A guide to cellar conversions

Converting a cellar into a functional living space or secret room adds value, versatility, and a touch of mystery to your home. What's more, it can boost a property's value by up to 30% - particularly in city homes where space is at a premium (and especially in London). 

Here, we outline the creative possibilities of transforming a cellar into a unique and captivating space, as well as considerations to make at each step of the project.

If you can’t extend your home outwards, converting a cellar is a useful option for creating more space. Whether you’re setting up a home office, utility room, playroom, or cosy cinema, the extra space can become a sanctuary of its own. It can also transform what goes on upstairs, for example, reclaiming precious space taken up by toys or desks in the rest of the house. As mentioned, cellar conversions can also add value to your property, providing a financial investment when or if you sell your home. The steps to take are as follows:

Before designing your cellar conversion, ask yourself what the purpose of this space will be. Are you creating a living or entertaining area? A calm office space? Sophisticated wine cellar? Or simply somewhere for storage? As well as your own needs, consider what may be desirable to potential buyers in the future. For many, a ‘secret’ room can be an exciting and intriguing feature - especially paired with a bespoke secret door or pocket door. Once you know the room’s purpose, create a plan for your layout, lighting, insulation, waterproofing, floor-levelling (if needed), heating, soundproofing, and any plumbing or electrical work.

It’s also important to check if your cellar is actually physically suitable for conversion. Factors such as structural integrity, moisture levels, and ventilation need to be assessed before work can begin. Will modifications need to be made to walls? Perhaps support beams need adding? Consulting a professional contractor or structural engineer at this point can help make sure everything is covered and the space is safe. It can also help you stay within your budget - for example, if you want to lower the floor level to increase headroom, this can cost up to £4,000 per square metre - digging out the ground and underpinning the foundations before you begin any design work.

Before designing your cellar conversion, ask yourself what the purpose of this space will be. Are you creating a living or entertaining area? A calm office space? Sophisticated wine cellar? Or simply somewhere for storage? As well as your own needs, consider what may be desirable to potential buyers in the future. For many, a ‘secret’ room can be an exciting and intriguing feature - especially paired with a bespoke secret door or pocket door. Once you know the room’s purpose, create a plan for your layout, lighting, insulation, waterproofing, floor-levelling (if needed), heating, soundproofing, and any plumbing or electrical work.

High levels of insulation not only makes your cellar conversion more energy efficient (lowering long-term costs), but also helps to create a more comforting space. High-efficiency windows and doors can play an important role in insulating a cellar, including our own technically superior doors made up of multiple layers of warp-resistant hardwood.

While natural light is always preferable, it’s not always possible in a cellar conversion. If your space has no windows, consider opting for doors with glazed surrounds - our Vetro design can be crafted with full or partial transparency to create an inviting entrance, or one with more mystery. Other ways to bring more light into a room with lower ceilings is to fill it with spotlights and wall lights.

With your beautiful converted cellar, you now have a space to decorate to your own unique tastes and requirements. Whether you hire an interior designer to create a stylish look for you or stock up on paint pots, furniture, fixings, and this year’s biggest interior trends yourself, you’re free to add the finishing touches to your new sanctuary. 

Want more inspiration for your cellar conversion? See how we create made-to-measure entrances for all kinds of spaces, or visit us to see our exceptional quality doors, craftsmanship, and service in person.