How to Design a Winning Game Room
Our Austin Architects Share Our Top Tips for Designing a Game Room
A winning game room design is the key to a successful family game night. Whether you want to create a space for cards, board games, video games, or billiards, our Austin architecture firm has the top tips for designing a game room. Don’t leave your final design up to the roll of the dice. Learn how to design a game room with us and get everything you need to know for a checkmate victory.
14 Tips on How to Design a Game Room
1. Consider the Games You Like to Play
Will you have a card room, video game space, or arcade? The types of games you enjoy playing with friends and family will determine what kind of game room you should create and the appropriate features to include. Once you know what kind of games you want to play, you can start to plan the layout of your room. For example, if you love video games, you'll need to create space for a TV and gaming consoles. If you have board games, you'll need room for storage solutions and a game table. Additionally, you might want to consider creating gaming zones so there’s a little something for everyone.
2. Determine Gameroom Placement
Once you’ve chosen the type of game room you’d like, consider where to place it in your home. If you’re designing a new home, you can incorporate it anywhere you’d like in the design — with the proper planning. However, home renovations and additions need to consider existing configurations. Do you want the game room on the main, lower, or upper level? Should it be near other living spaces or close to the kids’ bedrooms? Could you convert a garage or other existing room? Your residential architect will also be able to offer suggestions you may not have considered.
3. Assess the Space You Need
Assess how much space you need to accommodate your games of choice. For example, a card room may only require a small nook off the main living area, while a full-sized arcade could take up an entire level of the home. You can pack a lot of fun into an ample space. However, smaller game rooms can invite cozy conversation and fit all your needs when appropriately planned.
4. Dedicate Appropriate Square Footage for Billiard, Air Hockey, Ping Pong, or Foosball Tables
Billiard, air hockey, ping pong, and foosball tables take up much more square footage than people realize. You must dedicate adequate space to incorporate one or multiple gaming tables like these. For example, a billiard room requires at least 300 square feet to allow enough space for the table, navigation, and play. Decide what gaming tables you want early in the process so your architect can design the proper space to accommodate everything on your wishlist.
5. Create Multiple Gaming Zones
Consider dividing your game room into multiple zones to accommodate different types of games. Create a seating area around a media center for video games that can also double as a movie-watching zone. Additionally, add game tables for easy card and board game play. You could also create quiet corners for puzzles, solitaire, and other solo games.
6. And Create Conversation Corners
There are always one or two people who never quite jump on board for game night. Consider adding cozy seating where people can kick back and still participate in the conversation. Outfit your conversation corners with oversized chairs and end tables, and position them to have a view of the gaming action.
7. Design Custom Built-in Storage
Remember, you’ll need space to store all of your games. Custom built-in shelving and cabinetry can help keep everything organized and ready for a spur-of-the-moment game night. Consider creating board game shelves, divided video game drawers, and even display shelving for your collectibles.
8. Add a Media Center
A media center is a must for video games. However, you may want to consider adding this feature even if you’re more of a board-game family. A media center will allow you to turn your game room into a multipurpose hangout spot, transitioning easily from game to movie night. Additionally, other smart home features like built-in speakers can add a lively and fun atmosphere to the space.
9. Incorporate a Wet Bar or Kitchenette
Game time pairs well with snack time. Incorporate a wet bar or kitchenette into your game room for easy serving and drink access. After all, you don’t want to miss your turn running back and forth to the kitchen.
10. Soundproof Your Game Room
Game nights can get pretty rowdy. The fun could disrupt other household members if your game room is positioned near family bedrooms or a home office. Consider soundproofing the space to keep everyone happy.
11. Bring in Adequate Lighting
Lighting is a crucial part of your overall game room design. You will need general overhead lighting to illuminate the space, task lighting over game tables for easy play, and accent lighting to showcase your game collection. Also, remember to bring in natural light so the room has a warm and welcoming feel.
12. Take an Opportunity to Display Collectibles
Game rooms provide a great space to display collectibles, whether you collect board games, arcade games, or sports memorabilia. Use your collection to adorn the walls or highlight it in custom shelving displays.
13. Have Fun with the Design
While your game room should coordinate with your home's overall look, you can have a bit more fun with the design. For example, you could create a dark and moody card lounge with ornate millwork or a funky colorful space modeled after a retro arcade.
14. Play with Unique Architectural Features
Use your game room as an opportunity to play with unique architectural features that add a fun touch to the overall design. For example, you could install checkerboard tiles or create a secret door. Fun design elements will set the mood, impress your guests, and ensure a winning game night.
Now It’s Your Turn
Ready to design your game room? Take your turn and start brainstorming all the games you want to play in your space. Bookmark this page for later so you can easily return to our game room design guide. If you need additional help, reach out to our team of Austin architects.