Key considerations for how to design a family game room that is fun & functional

Are you wondering how to design a family game room? If you are about to undertake this exciting home improvement project, bear in mind that it is absolutely crucial to involve family and friends in the design and decor decisions.  

Since a game room is essentially living space dedicated to family fun, entertaining and social activities, be sure to ask for input, suggestions and ideas from the key individuals, family members or regular guests who will be utilizing and inhabiting the space. Most importantly, don’t neglect to consult your kids for their feedback on how to design a family game room. Children will surprise you with some of the most creative, unique and clever ideas pertaining to game room decor, furnishings and activities, including pool, billiards, and darts.  

As you begin the brainstorming process of planning how to design a family game room for your home, here are some great tips and suggestions to help you determine the themes, furniture, games, entertainment activities and decor best suited to your family lifestyle and remodeling budget.  

1)  Select a theme for your family game room. Is your family a group of sports fanatics, or would you prefer a home theater space for viewing classic movies? Do your kids adore video games, or are they talented chess players? If there are no children in your family, perhaps you opt for statelier decor and a game room featuring classic poker tables or billiards.

Family game rooms may feature a wide variety of indoor games and activities such as pool tables, poker tables, chess or backgammon boards, ping pong, foosball, darts, board games, childrens toys, vintage arcade games or modern video and simulation games such as WII and play station as well as large screen LCD or plasma televisions, jukeboxes, stereo systems or even karaoke equipment. Some game rooms may include areas for hobbies or crafts such as easels and painting supplies, tables or workbenches for building models or practice areas for musical instrument such as guitar, keyboard or drums.  

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If you can’t decide on a particular theme, or if you have opted for a game room with a diverse selection of games and activities, then you may opt for themed artwork or decor that will serve to unify the design and atmosphere of the room.

2)  Select furnishings after you have decided upon the theme for your game room. If you plan to install a home theater, you will want to select comfortable sofas or chairs, or perhaps bean bag chairs for children. If your game room will include chess or poker tables, perhaps luxurious arm chairs would be more appropriate.  

Furniture such as multi-functional tables can be a great space saver for anyone learning how to design a game room. Multifunctional tables have a reversible table top that can serve as a dining table, and then be converted into a poker table, backgammon board or pool table.

Often, families planning a game room may wish to include a bar or kitchenette area, as well as a seating area where guests can relax and enjoy their food or drink. If you plan to include a bar or dining area, it’s okay to get creative and have some fun with design themes!  

Perhaps you want a bar area modeled to resemble a Wild Western Saloon, or a classic soda fountain shop. If you know where to look – thrift shops, discount stores or online resources such as eBay or Craigslist – you can often find unusual, retro or themed furnishings at bargain prices.  

3)  Artwork, decor and accessories can really spice up a game room. For example, if you can’t decide on a particular theme for your game room, charge your children with the task of painting a large scale mural of a jungle on your game room wall, then add an aquarium complete with colorful tropical, on a counter in your game room. What could be more eye catching and creative?  

Other ideal items for game room decor include lighting, creative wall murals, posters, vintage movie or pro sports memorabilia or collectibles, neon lights, or clocks. If you are striving to decorate your game room on a budget, consider resourceful ideas such as turning old jigsaw puzzles into wall hangings. The next time you complete a jigsaw puzzle with your friends and family, superglue the completed puzzle to a sturdy piece of matte board. Most likely, you can find an inexpensive frame in a thrift store.