16 Basement Office Ideas That Will Inspire Productivity

<p><a href="https://www.jennifermckissick.com/">Jennifer McKissick Interior Design</a> / Photo by <a href="https://www.katiecharlottephotography.com/">Katie Charlotte</a></p>

If your home office is in the basement, you may be wondering how to ensure that the space still appears welcoming so that you don't feel as though you're spending the hours of 9 to 5 in a dark and dull room.

Keep reading to take a look at 16 outstanding basement office ideas with tons of charm and practicality; they'll surely inspire you as you design your own modern work-from-home spot.

Address the Ceiling

<p><a href="https://casawatkinsliving.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Casa Watkins Living</a></p>

Don't forget about the ceiling when designing the space. Basement offices can be fun, too, and covering the fifth wall of the room is one way to go bold and experiment a little.

Brighten Up the Space

<p><a href="https://www.jennifermckissick.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow">Jennifer McKissick Interior Design</a> / Photo by <a href="https://www.katiecharlottephotography.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="2" rel="nofollow">Katie Charlotte</a></p>

Brighten up your basement office with the addition of decorative lighting, fresh blooms, and colorful art. Small touches like these will go a long way in making sure your basement appears more home-like and welcoming.

Make Use of Your Walls

<p><a href="https://thriftdiving.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Thrift Diving</a></p>

Make the most of your wall space by hanging up a whiteboard, calendar, hanging file system, shelf, and whatever else you need to stay organized. You'll never forget an appointment or misplace an important paper ever again.

Choose a Peppy Print

<p>Design by <a href="https://tamaraday.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Tamara Day</a> / Photo by <a href="https://www.paulversluis.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="2" rel="nofollow">Paul Versluis</a></p>

Wallpaper is one way to take any room of the home from drab to fab. Bring your basement office to life by covering the walls with a print that is sure to make you smile. Incorporating built-in shelving is another way to make your space feel more custom.

Sit Beneath the Window

<p><a href="https://kathymarshalldesign.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow">Kathy Marshall Design</a> / Photo by <a href="https://www.michaeljleephotography.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="2" rel="nofollow">Michael J Lee</a></p>

Place your desk right under the window so that you can experience plenty of sunlight and admire your yard (or keep an eye out as children play) during the work day.

Keep It Sleek

<p><a href="https://gtmarchitects.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow">GTM Architects</a> / Photo by <a href="https://www.stacyzaringoldberg.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="2" rel="nofollow">Stacy Zarin Goldberg</a></p>

If you're someone who appreciates a sleek, modern look, a basement office like this one is ideal with its neutral color palette and minimal layout.

Opt for a Sofa or Armchair

<p><a href="https://tracymorrisdesign.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Tracy Morris Design</a> / Photo by <a href="https://gregpowers.us/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="2" rel="nofollow">Greg Powers</a></p>

If you like to move around and work from different locations throughout the day, consider adding some seating in your basement office. That way, you can take a break from your desk to curl up and check emails from the sofa or armchair when you need a shift.

Mix Patterns for a Bit of Fun

<p><a href="https://annieelliottdesign.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Annie Elliott Design</a> / Photo by <a href="https://mwconcepts.net/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="2" rel="nofollow">Marcus Wilborn</a></p>

If you can't get enough of pattern play, you can certainly enjoy mixing different prints and colors in the office. Given how much time you'll be spending in the space each and every day, you deserve to love your surroundings.

Section Off the Room With Paint

<p><a href="https://laurelalexanderinteriors.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow">Laurel Alexander Interiors</a></p>

Painting the home office portion of your basement a different color than the rest of the room will help to ensure it feels like its own nook. The change in color will serve as a natural divider from the rest of the space.

Utilize Hallway Space

<p><a href="https://tksdesigngroup.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow">TKS Design Group</a> / Photo by <a href="https://www.michaelalankaskel.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="2" rel="nofollow">Michael Kaskel</a></p>

The hallway within your basement offers valuable space that can make for an excellent desk area. Don't let any of your precious square footage go to waste by adding clever storage and organizing units throughout.

Design a Built-in Storage System

<p> <a href="https://susanyeleyhomes.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow">Susan Yeley Homes</a> / Photo by <a href="https://www.sarahshieldsphotography.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="2" rel="nofollow">Sarah Shields</a></p>

If you need a place to tuck away plenty of books and journals, create a wall full of built-ins in the basement, leaving room for a work station in the middle. This setup makes it easy to stay nice and organized at all times.

Perfect Your Video Background

<p><a href="https://interiorimpressions.org/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Amy Leferink at Interior Impressions</a></p>

With so many people taking meetings via video these days, having a stylish background has never been more important. Place your desk in front of a set of well-designed built-ins like these and your coworkers will surely be doling out compliments.

Embrace Natural Light

<p><a href="https://interiorimpressions.org/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Amy Leferink at Interior Impressions</a></p>

Place your desk or table at an angle so that you can fully optimize your view out the window. Basements have a reputation for being dark and stuffy, but that isn't always the case—if sunshine is streaming through, you'll want to be able to enjoy it.

Install Sliding Barn Doors

<p><a href="https://interiorimpressions.org/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Amy Leferink at Interior Impressions</a></p>

Use sliding barn doors to separate your basement's desk area from the entertaining portion of the room. When you have friends over in the evenings, it'll be easy to switch off from work mode and keep your responsibilities out of sight and out of mind.

Opt for a Table Instead of a Desk

<p><a href="https://www.andrewmannarchitecture.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow">Andrew Mann Architecture</a> / Photo by <a href="https://www.dyerphoto.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="2" rel="nofollow">Paul Dyer</a></p>

Some people prefer sitting at a large table to work instead of using a traditional desk. If this is you, note that a table can also double as a craft station or spot for kids to do their homework or work on school projects, making it a versatile option.

Accessorize Like a Pro

<p><a href="https://greyhuntinteriors.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Grey Hunt Interiors</a> / Photo by <a href="https://commercial.novasoulimagery.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="2" rel="nofollow">Nova Soul Imagery Commercial</a></p>

Add charm to your basement office by going beyond the basics and adding eye-catching artwork, sconces, vases, and other accent pieces. Just because you're sitting down to work doesn't mean you can't be surrounded by beautiful things.

Read Next: A Complete Guide to Basement Lighting

Read the original article on The Spruce.