Imagine having a beautiful and stylish room where you can grab a controller and instantly play games with family and friends all day. Whether you adore old-school board games or something a little more modern, a game room can make the perfect addition to your home.
Here at GreatBuildz, a free service that connects homeowners in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego and Ventura Counties with reliable contractors, we speak to homeowners every day about designing their perfect new space, be it a bonus room or a game room – read on to learn more.
The Impact of a Game Room
A game room is peak convenience. Instead of traveling outside and looking for entertainment available to the public, you can stay home and start your session right away. This investment saves time and money in the long run.
A game room also means you get to bond more comfortably. Over three-quarters of parents play video games with their children and 47% remark that it’s a great way for families to spend time together. Having an entertainment space can increase those sessions.
There are also physical and mental benefits involved. Kids can improve their concentration and memory when they play games with their families. It also enhances their motor skills.
Creating Your Game Room Design
Designing a game room seems straightforward, but there are many elements to consider when curating this space. Here are several fundamental steps to creating the ideal look.
1. Pick the Right Space and Layout
A game room is more than just a storage area for activities and computers. It has to be a cozy space where the whole family can stay. Your setups and other gaming essentials should also fit into it. Thus, it’s crucial to pick the right room.
Seek a corner with a good Wi-Fi connection, especially if you prefer digital gaming. It should also be farther from the bedrooms and home office. Competitiveness works people up and makes things a little rowdy, so you want to avoid disturbing anyone trying to sleep or work.
Measure the space and sketch where the furniture and gaming equipment should go. Cable management solutions and organizational features keep the room neat and functional.
Request a contractor’s assistance during these earlier stages of conceptualizing your game room design. Let them create the blueprint of your plan to avoid early mistakes. They can also advise you on other practical aspects like lighting and insulation later on.
2. Include Technology
Technology will be a significant part of any modern game room, and there are several options you can add. For example, you could cast games onto a giant television screen for a more immersive experience. If no one’s in the mood to play yet, it could double as a display for movies or shows.
There are also other options like arcade machines. Whether you love Pac-Man or Street Fighter, these deluxe models evoke nostalgia. Here are other forms of gaming technology to invest in:
- Gaming PC: A powerful gaming PC can accommodate various titles. Many components are involved, so make sure you organize the wires. Each individual needs to have their own dedicated unit if the family is playing simultaneously.
- Consoles: Consoles have one main hub and multiple controllers the family can share. It’s significantly easier to organize, but remember to have spare gamepads if one runs out of battery.
- Audio equipment: A game room is all about creating the right environment. Audio has a strong impact, so invest in a good sound system with high-quality speakers. Noise-canceling headphones are also ideal for solo sessions.
3. Look Out for Lighting
The lighting of the game room is complex. It’s imperative to have it dark enough to create a more immersive environment. The extra shade also minimizes light and heat exposure to the tech. You can add blackout curtains to any windows to remedy this.
However, you also need to have some form of illumination. Bright screens when you’re gaming in total darkness can cause eyestrain. Constant exposure to blue light can also damage retinal cells and contribute to age-related macular degeneration.
Adjust the screen settings to control the glare of your devices. You can also add RGB lights and bars around the space. Strategic placement can create a more ambient environment that improves your gaming sessions.
4. Invest in Insulation
The California heat is a problem for a household, specifically the game room. Many machines become less efficient and degrade fast in extreme heat. They also generate heat themselves, making it more important to look for cooling solutions.
An air conditioning unit creates the ideal temperature to keep your technology intact. It can also build a more comfortable environment for family and friends to get together — no more gaming sweats.
Your contractor will suggest insulation solutions to keep air from escaping and minimize energy consumption. To close up potential leaks, add weatherstripping to the windows and doors. Internal wall insulation is also ideal for security.
5. Add Soundproofing
Game rooms produce plenty of noise, whether from the audio of the new PC game or bickering among family and friends. Find acoustic treatments to control the sound from the room and minimize disturbances to other people inside the household.
Soundproofing panels are a key solution since they usually contain noise within the space. They create a more immersive experience that can have you gripping your controller. The panels also prevent sound from traveling to other rooms.
Depending on the thickness and quality, they will either muffle the sound or completely absorb it. Work with your contractor to place them on the walls that need them the most.
6. Bring in Your Games
Complete your game room with your favorite titles and activities. The possibilities are endless, especially if you’re an avid collector of tabletop games. Ask your contractor about the ideal shelving options and positioning for these inclusions.
Here are a few suggestions on what games to have in your entertainment space:
- Physical games: Most computer games are already digitally available on online stores, but there’s something nice about having physical discs and cartridges. Keep and display their boxes in the room as decor.
- Table games: Add table games to your space. A basic pool table costs as low as $500, but higher-quality tables could have a $15,000 price tag. You can also get a ping pong or air hockey table for variety.
- Board games: Board games are also a fun addition to your space. There are many classics like Snakes N’ Ladders, Monopoly and Chess. You can also explore newer titles with the family.
7. Find Comfortable Furniture
The right furniture can make or break your game room. If you have a PC setup, look for spacious tables and ergonomic gaming chairs. These essentials ensure you maintain good posture throughout those long computer sessions.
A gaming couch is also an idea for those relaxed play or breaks from the PC and table games. Most people prioritize space, especially if they have a bigger family or circle of friends. Wider sofas can comfortably seat up to six people.
Invest in furniture with memory foam. The material is made of low-resistance polyurethane, influencing viscosity and elasticity for maximum comfort. It adapts to your body weight and pressure for a soft and personalized cushion.
8. Add Decor
Add finishing touches to the game room design with decor. Each homeowner will have their tastes for the overall theme. Some people like to make the space look like a retro arcade by adding vintage posters. However, you can also go futuristic or medieval if the existing elements in your space contribute to that style.
Display figurines and lamps of your favorite game characters. You can also look for dynamic stickers and decals for the walls. The art makes the gaming room even more visually engaging.
Accomplish Great Game Room Design
An empty room is full of possibilities. Call a contractor and work together to make your gaming room a reality. Having an entertainment hub right in the comfort of your home helps you have a blast with the kids.
If you want to make the remodeling process easy, you can contact GreatBuildz who can match you with great contractors who have been thoroughly screened and vetted.
Just reach out to us to be personally matched with three of our trusted, pre-vetted contractors in the Bay Area and Southern California areas. Contact GreatBuildz today at 818.317.3567 or visit our website for more information.
