How to Get a Loft Look in Your Basement

Use large bookshelves or storage racks as a room divider to separate living space from work or bedroom space. Place storage boxes on the bookshelves to hold items that you don’t have room to put in other places to help keep clutter from taking over the area.

Mix and match new, contemporary pieces of furniture with vintage pieces or accessories to give the basement a more eclectic feel. Because traditional lofts typically are converted warehouses and workspaces, they tend to have older features that blend well with modern décor. Purchase vintage pieces of furniture at discount prices at swap meets, thrift stores and vintage stores.

Consider pulling up the carpet if you have it. Lofts generally have cement floors that are often left untreated to give the space an industrial feel. If you still want the comfort of carpet but want to obtain a realistic loft look, place rugs in certain areas, such as near your bed.

Paint the walls a dark color or use dark-colored trim to further enhance the industrial feel of your loft. Use semi-gloss or high-gloss paint for trim to keep the feeling authentic. Semi-gloss and high-gloss paint commonly was used in loft buildings because it was easy to clean with soap and water. If the room is particularly small, consider painting only the trim a dark color or painting one wall as an accent wall.

Add metallic accessories, including a light switch and socket plates for a modern, industrial look. Decorate with lamps, vases, table bases and table tops that are in brushed, polished or distressed metal to complement the look of the room. Metal face plates can be found in hardware stores or ordered online.