Game Room Setup Ideas

A game room can be many things: a place to host friends and neighbors, a retreat to watch a favorite sport in peace or the battleground of a challenge between parents and children. Whatever the goal for a game room, setting it up properly from the beginning will make sure it supplies years of fun and enjoyment for all. Does this Spark an idea?

Playing vs. Watching

Make sure there's room to sit and watch the big game on television.

While it's good to pick up the pool cue or a handful of darts, sometimes it's better just to sit and watch others play. A good place to start is to decide where the television and entertainment system is going to go and what part of the room is going to be reserved for playing.

Take into account how large the games are going to be and how much room is going to be needed to comfortably contain a pool table, air hockey table and other game room games. From there, decide where the lounge area is going to be. Make sure there's room for a full-size sofa, love seat and several recliners.

Pool Table

Put the pool cues within easy reach of the table.

The pool table is one of the largest items that will be in the game room. Not only does it take up a large footprint, but extra space is needed around the table to make playing comfortable. There has to be enough room to hold a pool cue without colliding with walls or furniture, so mapping out where the pool table goes should be near the top of the to-do list.

To figure out how much room is needed, take the size of the table and add on the length of a pool cue plus an extra 6 inches on each side of the table. This will give a final footprint.

The rack for the pool cues, chalk and triangles should be conveniently mounted on the wall nearby.

Bar

Don't forget shelves for glasses.

For those planning on installing a bar, this step can be made as easy as possible by taking into account where the water lines are already located. This way, it's easy to install a bar sink without having to do much in the way of plumbing.

Install shelves and a bar mirror on the wall. This will give the bartender a handy place to store bottles of all kinds. Consider a mini fridge as well. Space beneath the bar can be outfitted with shelves for glasses and cups, as well as small appliances, such as a coffee maker.

Make the most of the bar space. This is an excellent place to set up a jukebox or a laptop that's connected to the surround sound, allowing the bartender and patrons alike to select the music from where they sit. When installing lighting, make sure there are plenty of lights above and behind the bar.

Theme

This 1970s-reminiscent game room is fun and welcoming.

Consider a main theme for the room and collect decor, glassware and other theme items as the room is being constructed. A favorite sports team or Hollywood genre are always popular and afford many decorative opportunities.

The theme doesn't even have to be game related. Create an Irish pub, a medieval lounge with stoneware mugs and weapons on the walls or a trendy nightclub atmosphere with neon signs and vinyl-covered bar stools.