Creating a games room in your home is a fantastic way to cultivate a fun, engaging space for relaxation and entertainment. Whether you’re a gaming enthusiast or looking for a place where friends and family can gather to unwind, setting up a dedicated games room can enhance your home life significantly. If you’re tempted by the idea, there are a few factors to consider:
Choose the right space
The first step in creating your games room is selecting the appropriate space within your home. Ideally, you want a room that is sufficiently isolated from quieter areas of the house, such as bedrooms, to minimise noise disturbance. Basements, garages, or spare rooms are excellent choices because they offer enough space and can be acoustically treated to contain sound. Ensure the room has adequate ventilation and electrical outlets to accommodate various gaming setups and lighting. It’s important to seek the help of a professional electrician for any major work.
Focus on comfort
Comfort is key in a games room, as you and your guests will likely spend several hours at a time in this space. Invest in quality furniture like ergonomic chairs for video gaming, plush sofas for relaxed seating and adequate cushioning for floor games. The layout should allow for free movement and flexibility, adapting to different activities whether it’s board games, video games or table sports like pool or ping pong.
Versatile lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the right mood and functionality of a games room. For video gaming, ambient lighting that doesn’t cause screen glare is essential. LED strip lights can add a fun, customisable element, allowing you to adjust colours and brightness according to the mood. For traditional games like pool or darts, task lighting is important to illuminate specific areas of the room without creating shadows or reflections.
Incorporate varied entertainment options
A great games room caters to diverse interests. Include a variety of gaming options such as a video game console setup with a large TV or projector, a pool table, board games and a card table. For a truly British touch, consider installing a dartboard. Additionally, incorporating a small bar area with sharing platters and drinks can turn your games room into the ultimate hangout spot.
Personalise your space
Your games room should reflect your personality and interests. Decorate the walls with posters of your favourite games or movie memorabilia. Displaying items like collectible figurines, the jersey of your favourite football player or signed sports memorabilia can add a personal touch that makes the space feel unique and inviting. Use thematic elements consistent with your favourite games or historical periods to create an immersive experience.
A games room in your home offers a dedicated space for entertainment and relaxation, bringing together friends and family for memorable moments. By choosing the right location, focusing on comfort and personalising the space, you can create a games room that not only adds value to your home but also enhances your leisure time.