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How to Remodel Children's Basements

Basements can be remodeled to accommodate many uses. If you have children, consider transforming your basement into playroom space. Basements are sometimes damp and dark spaces, though, so tend to any moisture or mold problems before you do anything else. Once that's done, choose environmentally friendly finishes, and design the space to accommodate plenty of storage for toys. The basement can easily be updated to serve as a recreation room as your children become teenagers.

Things You'll Need

  • Low-VOC paint
  • Padded flooring
  • Storage
  • Kid-sized furniture
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Instructions

    • 1

      Paint the walls with low-VOC finishes. Many paint formulas contain volatile organic compounds, which can emit gas and cause a variety of respiratory issues. To protect your family's health, select paints that contain zero VOCs or have a very small amount.

      Colorful paints are an ideal choice for children's basements. Consider using several shades and applying a different one to each wall. Another option is to use chalkboard paints so your children can draw on the walls without creating a mess.

    • 2

      Select padded and flexible flooring. If you have very young children, they will likely be crawling and sitting on the floor. Cork or carpet tiles are both versatile and comfortable. Create a checkerboard pattern with multicolored tiles. If you are concerned about cleanups, consider installing recycled rubber flooring, which is often used in gyms.

    • 3

      Provide plenty of storage for toys and games. Line the room with standard plastic bins or wall shelves. Another creative option is buying old school lockers from an antique store and putting them along one wall of your basement playroom.

    • 4

      Furnish the space with kid-friendly pieces. Look for small padded chairs and sofas, bean bags and large, colorful pillows to place in your basement playroom. Purchase a small table and chair set to create an area for your kids to do their homework.