
Victorian basements are even harder to come by in today’s stretch, but if you’re lucky enough to land yourself a property with one, it’s likely that you may have a huge renovation task ahead of you.
We all have those dreams of a cinema room basement, or perhaps an entire living space, right? We can certainly take inspiration from American properties with basements who have created insane living spaces which often double up as an extra place to stay, relax and eat (just take a look at Shea McGee’s basement!).
Whilst Victorian basements certainly come with their own set of issues which can make the same design process a little more challenging, if you’re about to undertake a basement renovation there’s plenty of things to consider to create something really special. Prepare to be inspired with the below incredible Victorian basements which have been renovated beyond their former glory.
19 Breathtaking, Renovated Victorian Basement Design Ideas
According to Vox, from 2008 and 2019, 7,328 basements were added to properties for the super rich in London, turned into swimming pools, cinemas and wine cellars.
Traditional Victorian basements might not carry the same square meterage, and budget as these, but cinemas and wine cellars are still very much two of the most popular choices when it comes to transforming a basement space.
The first thing you need to approach in a Victorian basement before even thinking design plans, is getting it dry, and understanding the science and the solution between damp basements. Then, it’s time to have some fun!
1. Cinema Room
Transforming a basement into a cinema room is one of the most obvious, and popular ways to really utilise that underground space.
It lends itself to use as a cinema room because of the lack of natural light. But just because it’s the basement, and it’s going to be a cinema room, it doesn’t mean the room has to be black.
Creating a lighter space with whites that have yellow or red and pink undertones to them can help counteract the darkness, and blue light that you get from lack of natural light. I can barely believe the below image is a basement? It’s beautiful!
Of course, black can look great in a basement for the right setting. This shade usually works well in a small area that’s a little bit more isolated as it can create an ultra relaxed, and cool space to wind down in with your favourite films.
You’ll really want to pay attention to the lighting you use in a space like this, layering with different sources of light will create an ambient and cosy space.
2. Wine Cellar
A lot of basements that are already an existing part of a property, such as Victorian houses means that some of the basement spaces aren’t actually that big, and are often referred to as a cellar.
Small, more intimate spaces are a natural inclusion for a wine cellar, or your tipple of choice, of course.
Wine cellars can be as intimate as you like, if you have a space you can even add a bar as an extension of it, and a couple of cosy chairs for a really cool space.
I love how this design is sympathetic to the era of the house with vintage inspired floor tiles and using natural brick slips for warmth and a vintage twist.
3. Utility/ Laundry Room
Turning a Victorian basement into a utility or laundry room is also another popular design idea for basements.
I totally see the attraction of this as it keeps it out of the main house, and segregating it from the kitchen is brilliant, if you can do it.
Stacey’s pink utility room and boot store is the ultimate escape from the rest of the house. The basement feels nothing short of light and airy, and the white, warm pink tones and wooden details lift the space.
4. Basement Gym
Converting basements into an at home gym is a hugely popular, and wise choice. The noise made through exercise doesn’t impact anyone underneath and it’s a great place to escape to, and you can create a really cool design whether you keep things industrial, or create a really light and bright space to workout in.
Wood slat panelling is a great wall covering idea that will added extra sound proofing and insulation to the basement.
5. Lounge/Cinema Room
Use the lack of natural light to your advantage. Basements create an instantly cosy setting with the right colours for a second living space or cinema room.
Whilst it can feel intentional to lean into a white to lighten the space, it can only bounce around what light is available so a bright white will end up making the room feel even cooler. Stick with off-whites with a yellow, pink or red based undertone for instant warmth.
Farrow and Ball Oxford Stone and Joa’s White are both highly versatile off-whites that bring warmth and cosiness to spaces with limited light.
6. Kitchen/Dining Space
How about converting a basement into a separate kitchen/dining space?
Take into consideration the lower ceiling height to see if that works with your plans. Despite the natural light, you can see how a well designed basement can feel cosy and warm for a kitchen setting like pictured below.
7. A Space For Large Gatherings
A basement is a great place for hosting large gatherings, add a large dining table and plenty of chairs so it can be enjoyed for tasks, hanging out and parties.
These adjustable pendant lights are a great way to introduce light into a room with a low ceiling height which doesn’t just include downlights.
8. Guest Bathroom
Creating a guest bathroom in a basement is a great idea if you’re looking to increase your bathrooms in the property, or you’re creating a full living space down there.
Bathrooms work particularly well with limited light as you can be creative with colour choices and lighting. Just ensure that proper ventilation is put into place to avoid damp.
9. Cosy Home Bar
How gorgeous is this home bar setup? Embracing those beautiful wooden ceiling beams, the room is done justice in a soft off-white, and blue cabinetry for a moody, luxurious feel.
10. Kitchen/Diner Bar
A basement cinema come kitchen diner bar at the back is great for preparing those snacks for sports and cinema nights.
It creates such a social hang out area that can be enjoyed at all times.
11. Cosy Lounge
Basements can become the ultimate retreat from everyday life. No noise, no lights, no people!
Despite the lack of light, this cosy lounge area below is proof that you can still create a cosy, warm space. Use warm tones such as reds and oranges to add warmth and texture to the room.

12. Games Room
If you have the space and it’s something you know you’ll utilise, create an extension from the basement with a games room, cue snooker table, pool table or just a gaming setup.
It’s a perfect extension away from the house without having to worry about noise.
13. Extended Gym Area
Honestly, those 6am get ups just got easier with a home gym! If you’re a regular gym goer, a basement gym makes perfect sense.
This extended layout is perfect for mixing up different exercises and zoning the spaces for your different needs.
14. Cloakroom
If you’ve got a large family, creating a mud room style, cloakroom drop off is an excellent idea. Keep it separate from the main entryway and keep the clutter and dirt out of sight!
I adore these green tones against the white here.
15. Floor To Ceiling Wine Storage
Now, that’s a great use of space!
If you have a tiny cellar, you can still create something incredible out of the space that you have. Build storage from floor to ceiling for the most epic wine storage.
16. An Extra Kitchen
I love this sweet basement area with a kitchen that can easily be shut off with the sliding barn door. A cosy, relaxing space away from the rest of the home.
17. Home Office
What better distraction free zone than a basement? You can add additional sound proofing if needed, and lean into motivating, soothing colours that feel good to be around. The same applies from the ground level up!
Soft off-whites, greens, yellows and pinks can be perfect mood boosting colours that feel comfortable to sit in all day.
18. Bunk Beds!
If you need to maximise sleeping space, or perhaps you want to create a space that is great for sleepovers, look no further than the below!
The bunk beds game is strong here, and it works perfectly in basements with slightly lower ceilings, making it look like such an intentional design feature.
19. Home Bar/Wine Cellar Combo
Make the most of a winer cellar, by adding a home bar extension onto it so you can pull up a chair and enjoy the space with friends and family long into the evening.
A Victorian basement is a huge asset to a property, and one that can add considerable value to a home if renovated properly.
Just ensure that a good ventilation system is put into place before starting any major renovation works. There’s so much opportunity for a basement space, depending on the space you have available.