Games rooms are supposed to be fun places to hang out – the perfect room in your home for a wild and crazy theme. Have fun decorating the space; since it’s going to be shared by several people, involve as many interested parties as possible. Get feedback from those who will be using the room the most. Most likely you will want to start with a theme that centers around the game room’s main focus or purpose. Ideas for themes are endless and as individual are you are, commonly based on a favorite sport, sport team, beach getaway or popular vacation spot.
Divide and Conquer
Divide your game room design project into stages. Trying to do it all at once can be overwhelming especially if it’s going to be used for more than one kind of game. Assign priorities. When assigning priorities, a good decorating rule to keep in mind is what is important to you? The dart board and home bar might be the first thing you work on. Then again if you want friends over to test out your new pool table to see if it works, setting it up to your satisfaction will your main concern.
Accessorizing Your Games Room
If the room is designed to house a regulation-size pool table, then two or three billiards-theme spectator height bar stools would fit right in. Or if it’s setup for gamers, don’t forget to include a couple of high-tech game chairs. Select game room accessories, such as lamps, neon clocks, signs or framed posters that reflect your décor theme, if you have chosen one.
Popular game room accessories can include:
- Juke box
- Neon clocks
- Neon signs
- Framed posters
- Themed floor and ceiling lights
- Popcorn machine
- Gum ball machine
- Vintage coke machine
- Pool cue racks
Other Things to Consider when Decorating a Games Room
Do a reconnaissance of the room’s power sources. These will come in handy if your home bar has a fridge, you want all the gadgets in your video games area to work and any other electronic games like arcade and pinball games.
If your dartboard is of the standard variety, place it in a cabinet. This will protect your walls and save you from have to repair and repaint them on a regular basis. Keep in mind, however, that it will take up more room than just hanging the dart board by itself.
Add a magnetic white board as an easy way to keep score, leave messages, etc.
Carpet is ideal for absorbing sound but if you’re concerned about potential spills maybe tile or hardwood’s better.
Especially if you will not be including a home bar, consider what appliances, if any, you would like in the games room. A bar fridge or mini fridge, coffee maker, water cooler or microwave will save you and your guests a few trips to the kitchen.
Come back next Friday for the last part of this series, “Designing a Games Room”.
