So you’ve cleared the basement, garage or created a space to make it into a Game Room, and you’re wondering what to do next! Game Room Ideas can help get you thinking! Rather than throw in every idea, pick a theme for your Game Room and stick to it! Decide as a family what you want to see, and develop your ideas with temporary fixtures and ornaments until you are sure what you need. That way, if you really hate it you won’t have spent too much time or money on the wrong theme. Think carefully about the use of the room and how people will move around in it. Remember, this is a room where people will ‘let off steam’ rather than sit still, so don’t fill the room with breakable objects like trophy cabinets.
Setting up a Game Room
When setting up a game room, bear in mind the intended usage before deciding on the decor and furnishings. Will the users be moving around, such as while playing pool, table tennis, table soccer or air hockey? Will they be static, such as while playing board games or video games, or will they be playing target games such as darts? Moving around on carpet is not easy if playing table tennis, and playing pool or air hockey may create wear and tear on carpets. However, vinyl flooring is rather cool for a room where people are mostly static as when playing board games. A combination of surfaces may be more suitable, or the use of rubber matting throughout.
Similar thought should be given to wall coverings. Wallpaper is likely to get damaged if playing pool or table tennis too close to a wall. Consider also the proximity of windows and breakable objects if playing moving games.
Consider the temperature too – playing moving games will require a lower temperature than static games.
Lighting is very important. Whatever you play, you will need good lighting – low over pool and billiard tables, higher for darts or board games. Avoid lamps or wall lights which could get tipped over or broken. (Table tennis balls have a will of their own!)
Seating is very important. Comfortable chairs for board games and video games, benches may suffice for short term rests between games. Don’t forget to keep a table for drinks too.
Traditional Game Room Ideas
Traditional Pub Games
Lamp with Shade and Bulb, Super Sports
Lamp with Shade and Bulb, Super Sports
All Stars Sports Glove Chair
All Stars Sports Glove Chair
Sports Games
Arcade Games
Pub Game Table
Pub Game Table
Tiki Bar
Tiki Bar
Game Room Safety
Don’t forget to install enough power points for all the equipment and fittings you’ll need – and check the wiring circuits can cope. If not, install new circuits. Check electrical equipment is safe from accidents – small fingers retrieving ping-pong balls from corners or spilled cola shouldn’t be a cause for concern. (Best keep some cloths handy too.)
