More and more households are looking for a better idea to gain a few square meters in the house.

Since extension work is expensive, many consider optimizing all vacant spaces such as under the stairs, the garage, the attic, and the cellar.

Idea	Description
1. Wine cellar	Set up suitable storage, install controlled temperature and soft lighting to preserve and showcase the bottles.
2. Game room	Install a pool table, foosball, or consoles to create a friendly and fun space.
3. Gym	Equip the cellar with mats, weight machines, and mirrors for home training.
4. Office	Take advantage of the quiet to create an isolated workspace with good lighting and proper ventilation.
5. Home theater	Set up with a giant screen, a high-performance audio system, and comfortable chairs.
6. Creative workshop	Create a space dedicated to DIY, painting, or creative hobbies with storage and a workbench.
7. Spare bedroom	Transform the cellar into a cozy room with insulation, heating, and warm decoration.
8. Laundry room	Install washing machines, dryers, drying racks, and storage to centralize laundry.
9. Organized storage	Use shelves, airtight boxes, and labels for optimized storage.
10. Relaxation area	Set up a reading or relaxation corner with a sofa, rug, cushions, and soft lighting.

This last one is among the most neglected places by occupants. While it is generally dedicated to wine preservation, many store their old objects or clothes there.

For it to regain its real usefulness, it simply needs a touch of arrangement. Discover in this article the essentials to remember on this subject.

How to convert a cellar into a living space?

Unlike the arrangement of a small balcony, this task requires a work declaration with the municipality. When it involves a significant modification including insulation, some administrative procedures are necessary.

To avoid mistakes, it is preferable to call on an interior architect.

If you plan to transform the place into a bedroom, a play area, or a gym, only this specialist will be able to guide you through all the decisions.

They can create 3D models for you to facilitate the tasks. With their recommendations, you won’t have to look for a qualified contractor to entrust the work. This expert also helps you select decoration materials.

Cellar arrangement always starts with sanitizing the place. This step can be crucial to prevent the proliferation of fungi and mold. It should be noted that these organisms are dangerous to health.

Once this phase is completed, it is essential to install good ventilation in the cellar. The indoor air must be renewed regularly. Finally, specialists install heating and lighting.

How to properly arrange a cellar?

This part of the house is in most cases a place devoid of light. To properly arrange it, the first step is to bring lighting to it.

To carry this out successfully, do not hesitate to add openings. If the cellar already has windows, you can widen them to welcome more natural light.

Many enhance them with glass bricks that further illuminate the basement of the house.

It should be noted that openings also optimize ventilation. In any case, it is always recommended to use controlled mechanical ventilation.

Regarding comfort, make sure that acoustic and thermal insulation is present. If not, you must improve it with different insulating materials.

Once done, proceed with the electrical installation. To fully enjoy the space, do not forget the heating system.

As for decoration, you can apply the style that suits you best. Start with painting the walls and flooring. Favor light colors as they visually enlarge the cellar.

How to arrange a very small cellar?

• Humidity assessment: Regardless of its size, a cellar must be healthy before benefiting from it. To know the condition of the place, it is important to assess the humidity level. To do this, there is no need to call professionals. You can simply use a hygrometer.
• Rehabilitation: For a humidity level above 70%, it is imperative to consult an expert to entrust the rehabilitation.
• Humidity regulation: Otherwise, some tips allow regulating the humidity of the area, such as underfloor heating, a dehumidifier, or an aeration system.
• Wall coverings: Once the cellar is perfectly sanitized, you can beautify it by giving it a fresh look. For wall coverings, choose special anti-humidity paints.
• Floor covering: The same goes for the floor; resins or vinyls offer high resistance to shocks and weather.
• Lighting: Also, multiply the lighting. Between LED spots, wall sconces, or LED strips, the choice is abundant. The device not only serves to light the room but also is one of the best decorative elements.

How to make your cellar habitable?

For this project to be realized, first ask yourself about the ceiling height and the surface area.

A cellar can be habitable when it has at least 9 m² of floor area with a minimum ceiling height of 1.80 m.

These conditions must be respected according to the building and housing code. 

The second issue to resolve concerns the condition of the place where the house is located. When it is in risk zones, this further complicates the work. 

When you consult a professional, they determine the possible presence of radon, water rise, and infiltration points. The cellar cannot be arranged in a place subject to natural hazards or flooding.

When all these points are clear, inquire about the necessary permits from the town hall. For those living in a residence or building, they must also have approval from the co-ownership. 

The final step concerns insulation, lighting, electricity, and ventilation.

All these works often require the intervention of professionals. They are among the essential elements that make the cellar both comfortable and healthy.