What Color of Sofa Is Best for a Basement Room?

Lightening the Room

• A problem in many basements is the lack of light. Because basements usually have only small windows, maximizing light is important. One way to make a basement look brighter and more spacious is to use light colors. If this is your priority, choose a sofa in white, cream or a light pastel.

Wear and Tear

• A white sofa might look attractive and bright, but for some homeowners, this just isn't a practical option. If your basement is used as a playroom or a rec room where active teens congregate, you probably don't want a light-colored sofa. Opt for a darker fabric, perhaps even a patterned one, that won't show spills, stains and dirt as readily as light-colored fabric. Microfiber is an easy-to-clean option, as is leather.

Creating a Mood

• If you're looking to create a certain atmosphere in your basement, choose the color that enhances that mood. If your basement is a retreat, choose a sofa color that has a calming effect. Natural tones such as brown, tan or green work well. Pink and purple are colors that reflect sensitivity and spirituality. Blue is another option. Conversely, if you want to energize your basement, choose red for your sofa. This works especially well if you're a sports fan, and red is your team's color.

World Travels

• A basement can serve as a special area that transports you visually, mentally and emotionally to another place. If you like the idea of bringing exotic elements into your home, set up your basement as a stage that reflects travel. In this scenario, a leather sofa is the classic piece. Choose a leather sofa in virtually any shade of brown, and accent the rest of the room with plants, statues, vases and artwork that reflect a world travel theme. If you're especially fond of the tropics, choose a rattan or bamboo sofa, and cover it with a neutral, natural-fiber fabric.