 So, you finally want to bring some life into that drafty basement? Or that empty room upstairs that is a catch-all for broken appliances and worn-out furniture is beckoning you to create something functional. Perhaps you had a bonus room built into your home and have yet to do much with it. Well, now is the best time to start designing a games room.
Whether you’re converting the basement or utilizing the space of a spare bedroom or bonus room, a games room is becoming the epitome of home and family. To begin the design of your new games room, consider what you want to accomplish with the room. Will it be used as a place to wind down and recharge your batteries or will it be the central room for family to play and spend quality time together? Perhaps you would like to create a space that is used primarily for entertaining. These considerations will help direct your design.
Consider space foremost. Generally, one of the central features of a family games room is a pool table. But if your space is limited, opt for other game tables such as foosball or air hockey. Consider a card table where rounds of poker can be dealt with all the flair and style of a casino. Have built-ins added that combine a stereo system and video game set-up with a big screen TV. With a versatile component like this, you can have an in-home movie theatre as well. If you want a touch of nostalgia, purchase a pinball machine.
If you have a large space available, use it to its optimal potential. Have plumbing routed to the room for installation of a wet bar. Include a small refrigerator in your bar plans. Either have a bar area custom built or purchase a fabricated unit. Have plenty of cabinets installed for storage of beverages and snacks. You will no doubt want to keep this area replenished separately from your kitchen to save yourself trips back and forth between the two.
A games room design that is functional and versatile is fundamental to your long-term enjoyment. Splitting the room up into various sections is most conducive to overall enjoyment when the whole family partakes. Create one area that includes the bar and perhaps a card table and extra seating. If you opt for a pool table, add cue racks to the walls and spectator stools. Place a dart board adjacent to the table for additional gaming in that area. Just make sure you allot plenty of space between the table and dart board for safety as well as for players’ movement.
Allocate space for a movie area and install a big-screen TV. Include plans for additional wiring so that you can integrate surround sound into your system for a true cinematic experience. Purchase a sectional sofa and several lounge chairs to provide plenty of seating. Make sure to include ottomans as there’s nothing like putting ones feet up at the movies! If your space structurally allows, you may consider using a couple of steps to have a sunken room that is truly separate from the rest of the room. This can be accomplished by raising the floor in the rest of the room on a sturdy hardwood platform.
Build a small raised stage platform and bring in a karaoke machine or reserve a space for dancing. Put down hardwood or laminate flooring and install a mirrored ball for fun. This is a space that will truly shine at parties or children’s sleepovers.
When designing a games room, lighting is a very important component. Ensure that you have sufficient electrical outlets and that wiring is present for all necessary ceiling fixtures. Installing recessed lighting throughout the games room is a great start. Augment that with lighting fixtures over the bar area, the card table and pool table. Install dimmers to achieve just the right ambiance at any given time. Lamps can always be added later for any additional task lighting that should be required. If your room lacks natural light, consider installing additional windows. This will not only add great appeal to the room, but can be energy saving. The more natural light, the less likely you will have to use artificial light during the day.
Do you plan on having your kids use the room while you’re in other areas of the house? Do you value your peace and quiet? Make certain there is sufficient insulation in the room. If this is something you cannot change without tearing down walls, install upholstered panels and carpeting to reduce the noise. This not only aids in noise reduction, but adds great style to the overall design of the room.
For all of those board games, CDs, movies and video games, incorporate plenty of storage into your design plan. Add built-in shelving units or cabinets, if you prefer items to stay out of site. For decorative purposes and to add architectural interest, install combination shelving and cabinet storage. The shelving can be used for storing books and displaying collectibles and memorabilia. Use the cabinets to store media as well as blankets and pillows for those cold winter nights when you want to snuggle up.
When considering flooring options, think of plush carpeting to add warmth, comfort and soundproofing. For easier maintenance and worry-free wear, consider hardwood or laminate flooring. For an economical and versatile solution to flooring that is easy to clean, try vinyl tiles. There is a large selection available and the designs are stunning. If you decide to decorate your games room in a retro 50s theme, black and white vinyl tile would make a great statement.
Designing a games room for your home will increase your property value, provide an excellent leisure venue and will save you money on entertainment in the long run. A games room is a valuable asset to any home. It gives you, your family and friends a safe and inviting place to unwind. Take time to plan the space, components and built-ins carefully to create a games room that stacks the deck for unlimited entertainment options. Create a versatile space that will adjust and change with your interests. Don’t limit yourself to the customary…explore the extraordinary with a games room that is stimulating, enjoyable and inviting.
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