We’re sharing the full recap of the basement makeover that turned a damp, bug-filled storage space into a clean, functional room for organized storage. To start, here’s a reminder of the original gloomy, jail-cell-like basement we began with:
It was unpleasant. Although the exterior drainage and grading were in place, water still wicked through the unsealed cinder block walls when heavy rain hit. The room never flooded, but it stayed damp and developed mildew, so storing anything there risked moisture damage. Our first step was to kill the mildew with a diluted bleach solution and then seal the cinder block walls and concrete floors with two thick coats of oil-based Drylok. That treatment stopped the seepage and made the space usable. (Note: Drylok has strong fumes—use proper ventilation and a respirator.)
Next we painted the concrete floor with a rich chocolate-brown floor paint for a durable, finished look that coordinates with the rest of the house. The Drylok and floor paint together completely solved the moisture problem. When a long stretch of heavy storms and even a Nor’easter hit the area, our basement stayed dry while several neighbors had water issues—proof the waterproofing worked.
With the moisture problem solved, we planned a functional, budget-friendly layout focused on storage. We wanted space for sporting gear, seasonal decor and our artificial Christmas tree, so we decided on two armoires for concealed storage, an IKEA bookcase for boxes and bins, and a worktable for sorting and folding without crouching. We sketched the layout on graph paper to make sure everything fit and flowed well.
The shopping list was simple and economical:
- Expedit shelf (part of the Expedit Workstation) – $120
- Torsby table (already owned)
- Two Aneboda wardrobes – $100 each
- White storage boxes – $12 for two
- Green storage boxes – $12 for two
- Expedit desk (included in the workstation)
Grand total for furniture: $344. For a 19′ x 13′ room full of practical storage, that was a great value compared to the cost of traditional armoires. After assembling and arranging the IKEA pieces, the space already felt more organized and intentional.
We added a tile-area rug made of durable low-pile squares, which was donated by a sponsor and proved ideal for a high-traffic, occasionally wet basement. To maximize vertical space and keep bikes off the floor, we installed a freestanding bike rack found on sale—both practical and visually appealing. For lighting, we converted a basic ceiling bulb into a polished linen pendant by inverting an inexpensive lampshade and securing it around the bulb; the change instantly softened the space.
Storage containers were essential: we brought down many large plastic bins—some green bins slide neatly under the table and hold Christmas ornaments and seasonal decor. Plenty of bins remain empty for future needs, which is convenient as our belongings grow over the years.
To hide the semi-sheer armoire doors, we used inexpensive wrapping paper adhered with double-sided tape. The patterned paper added color and personality while keeping the contents discreet. Paired with a striped rug, the look balanced playful and linear elements.
We also created a compact paint center in the basement. Many old paint cans were sticky and poorly sealed, risking wasted paint. We transferred paints to new metal cans with tight-sealing lids, labeled each can with printed labels for easy identification, and added a pour spout for neat use. The organized paint collection now sits on display and is ready for touch-ups for years to come.
To hide the water heater without blocking access, we built a folding screen from secondhand bi-fold doors purchased at a Habitat For Humanity ReStore for a low cost. Hinged together and painted a bold green that coordinated with our storage accents, the screen conceals the unit while remaining easy to move for maintenance.
Finally, we applied frosted window film to the basement windows and the door glass. The film took under an hour and a half and cost under $30. It preserves natural light while providing full privacy and giving the room a finished, less prison-like appearance.
Here are some before photos from just over a month before the final reveal, to compare with the after photos above:
Budget breakdown for the project:
- Drylok: $325
- Floor paint: already owned
- Ikea desk, bookcase, two armoires, storage boxes: $344
- Bike rack: $39
- Overhead lampshade: $25
- Plastic storage bins: $73
- Wrapping paper for armoire doors: $6
- Paint station supplies and labels: $58
- Carpet tile area rug: donated
- DIY water heater screen materials: $32
- Frosted window film and supplies: $27
- Total: $930
We expected to spend several thousand dollars, so finishing the makeover for under $1,000 felt like a major win. The biggest costs were the Drylok and storage bins; everything else was either inexpensive, already owned, or donated. The entire project took roughly 35 hours and 30 minutes spread across a month and a half, including drying time between coats. If you compress the schedule, it could be completed in a few intensive workdays.
Overall, solving the moisture issue, painting the floor, arranging a practical layout, choosing affordable furnishings, upgrading lighting, adding durable rugs, hanging bikes to save space, papering armoire doors, building a movable privacy screen, and frosting windows turned a useless dungeon into a tidy, functional storage room. We plan to use this space for years to come and hope this recap inspires others with similar spaces. How do you use your basements, attics or garages—strict storage, guest space, or something more creative?
Psst—If you want to revisit the step-by-step series from start to finish, the original posts document each phase of this basement transformation.