Create A Game Room For Family Fun

Game rooms used to be found only in the homes of the most affluent. Now, game rooms are currently located in many newly built homes. In fact, it has become popular for owners of older homes to find ways of incorporating game rooms into their houses.

Finding Space for a Game Room

When locating a game room, the first thought should be about the types of games and equipment you intend to put in your room when you are considering locating a game room. A pool table is usually the first thing that comes to mind. This will take up quite a bit of space. For a regulation size pool table, you will need room space of 19x15. This is only for the pool table area. There are smaller sizes if this is too large for your room.

Other Game Room Equipment



A poker table is also an good option for a family of card players. Some tables, called casino tables, can be used for a variety of games, such as roulette, craps, chess, backgammon, etc., just by flipping the table top. When the game table is not in use, it can be covered with it's table cover and used as an area to serve food and drinks. With it's cover on, this table can also be used for playing board games.

If you don't have a poker table and like to play family board games or make puzzles together, a folding table that can be stored along the wall or in a closet is a good option.

If the family members are older you can paint a shuffleboard on the floor for some rainy day activity. If you have younger children that need some rainy day activity, paint a hopscotch on the floor instead.

There are many small pieces of equipment that will please both adults and youngsters. Among these are ping pong, air hockey and Foosball.

These are just a few ideas to get you started on your game room. Let your families interests and ideas guide you as you make decisions on what to include in the family room.

How to Arrange Your Game Room

Once you've chosen a location and decided on your equipment, it's time to layout and decorate your room. The easiest way to do this is to start with a floor plan. This will save you much aggravation along with your back. Also, if you haven't purchased all of your game room equipment yet, this may save you from making costly mistakes.

The first step is to decide on your focal point. If you have a pool table, this will most likely be your choice. If you are a card family, your poker table will take center stage. Other choices for your focal point could be a smaller game table such as Foosball or air hockey. Perhaps you'd like to make a wet bar and food service area your focal point. Whatever, your choice, set your focal point in place first and arrange all other pieces of game equipment and furniture around it.

This is when a good floor plan comes in handy. There are so many options in a game room for a focal point, it may take you a while to make a decision. With a floor plan, you can move equipment around easily on paper until you are satisfied with the best solutions for your room.


Get All Family Members to Participate

Spending time together as a family is important. What could be more fun than working together to make a fun space everyone can enjoy. Get everyone involved in the work also. Moving furniture, painting, and cleaning can be done by all and will have a party atmosphere if accompanied by good food and great company. In this way, everyone will feel they've had a say and will get a feeling of accomplishment when the family game room is complete.