6. Shelving Basement Pole Ideas

Turning your finished basement living space support poles into shelving units is an ingenious idea, especially if you don’t like the look of freestanding columns. While this treatment can be a bit trickier than installing a simple column cover, it’s possible to DIY these structures if you have some experience with drywall and basic carpentry skills.

The type of shelves you design are limited only by your needs and your imagination. Make a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf between your posts, or give your living space a more open appearance by leaving the top half open on both sides. Use the open area to display a favorite tall plant or sculpture. 

If your support columns are near a kitchen or dining area, you can build wine bottle cubbies instead of regular shelves. The area between columns could be turned into a hutch-like structure to display favorite vases and other glassware. Small cabinets with doors that close can be built around or between columns and used to store extra dishes or seasonal items.

7. Seating Basement Pole Ideas

Depending on the shape and size of your basement, seating may be at a premium. In tight spaces, consider building a bench around the base of your support poles. Your bench can be rectangular or rounded, with a hard wooden seat or a padded one. If you choose to pad your bench, apply padded panels an additional foot or two up the column to provide a soft backrest on all sides.

These built-in seating solutions are great for basement game rooms, playrooms, dining areas, and even bedrooms. If you have a support post near an exterior basement entrance, putting a column bench there can help you designate a “mudroom” zone for removing shoes and hanging up coats in your finished basement. Don’t forget that the base of the bench is a great place for hidden storage.