Thanks to the generous support of True Value, our basement is finally dry and functional, ready for storage and everyday use. We previously documented the waterproofing and prep work that transformed the space from a damp “bug graveyard” into a usable room; this update focuses on the furniture and storage plan that helped pull the room together.
During a recent Ikea run we picked up most of the items from a simple mood board we shared: a mix of shelving, wardrobes, storage boxes and a table we already owned. Here’s a quick breakdown of the main pieces we used:
- Expedit shelf (part of the Expedit Workstation) – $120
- Torsby table (already owned)
- Woven baskets – about $17 each
- Two Aneboda wardrobes – approximately $100 each
- White storage boxes – $12 for two
- Green storage boxes – $12 for two
- Expedit desk (included in the Expedit Workstation)
Before shopping we sketched a simple floor plan to test placement and function so the layout would be practical without costing a fortune. That planning paid off: the room now has dedicated storage zones, concealed stashing, and surfaces for sorting or projects.
To bring in some warmth and make the space feel less utilitarian, we added a few faux plants and a handful of inexpensive accessories. The Aneboda wardrobes provide concealed storage for seasonal decorations and sporting gear, while the Expedit Workstation supplies open shelving and a practical desk surface. The Torsby table and a few wooden chairs we already owned round out the setup and offer a workspace or a place to fold laundry and sort items.
We still have several projects on the list—creating a new light fixture, rewrapping and hiding the water heater, upgrading the windows, and building a DIY dehumidifier among them—but the major makeover is well underway. The built-in cabinet below still needs painting, which will help the whole area read cleaner and brighter.
To put the transformation in perspective, here are a couple of photos from about a month ago showing how the space looked before the waterproofing and furniture additions:
Overall, we spent about $350 on Ikea furniture (the Expedit Workstation was on sale) and roughly $400 on prepping supplies, which allowed us to move the basement from a damp cinder-block room to a dry, furnished space ready for storage and projects.
We haven’t opened the wardrobe doors in these photos because the interiors still need organizing, but the plan is to pick up sealed plastic bins to stack inside for neat, labeled storage of holiday decor, sports gear and other items. After that we’ll tackle lighting, art and a solution to hide the water heater so the room looks finished and cohesive.
Have you ever disguised an ugly fixture or eyesore in your home—a fuse box, propane tank, stained carpet, damaged flooring, odd hatch or unsightly outlet? We’d love to hear how you handled it and what solutions worked well for hiding or integrating those elements into a room’s design.
For reference, we’ve previously concealed a fuse box in the den, camouflaged an exterior propane tank, and tackled unattractive plugs and outlets above our laundry area. Hopefully the water heater will be next on the list to disappear into the background.