Do you have a spare room or basement in your home that would make a perfect game room, but you’re wondering what features to consider as you design your space? We’re going to cover the topics that take the highest priority when it comes to successfully curating game nights. Once you’ve decided how you’d like to use your room, you can incorporate accents that enhance your evenings with family and friends. But before you do, you’ll need to check off all your boxes addressing the best layout, furnishings, lighting, and noise control. Then you too can host the perfect night for a good game or two.

Consider the Layout of Your Game Room 

Before making any commitments to the materials and décor, the first thing to do is consider the current floor plan of your space and decide how you’ll be using your room. Ideally, combine all of your favorite games and creative outlets to form the coolest entertainment room on the block. Play a round of pool, jam out on your guitar, and watch a couple of movies all in the same place.  Develop a space that will allow for enough movement around the equipment as well as adequate elbowroom when playing interactive video and board games. If you have game tables, allow for three to five feet of space to extend around the tables for maximum movement.

If your game room doubles as an entertainment space with a television, create an open space and position that TV to be visible from any point in the room. Begin with the primary focus of the game room, and then place the television where guests can enjoy it from any vantage point. Then, determine the seating placement and other game stations based on their visual access.

Lighting is Key: Create an Inviting Atmosphere 

We love all the smooth fireplaces we’re seeing lately! It’s no fuss, clean and, makes a simple, but big statement.

The ability to see your hand in a game of cards or determine your next move on a board game calls for good lighting. But what you also desire is a place that feels welcoming to you and your family and friends.

Ambient lighting throughout the room or basement will successfully create an inviting atmosphere for your guests. You can incorporate ambient lighting using recessed lights, pendant lights, floor lamps, wall sconces, spotlighting, and much more.

Furnish Your Game Room with Function in Mind 

If you have a room built around video games for entertainment, finding ergonomic designs that create comfort while playing for extended periods will be the icing on the cake. We also know that no one wants to have stiff joints from awkward seating arrangements from hours of playing card games and board games, either. That’s why it’s paramount to find comfortable furniture for all the entertainment options you plan to provide.

Every game room needs some comfortable seating and is a great way to incorporate bright pops of color that embody fun while keeping a modern tone. Bar stools are great if you have a pool table because they allow the players to easily lean while remaining ready to spring into action for their turn. Comfortable lounge chairs or sectional sofas are excellent options for the audience to watch the action in comfort. They’re also great spots to take a break, catch a flick, play a multiplayer video game, or play board games and party games like charades.

Creatively sourcing pieces that provide storage while converting to additional seating will also come in handy so that you can avoid storing any chairs in the closet for larger crowds. Consider ottomans and nesting coffee tables that can create more seating for those crowded game nights. Also, entertainment centers that include much more storage for your games and electronics will give every item a home and keep your space cozy and organized.

Minimize Noise Levels in Your Game Room Design

Perhaps you’re hosting a sleepover, or maybe it’s a weekend of adults watching a game with friends while other members of the house catch up on homework or a good book. Whatever the situation, game rooms have the potential to generate unwanted noise that travels to other areas of the house.

Soundproofing from the start is an excellent way to keep you and your family happy with your decision to include a game room in your home. Soundproofing can come in the form of upgraded framing work, added insulation, or installing sound panels. If you haven’t had any experience with soundproofing areas of your home, consider chatting with your contractor for a solution that fits your personal needs.

Whether you are a family that loves video games and movies, or you’re utilizing your space for pool tables, foosball, and poker, these tips are universal for creating a well-designed game room. If you add these to your priority list as you design your dream game room, you’ll have a great space for entertaining for years to come.

Add a Wet Bar

When you’re entertaining, your guests tend to gravitate to where food and drinks are being served, why not put the food and drinks in your game room? May we suggest: a wet bar. The addition of a wet bar can take your entertainment game up a notch. Making it more convenient to bartend for guests, while also adding an inviting vibe.

By definition, a wet bar has a sink, running water, and plumbing. Some people decide these things aren’t really necessary for a home bar, mainly because they think it’s too difficult to run water pipes and drainage to where their bar will be situated. But, choosing a location close to a powder room, laundry room, or bathroom—not to mention hiring an experienced plumber—can ease those worries. Also, when it comes time to wash a batch of cocktail glasses, you’ll be glad you don’t have to bring them to the kitchen, especially if you’ve added a small dishwasher to your bar. 

A mini-fridge (or several) for storing white wine and bottled drinks is a must-have. As well as cabinetry for storage.