Saturday family game night, with all its joys and frustrations, can confidently be extended to friends and neighbours. Having a pool table or ping-pong table, darts or console gaming station in your home is a great way to do this, and to add some great quality time to your life. If your home is too small to accommodate a games room, you may have forgotten about your basement, which often goes unused. Even if it needs work or is furnished, there are ways to transform it into a stunning games room.
Table of Contents
1. Manage your space
Space management is an important consideration when developing a playroom in the basement. A key aspect of creating a playroom is deciding how the room will be used and what games from your wish list you can fit into the room. Many homeowners make the mistake of overpacking their basements with contents, forgetting that most table games like table soccer or air hockey need 3 to 4 feet of additional space around them. If your space allows it, consider creating separate areas, like table games and console gaming lounges. If your basement is much bigger than you need, think about whether to remodel the whole space or hire professional basement contractors to make it for you.
2. Appreciate places that are overlooked every day
A corner gaming station can be a good option for gamers with limited space. There are four basic configurations for an entertainment centre, but it’s important to keep things simple. Don’t let your entertainment centre spread over into the rest of the room; you need shelves for all your stuff and a cable organizer to keep things neat and safe. Even though you have lighting in the basement, consider adding additional lighting to your gaming area and perhaps a fan to blow away any heat generated by the equipment.
3. What about remodelling?
If you plan to remodel your basement, you need to decide which materials you will use. It is also important to put a contract in place with the contractor outlining all timelines, payment schedules, and work to be done. You may pay more for materials for this kind of project than if you were doing it yourself; however, if you want a thoroughbred gaming room, it will probably take a lot of materials to do it. Fortunately, there are always ways to save money. For example, instead of natural stone or hardwood flooring, you can use polished decorative concrete which comes with the timeless charm of stone and proverbial durability of concrete.
4. Adequate lighting
If you are going to have video game tournaments, consider lighting your room with red or blue light. This type of lighting is especially effective for video games and ensures that each player will be able to see the screen clearly. You should also install task lighting above each table so that players can play correctly.
5. Think about soundproofing
For the best gaming experience, gamers should consider soundproofing their rooms. If you live alone and do not mind the noise, this step may not be necessary. However, if you share a home with partners, roommates or parents who are not avid gamers themselves, loud noises may become a problem. To reduce noise from downstairs, you can insulate the ceiling with fibreglass drop ceiling tiles. Another important step is to soundproof the door or replace it with one made of solid wood. Finally, adding some drapes or decorating the room with a bunch of gaming-themed pillows can help you create an inviting atmosphere for your guests.
As the cost of gaming equipment and construction materials has decreased, as well as technological advancements, many homeowners have been able to create dedicated gaming rooms in their basements. These tips will help make your job much easier.
