Long Family Room Wall - What to do with it??

[the3Rs]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this group - so nice to 'meet' you all!  I would love your input.  We finished our basement last Spring, and I LOVE it.  However, we have one LONG wall and I'm not really sure what to do with it. 

• I've thought about 3 foot tall bookcases/cabinets all along it with those canvas drawers to hold smaller toys - but they're pretty expensive for as many as I would need to make it the length of the wall. 
• I've thought about long shelves to put different sized picture frames on.
• I've thought about giant wall art (what type?  I have no idea).
• I've thought about a 'stick on' giant world map.

Basically, I've thought of a bunch and can't decide!!  So what would YOU do with this wall??

I'm going to show pics of the whole basement so you get a sense of the entire space - so, sorry if it's overkill!

This is the wall (can't quite get it all in one pic):

This is another view so you can see the amout of space between the wall and the couch/train table, etc.

Another view - so you can start to see the other side of the room which has a "book nook" - doors to office, bathroom, & storage closet - homework/craft area:

And finally, back around to the TV wall; stairs; door to unfinished side:

[lady-t3984]

Hello,and welcome to group. Your basement is awesome as-is. I think all the ideas you have are good. You can use floating shelves,and put pictures,toys,art,anything on them. One thing good about floating shelves,they're good for storage & decorations,but you don't have to worry about a big piece of furniture in the middle of floor.

[underHISwing]

 What about something like this?  http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/2012/01/giant-picture-tutorial.html

[Mom2agang]

I'm having my dh build shelves like these. They put the base cheap unfinished kitchen cabinets ( top ones) and finished them themselves. Do you homeschool? If you do you could Google and search Google images of homeschool rooms and get tons of ideas. Do you want it a "kid" room or multi purpose theme?

[Mom2agang]

Oops adding the link helps!
http://seasonsoflearning.blogspot.com/

[DivaNCali]

I would paint that wall an accent color.

[the3Rs]

Well, the other 1/2 of the room is a nice, contrasting color - yellow for the main room & red for the lower-ceilinged homework/craft/reading side, and we're not really looking to add a 3rd paint color right now.

To another P.P.'s question, we don't homeschool (used to virtual school but they're all in public school now) so the room is multi-purpose. It's where they play PS2, watch their DVDs, play air hockey, play toys/games/etc., study/do homework, read, host sleepovers, you name it.

Quoting DivaNCali:

I would paint that wall an accent color.

[TheJerseyGirl]

 A wall unit of some sort would look really good...Try Craigslist! You'd be surprised what little people can ask for things that are of value! Look for something with doors so you dont have to worry about how neat it looks or buying so many canvas bins!

[DivaNCali]

Came across this blog.  Saw this lady on The Nate Berkus Show.  This long wall is similar to yours.  http://www.aplaceforusblog.com/p/our-place.html

[hobbit1123]

have you thought about making a part of the wall a chalkboard? they have chalkboard paint or maybe a dry erase board?  they sell ideapaint that u can turn a wall into a dry erase board

[caham]

Have you looked at IKEA? They have great prices on storage cubbies, and their systems are made better than the ones found at other discount retailers. I say that because I have 3 of them in my house, the largest one in my toyroom I have had for almost 8 years and it still looks brand new, all of the shelves are still together, and it has been abused! The baskets are also inexpensive @ IKEA, well worth a look!