Basement bathrooms don’t have to be dingy places. Despite having to work around piping, dim light and ceilings that are usually lower than above-ground rooms in your home, you can easily turn your basement bathroom into an additional oasis by applying good design principles. In other words, many of the other bathroom tips provided by Columbus Bath Design are applicable to the area on the lowest level of your home.
Designing a basement bathroom, however, does have some special considerations that you should take into account when making a general plan and selecting accessories.
Decide on a Purpose. What is the primary use for your basement? Is it a recreational and entertainment area or will you use it as a guest bedroom suite? If it’s the former, you only need a powder room with a pedestal sink or vanity and a toilet. Whatever you have, there’s no need to make it plain just because it’s in the basement. Dress it up as much as your budget allows. Splurge on high-quality fixtures, high-end tile and the like. Don’t forget storage such as built-in cabinets or open vanities so you or you guests don’t have to run upstairs for towels or other necessities.
Add Extra Light. Let’s face it, basement areas are below grade, meaning less natural light will make it into rooms. Many basement bathrooms don’t even have a window, so good lighting is a must. Make sure you have enough of it by placing extra fixtures such as wall sconces to eliminate shadows and dim areas. Use light colored tiles and walls to open up the space and provide mirrors and chrome accents that will further reflect light.
Provide Sufficient Ventilation. Because basements are below grade with exterior walls in contact with soil, this area is much more humid than the rest of the home. Make sure the bathroom is properly vented to the outside with an exhaust fan powerful enough to pullout excess moisture to avoid mold and mildew problems. Because of the possibility of excess moisture, make sure you choose water-resistant materials for the floor and walls. Tile and natural stone do well in such areas and also play into the elegant look that you want for your basement bathroom.
