up a simple table and comfortable chairs between two tall cabinets. Use baskets to organize office supplies and tuck them into cabinet shelves to keep them hidden yet accessible.
basement craft room storage ideas
Greg Scheideman
Rather than finding enough space upstairs to store your craft supplies and gift wrapping supplies, carve out a space in your basement specifically for the task. Organize yarn, ribbon, and craft paper in clear jars or baskets, label them, and arrange them on floating shelves. Includes a storage cabinet for backstock and a table and chairs to serve as a workspace.
kids toy storage
werner straube
If your basement doubles as a play area, make sure it's easy to clean up after you (and the kids) are done playing. Floor-to-ceiling cabinets with shelves and optional drawers help hide lots of toys behind closed doors. Store similar items together, such as stacking puzzles and board games on one shelf, and use labeled bins to corral smaller items.
underground open shelves
Kim Cornelison
Add beautiful and practical basement storage ideas with open and hidden storage side by side. This double desk area features shelves and upper cabinets in a variety of finishes for stylish contrast. Dark wood shelves and countertops reflect the tone of the wood floors.
basement kitchen storage
John Bessler
Are there plumbing connections under your basement stairs? That's a great place to build a wet bar. In addition to the sink, there is also a cabinet for storage, a small refrigerator for beverages, and overhead task lighting. To save space in this small area, build recessed shelves into the wall and line them with glassware, appetizer plates, and bar snacks.
basement living room storage
jason donnelly
Create a space in your basement living area to relax at the end of a long day. Arrange your photo albums, magazines, and records on one built-in bookshelf. Use the second unit to organize your liquor bottles, shakers, and the prettiest glasses. Don't forget to include a basket to overflow in the bar cart or to hold blankets, pillows, and toys for your furry friend.
creative office
Annie Schrechter
Do you have an underused closet in your basement? Convert it into a home office or school study nook. Tuck in a small desk with storage, hang floating shelves, and add light fixtures. Built-in shelves just outside the closet door are perfect for storing books, study tools, or recent artwork.
horizontal bookshelf
marty baldwin
If you don't have the ceiling height to accommodate floor-to-ceiling basement storage ideas, choose a set of half-height horizontal bookshelves. Place baskets of books, pottery, and collectibles on shelves, and use a nearby mantel to display decorative items like candlesticks and seasonal decorations.
open shelf storage
Crisada Panichiguru
Don't waste floating shelves lining your basement walls. Create a meaningful display in your study by collecting books and decorative items that you don't have space for upstairs.
sneaky storage
david rand
Multipurpose furniture such as storage benches and chaise lounges are useful when you want to hide visual clutter. When you want to spend family time in the basement, fill the storage space below with toys, games, books for the kids to play with, and more.
custom closet for basement
Sean Sullivan
If you have a remodeling project coming up, consider incorporating basement storage ideas into your design that will meet all your needs. Rows of floor-to-ceiling closets can be used to organize off-season clothing, holiday decorations, and entertainment centers. Create a clutter-free space by closing the door when you're not using things.
stylish basement storage ideas
Jay Wilde
Organize your basement storage in fun colors. Here, a white and red trash can stands out against a closet painted light pink to add contrast to the design. Hanging rods and open shelves keep open closet storage organized and functional. A worktop with a natural wood finish provides space for crafting, and a stool tucks underneath for streamlined storage space.
organized cabinet
edward golick
This basement storage idea features simple wall-to-wall cabinets with opening and closing options. A shelf above the media center has an area to display your favorite knick-knacks and memorabilia. The lower cabinet is closed, making it easy to store unsightly gadgets, remotes, cords, etc. The center section has frosted glass to allow light to shine through and prevent your basement storage unit from looking too bulky.
live work space
Kim Cornelison
Just because it's underground doesn't mean you have to skimp on the design. Continue the home's style downstairs and incorporate organizational elements to match. For example, a metal hutch for storing books above the desk in the workspace and a matching basket for blankets in the adjacent living area tie the whole room together.
painted underground warehouse
Bree Williams
This DIY basement storage idea creates a unique look for your storage shelves. Colorful painting on the back of the bookshelf provides a vibrant backdrop for your favorite memorabilia. Arrange books and collectibles on shelves to avoid crowding surfaces like coffee tables and desks.
Organizing coats, bags, and shoes
Bree Williams
This simple basement storage idea makes it easy to organize your coats, shoes, and backpacks. Organize your shoes on the storage shelf under the built-in bench, and hang your coats and bags neatly on the hooks above. It's a simple basket, so you can easily access the items you need stored away. Create a similar look by installing storage units that match the color of your walls. Be sure to consider the number of bags, coats, and shoes when determining the best size for your family.
basement laundry room storage
Kim Cornelison
Create nooks and crannies of storage in your basement using laundry room cabinets. Built-in cabinets give you storage space on your basement walls to organize both laundry supplies and items you don't have room for elsewhere. Here, laundry detergent and clothing care products are placed on a tray in glass storage containers. There are plenty of cabinets above and below to neatly store baskets, hangers, and other essentials until laundry day.
Adjust color scheme
edmund barr
Keep your basement storage ideas in line with your decor by paying attention to your color scheme. Here, green and orange pillows stand out against the neutral walls. The vibrant colors continue into the boxes, trays, and baskets in the room. Built-in basement storage units like this media hub are as beautiful as they are practical. Closed base cabinets hide annoying electronic cords, while open shelves display personal items.
basement shelves
marty baldwin
Basement storage areas often have boxes piled up haphazardly. However, there are more clever storage ideas for your basement. This finished basement features crisp white shelving that stands out against the light gray walls and beige carpet. The open design allows kids to easily access toys and books from the bottom shelf, while parents can keep sewing and craft supplies on the top shelf out of reach. Colorful storage containers keep your space organized while hiding clutter.
entertainment center storage
gordon beer
Basements often serve as entertainment hubs, so they need plenty of storage space. This basement storage idea functions as both an entertainment center and storage space. Open shelves on the sides are perfect for books and games, and cabinet doors hide your stereo or other technology.
basement play storage
Bree Williams
One of the great things about a finished basement storage space is that it adds practicality and aesthetic appeal. Here, white storage cabinets provide a perfect contrast to the colorful decor. Plenty of drawers and doors can hide and store craft supplies for your basement play area. Open counters are perfect for workspace and storage of extra items.
built-in basement shelves
Kim Cornelison
This floor-to-ceiling storage unit matches your family room's color scheme. A pretty patterned background adds interest to the mostly neutral space, while orange and blue display items complement the accessories throughout. There are plenty of closed cabinets and open shelves for storage and decoration.
small storage
gordon beer
Built-in storage under the stairs is a practical and visually appealing basement storage idea. Here, dark cabinetry contrasts beautifully with warm wooden floors and stairs. The basement cabinet, which slopes downward along with the staircase, is unique and contemporary. With no visible hardware, the cabinet disappears into the background when the door is closed.
basement closet storage
david rand
Installing built-in storage in your basement saves floor space because you don't have to incorporate freestanding furniture to keep things organized. Here, a floor-to-ceiling storage closet serves as the finished wall. The bright white contrasts beautifully with the glossy wood ceiling, adding a practical and stylish element to the room.
Colorful, child-friendly storage
John Granen
Basements are often used for entertaining, so bright colors can add a fun twist that's perfect for kids. Here, a vibrant map accent wall creates a fun look to the basement playroom. The clean white storage shelves create a beautiful contrast with the blue-toned adjacent wall. Open shelves are perfect for organizing books and storing games. Incorporate an open cubby into the base cabinet for easy access for children.
Utilize every inch
adam albright
To make the most of every corner of your home, add storage under your basement stairs. Here, the bookshelf is finished in the same color as the wall, creating a unified look. The triangular space under the stairs is perfect for toy storage or as a play area.