How to Set Up the Perfect At-Home Game Room

Whether you’re going to have your living room double as a game room or you have a dedicated entertainment den, you’ll want to keep your gaming area organized. This way, you can easily find games when you want to play them and your space won’t be cluttered, which can inhibit the feeling of a relaxed, welcoming environment. Think of the ways you might store sporting gear equipment in a garage, and adapt a more aesthetically pleasing strategy for storing games in your indoor home space.

Stow away board games and strategy games on a bookshelf where you and your guests can easily choose an option for the evening’s activities. If your space is limited, you can always use a drawer in a small storage cabinet to tuck your card games, so they’re always within reach when you’re ready to play a quick round.

If you love retro games and you have the space, why not make them available in your own home? Since they’re under your roof, you won’t have to wait for a machine to open up or deal with crowds any time you want to play.

You could pick one or two of your favorite retro games, like foosball or air hockey, or you could opt for a gaming table that converts into multiple games with a variety of choices that doesn’t take up lots of space. If you have plenty of room, you could show off your hand-eye coordination with ping pong, arcade basketball or even billiards and pool. Or you can attempt to become the pinball wizard you’ve always dreamed of being when you can get in unlimited practice with your very own retro arcade machine set up in your basement or game room.

Besides the gaming options where you stand up to play, such as darts, there are a number of games that are usually enjoyed when seated. For example, poker games require a spacious table to lay out your cards and chips. A kitchen table can work in a pinch, but a set of folding table and chairs might be the best option if you have limited space or want to play in a dedicated area.
Many video games are also more stationary. These games can last up to several hours, so comfortable seating is a must. Gaming chairs are an ergonomic option for marathon video gaming sessions.

Because you want the style of your game room to match your personal aesthetic, there are a plethora of options when it comes to what furniture you may choose. Kids might enjoy lounging on bean bag chairs while they battle characters in their latest game, but you might want a more upscale look with sleek armchairs and couches. Additionally, you can mount your TV or get a TV stand with cabinets for all your peripherals to help maximize space.

After you’ve decided on the major aspects that will go into your game room design, don’t forget to focus on the little things as well. Minor details like accent pieces and artwork can play a big part in your overall ambiance. For instance, if you’re going to host poker nights on a regular basis, you might want to try and create a casino mood without drastically changing your décor. You can do this by installing smart accent lights that are programmed to dim to just the right setting for your event. Plus, you can go the extra mile and have a humidor nearby stocked with favorites from your collection.

If you’re a fan of family game nights, make sure the mini fridge is filled with chilled beverages and the popcorn maker is ready so that snacks are covered. Another atmospheric consideration is sound; having your choice of background music playing from your speakers while you strategize your next game move can add to the overall experience. With all these special touches, your game room setup will make your house the ultimate destination for game nights.