Creating an awesome dedicated game room is probably every gamer’s dream. With specialty tables, custom game storage, themed decor, niche lighting, and more, these spaces become an almost sacred place for those who love a good game – and always become the centerpiece of any home.
Of course, knowing how to design or plan that space can get tricky. What do you focus on? What space can you convert? What components do you need?
Below you’ll find the top suggestions and ideas for your board game room – with components, electronics, decor, and furniture suggestions of all sorts.
Ways to Create Space for a Game Room
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You may not have tons of room already and you may not be able to afford an add-on. But there are some fantastic ways to create a board game room in your home with some creativity and ingenuity.
Convert a shed into a game room. Ideally, make sure it’s insulated and has all the necessary amenities needed, including at least a space heater or split unit (for A/C and heat), outlets or electrical hookup (even an extension cord!), and maybe some appliances like a fridge and a coffee machine. You can deck out the shed with decor and permanent fixtures, or go simple with some shelves, playing tables, chairs, and a cooler or two for drinks.
Convert the unfinished basement into your game room. Then, combine your active games like ping-pong and billiards and a board game table for an all-inclusive gaming space. Be sure to add a TV and your game systems for the ultimate in entertainment spaces. Heck, you could make the space into a full entertainment room and add in a sound system, cozy furniture for movie nights, and even a wet bar or drink cooler.
Combine your home office with your board game room. Chances are, no one’s playing games at the same time that you’re working. So, why not? Ideally, make it so you can “separate” your workspace through the use of a rolltop desk or cover of some kind to help keep work and life separate while you play.
Use a large corner of the family room as your game room. If you don’t have an extra bedroom, basement, or other similar spaces, you can dedicate a given corner of the house to your gameplay area. Line the corner with shelves on either side, fill these with your games, and use a folding game table for game time to save on space.
Convert the garage into a game room. A lot of folks just use them for storage anyway, so why not make the garage useful? It’s easy enough to add a decent heater for winter game nights, and tossing down some cozy rugs to keep the tootsies warm will finish the plan.
Finish the attic and turn it into your game room. Why not? It’s probably just loaded with boxes or forgotten Christmas decor anyhow. Be sure the attic is accessible for players, though, by having a pull-down staircase instead of a ladder installed, add some proper lighting, heat/cooling, ventilation, and comfortable furniture.
How to Plan Your Board Game Room
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A few key steps should be considered before you start construction of your board game room.
Budget – First and foremost, you’ve got to set a budget for yourself so you don’t go broke, even if you are having fun. Dig around on the internet looking for some prices on the kinds of components, appliances, and electronics you want to include, then see what kinds of prices might align with your idea for a reasonably priced space. If your goals are too high for right now, set a baseline budget to start and gradually grow your board game room over time instead.
Components – What do you want in your board game room? Do you often host grown-ups only game nights? Is a wet bar a good idea? Do you cater more to the kiddos? If so, maybe a snack shelf and killer sound system is the better focus. Whatever you’re into, give your imagination a little playing room to see what really sparks your passion for the space. Also, consider using stain resistant materials for furniture and surfaces to make cleaning up spills and messes easier.
Size – Not all game rooms are created equal. The space you’re using will restrict (or inflate) your game room options. And be sure not to overcrowd the space or you’ll find you don’t use the room as often as you’d like.
Decor – Consider your decor style before you start decorating. You may love your wooden classic games for decor even if you’re not so keep on playing them. Or you may prefer a brighter, more colorful aesthetic. It’s your space, so enjoy it – whether that means your decor leans towards the slightly cheesy or goes strictly elegant with dark woods and sophisticated paintings.
Creating a Functional Space
Creating a functional space is crucial when designing your game room. A functional space is one that is both aesthetically pleasing and practical. To achieve this, consider the room’s purpose and the activities that will take place there. For a game room, this means incorporating elements such as a game table, comfortable seating, and ample storage for games and accessories.
When designing a functional space, it’s essential to consider the flow of the room. Ensure that there is enough space to move around comfortably and that the room is well-lit. Consider using a combination of overhead lighting and table lamps to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
In addition to the physical layout of the room, think about the types of games and activities that will take place there. For example, if you plan to host board game nights, you may want to include a large game table and comfortable seating for multiple players. If video games are more your style, a large screen TV and a cozy gaming chair might be the way to go. The key is to tailor the space to your specific gaming needs, ensuring that every game night is a hit.
Maximizing Space
Maximizing space is essential when designing a game room, especially if you have a small room or a limited budget. To make the most of your space, consider using multi-functional furniture pieces, such as a storage ottoman or a coffee table with built-in storage. These types of furniture pieces can help keep the room clutter-free and make the most of the available space.
Another way to maximize space is to use vertical storage solutions, such as shelves or cabinets. These can be used to store games, accessories, and other items, keeping them out of the way but still easily accessible. Floating shelves are a great option for displaying your favorite games while keeping the floor space clear.
Consider using a wall-mounted game table or a foldable game table to save space. These types of tables can be easily mounted on the wall or folded up when not in use, freeing up space in the room. By thinking vertically and using multi-functional furniture, you can create a game room that feels spacious and organized, no matter the size.
Top Components for Your Board Game Room
The list isn’t exhaustive, of course, but below you’ll find the top picks folks consider as they plan their board game room on whatever budget they can afford.
Custom or Pre-Built Board Game Table
Every board game room needs a table. And there are plenty of fantastic options out there. If you’re on a tight budget, you can make any table work, as long as it has enough room for your preferred number of players, has some wear-and-tear resistance, and fits the space. But if you’ve got a little more cash available, you can find some amazing pre-built board game tables that have idyllic play surfaces, cup holders, slots for game pieces, and others. Or, if you’ve got plenty in your budget for this central focus of your space, go for the custom-built table. These beauties are made precisely to your preferences, with the number of players, gameplay style, and even board game types in mind.
Modular Shelves for Storage and Display with Proper Lighting
Even if you’re not planning to “display” all the games in a showy way, having the interiors of cabinets well-lit can make all the difference in the usability of your space. This will help you find your games easily and quickly. This means ideally installing overhead lights that shine down into the drawers or underlights that shine up on shelves. These angles give the most comprehensible view.
Minifridge or Drink Cooler
Depending on where your game room is located, one of your top picks might be adding a minifridge or cooler for your drinks. This allows folks to stay close at hand so gameplay isn’t delayed, despite grabbing a fresh drink or snack. There are loads of options out there, too, with some designed specifically for cans, wine bottles, or other specialty sizes, perfect for your regular group.
Wet Bar and Snack Storage
If you’re planning on more grown-up game nights than family-friendly ones, you might want to include a wet bar and some snack storage space in your board game room. Of course, you could hide away the liquor on family nights and then set up for adults-only gaming adventures, too.
You’ll find loads of ideas on Pinterest and other sites to give suggestions on specific wet bar designs that range from super cheap DIY projects to construction gigs for paid professionals. Be sure the space includes some room for nonperishable snacks, too, like chips, popcorn, crackers, or nuts, and keep it stocked up year-round for the idyllic gathering place for all. Additionally, consider having snack storage options that are accessible and safe for kids to ensure a family-friendly environment.
Hot Water Kettle, Coffee Maker, and Microwave
For more casual game times, you’ll likely want the “serve yourself” policy. So, if you can set up a small “quick service” area in your board game room, that will make it much easier. Offer a microwave for reheating stuff, a hot water kettle and/or coffee maker, and maybe even a popcorn maker. Folks can bring their own tea bags, cocoa, or coffee, or snag some supplies from your well-stocked space for easy, quick snacks and beverages.
Overhead Lighting in Warm White/Yellow Light
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Skip the colorful lights. A lot of board and card games rely on colors for play, so using warm white to yellow lighting can help keep things well-lit while also enabling players to stay on track with their card colors.
If you want ambient lighting, add colored lights, flickering lanterns, or similar, to the outer edges of the room, away from the table directly.
Sound System
Not every game night needs a soundtrack, but when it does, you’ll want a sound system installed in your board game room. You can DIY the project fairly easily, as long as you’ve got a decent set of speakers and a phone or tablet to play off.
Phone and/or Tablet Holder or TV for Game Apps
A lot of games these days include online components like apps, soundtrack builders, and expansions, meaning you’ll likely want to have a phone or tablet holder added to your space. If you’re hiring a contractor, you can go for a custom build. Otherwise, grab an option from your favorite retailer.
Or, if you know you’re going to use the option often and want to make the space a full-on game central for all things gaming, install a TV that can access the game apps and expansions with a few button clicks.
Comfortable Portable Chairs
Of course, your game room needs comfortable seats. But to make your space most flexible, be sure the chairs are portable. This could mean comfy rolling desk chairs or ensuring the flooring allows for heavier chairs to glide smoothly and easily for rearrangement when needed.
Game-Themed Decor
A fun DIY option you might consider is taking old game boards you no longer use and framing them. You can also create shadow boxes using game pieces.
You can also decorate with the games themselves. Hang the Caroms board on the wall. Hang ping-pong paddles on the wall. Display your wooden boards on stands or hang them in the corner. You don’t have to get fancy while still showing off your love of board games in your board game room.
Custom or Specialized Signs
One fun option for decorating your game room is with a custom-made sign. There are loads of artisans out there who will gladly create a sign to your liking. Or you can find offerings on sites like Amazon, Etsy, or even some home decor locations. You can also find a ton of DIY projects that work to your skill level if you want to add that special touch of your own.
Chalkboard or Whiteboard for Game Night Scoring
If you expect to hold any tournaments or long-game nights with prizes, you might want to consider investing in a chalkboard or whiteboard for tracking scores. Many games can also be played using these boards, like Pictionary or Hotseat. You can DIY either type of board with the right supplies, or buy a pre-built one online.
Custom Accent Wall – Featuring Games!
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Some of the most inspiring board game room ideas are found in the custom accent walls folks have created. Many have used classic wooden board games to create unique displays on accent walls of bold colors. Others have taken modern classics and crafted a wall around the game’s theme(s) for a truly unique, updated concept.
The main thing with an accent wall is ensuring the color stands out from the rest of the room’s coloring – while complementing it – and using aesthetically pleasing game pieces or themes that celebrate your favorite games or gaming style.
Proper Card Storage
If you and yours play many card games, consider proper card storage a major must. There are loads of ways to store them – from permanent storage chests and travel bags to display portfolios – and all of them can help save your collection, make the games easier to access, and add some aesthetic to your game room. For ideas, check out our dedicated article on card storage to find your best choices.
Final Touches
The final touches can make or break a game room. Here are some ideas to consider:
Add some color: Consider adding some color to the room with throw pillows, blankets, or a statement piece of furniture. A pop of color can make the space feel lively and inviting.
Add some texture: Consider adding some texture to the room with a rug, a throw blanket, or a statement piece of furniture. Texture adds depth and interest to the room, making it feel cozy and well-designed.
Add some personality: Consider adding some personality to the room with a statement piece of art, a vintage collectible, or a fun accessory. This could be anything from a framed poster of your favorite game to a quirky lamp that makes you smile.
Add some lighting: Consider adding some lighting to the room with a table lamp, a floor lamp, or a string of fairy lights. Good lighting can set the mood and make the room feel warm and welcoming.
By incorporating these final touches, you can create a game room that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. These small details can transform your space into a true gaming haven, where every game night feels special.
Conclusion
These ideas for your board game room should set you down the right path. You likely won’t use all of them – that would be a lot! – but they should give you some good ideas of what you really do want, including lighting options, decor, food and beverage service, game display, and furniture. The trick will be sticking to your budget!
FAQ for Designing Your Board Game Room
What are some creative ways to create space for a board game room in my home?
You can convert underutilized spaces such as a shed, unfinished basement, garage, or attic into a board game room. Alternatively, you can combine your home office with the game room or use a large corner of common areas like the living or dining room.
What should I consider when planning my board game room?
Key considerations include setting a budget, determining the components you want (like a wet bar or snack shelf), deciding on the room size, and choosing a decor style that matches your preferences.
What are essential components to include in a board game room?
Essential components include a custom or pre-built board game table, modular shelves for storage and display, a minifridge or drink cooler, comfortable portable chairs, and a sound system for ambiance.
How can I decorate my board game room to reflect my love for games?
You can decorate with game-themed decor such as framed old game boards, shadow boxes with game pieces, custom signs, and a custom accent wall featuring games. Additionally, consider using a chalkboard or whiteboard for game night scoring.
What lighting is best for a board game room?
Warm white or yellow overhead lighting is ideal for board game rooms, as it helps keep things well-lit for gameplay. You can add ambient lighting like colored lights or flickering lanterns to the room’s edges for a cozy atmosphere.