Today’s game rooms have become eclectic mixes of old school and contemporary, where classic board games and card tables meet modern home theaters and devices. Ideally, this room will be comfortable and well-organized, with plenty of options to entertain the entire family. If you’re planning to construct one, below are five must-haves to include. 

5 Key Elements of a Game Room

1. Recreational Activities

What’s a game room without games? Think about what interests you and your guests. If you plan on getting a pool table, remember that you’ll have less space for other items like dartboards, full-sized arcade machines, foosball, or air hockey. Consider leaving open floor space for fun slumber party classics like Twister®. Include a shelf to store board games like chess, checkers, backgammon, cards, and puzzles that will amuse, delight, and challenge your visitors. 

2. Mini-Bar

Make sure everyone has something to drink with a well-stocked mini-bar. Have a nook for keeping ingredients, knives, bottle openers, ice buckets, bar book, glassware, and an assortment of spirits. Go the extra mile and install a tap for dispensing drinks. If you want to save on space, consider creating a mobile bar with a wheeled cart. Keep a supply of nonalcoholic beverage ingredients like ginger ale, grenadine, and maraschino cherries so younger guests and teetotalers don’t feel left out. 

3. Home Theater Setup

Turn your game room into a full-blown entertainment center with a top-notch, custom home theater system with a large flat-panel TV or screen projector. For better surround sound, opt to install in-wall or freestanding speakers. Bring game consoles for playing on the big screen, or plug in your media player or streaming adapters for screenings of your favorite films or shows. 

4. Enough Seating for Everyone

A game room isn’t complete without seats. Pick furniture pieces for your entertainment hub that have dual purposes. Choose ottomans or stools that can be pulled up as chairs, or stackable pallets that can double as game tables and seats. Keep a stack of soft pillows and plush blankets for small, cozy gatherings. 

5. Top-Notch Lighting

Use lamps and mounted fixtures to create your preferred vibe, whether it’s modern, minimalist, retro, or luxurious. Go vintage with Edison bulbs, or incorporate sconces to recreate the feel of a movie theater. Augment practical recessed lighting with black lights that create a glow-in-the-dark effect, or backlit marquee-shaped lamps that evoke a classic 1980s arcade. Hook all devices up to a smart home system for maximum convenience. 

Ready to deck out your game room for the ultimate experience? The professionals at Alamo Electronics in Cincinnati, OH, have you covered. From custom home theater to lighting control systems installation, they’ve been providing exceptional services to residents and businesses throughout the Tri-State area since 1953. Call (513) 791-2300 to discuss your needs, or explore their offerings online.