With Halloween behind us, it’s time to tackle something even more sinister. Those spooky basements.
If you’ve been a real estate agent longer than a New York minute, chances are you’ve encountered this basement or some equally frightening version of it.
I’ve been staging homes for nearly 30 years, and trust me, wherever basements are the norm, these creepy spaces are everywhere.
Exposed pipes, unfinished walls, questionable lighting, furniture nobody wanted upstairs and enough boxes to stock a small warehouse. Not exactly screaming “Welcome home!”
But here’s the thing. That spooky basement might be hiding some pretty impressive potential. Buyers just need a little help seeing it.
Before-and-after concept images created by Lori Matzke using ChatGPT for illustrative purposes.
Is it a finished basement? No. Can it become a functional, inviting lower-level living space? Absolutely.
Instead of leaving that dreadful concrete basement as-is, why not transform it into a space that won’t scare the beegeezus out of potential buyers?
We’re not talking about an expensive renovation or bringing in a construction crew. We’re talking paint, updated lighting, a slipcover for that old sofa, a few furnishings and some good old-fashioned home staging know-how.
Before-and-after concept images created by Lori Matzke using ChatGPT for illustrative purposes.
Same basement. Same concrete floors. Same exposed ceiling. But a whole different first impression.
Suddenly, that spooky basement looks more like usable living space and less like the setting for a horror flick.
Staging a basement: Turn a spooky lower level into living space
Get rid of the extra stuff
Basements have a funny way of becoming the final resting place for everything nobody knows what to do with. Purge, donate, toss and pre-pack. We’re creating living space here, not showcasing the homeowner’s old junk.
Make needed repairs
Leaking pipes, concrete cracks, broken windows and moisture problems aren’t things to disguise. Address them before making any cosmetic improvements. There’s no point in creating a beautiful lower level living space if it’s going to spring a leak.
Spray paint that ceiling white
Exposed floor joists don’t have to stay dark and dreary. White paint can brighten the entire basement and give it a cleaner, more cohesive appearance.
Rent a sprayer or hire a painter. Protect anything that shouldn’t be painted and have exposed wiring, pipes, ductwork and mechanical components checked first. Some require special coatings or must remain unpainted.
Now tackle the floor and walls
Don’t underestimate what paint can do for tired, stained concrete. Choose a low-sheen, slip-resistant coating specifically formulated for concrete floors. Clean and repair the surface, check for moisture and follow the manufacturer’s preparation instructions. A dehumidifier will help with humidity, but won’t fix moisture coming through the slab.
For walls — concrete, block, brick, paneling or drywall — use the appropriate paint and primer. Flat or eggshell finishes help hide imperfections. Stay away from shiny.
Use this basement staging trick
What color? Something light and neutral. Here’s a staging trick: Paint the floor and walls the same color. It softens the transition between surfaces, makes the room feel more cohesive and can create the illusion of taller ceilings. Just remember: same color, different products.
Let there be light
Nothing screams “creepy basement” like bare bulbs dangling from the ceiling. Am I right?
Replace outdated fixtures and add table and floor lamps. Check clearance aisles, secondhand stores and online marketplaces for bargains. Choose low-profile overhead fixtures for low ceilings, and hire a qualified professional when electrical work is needed.
Now, add furnishings and accessories
Got a dated sofa? Cover it up! I’m a big fan of fitted slipcovers with elastic bottoms. They’re affordable, easy to use and can give that unwanted sofa a whole new lease on life. Separate cushion covers offer a more tailored look.
Add an area rug
Even painted concrete is still concrete. Indoor/outdoor rugs are often inexpensive, lightweight and easy to maintain. Choose one that defines the seating area without crowding it. Make sure the basement is dry, and use a non-slip pad.
Give the furniture a purpose
Don’t line up leftover furniture against the walls and call it a family room. Arrange the sofa, a chair or two and a coffee table into a comfortable seating area. Add lamps, a few accessories and some greenery. Leave plenty of open floor space so buyers see the room, not the furniture.
And there you have it: No major renovation. Just paint, lighting, a little furniture and a few finishing touches.
Will it turn an unfinished basement into a finished lower level? No. But it can transform a dreary dungeon used for storage into a space that feels inviting, functional and full of possibilities.
Now you have a lower level to sell, not just a basement.
Lori Matzke is founder and president at Home Staging Expert, Inc. Get connected on Instagram and LinkedIn.
