“The family that plays together, stays together” is a popular adage. And with good reason: Whether it’s spent playing games, watching movies, or engaging in another activity together, quality time is a critical part of family bonding.
That’s where game rooms come in.
Designated spaces for all things family fun, game rooms are ready-made environments for whatever activity is on the agenda for the day or night. Rather than having to move furniture around or share the space with other daily living activities, a game room is always good to go.
Speaking of game room activities, the sky’s the limit when it comes to designing and decorating your home’s game room. Comfortable furniture, adequate and versatile lighting, adequate power and internet access, and a good sound system are necessities. Depending on your particular functional plans for the space, other potential game room ideas and inspiration may include foosball, air hockey, poker, pool, ping pong, and other game tables; arcade games; a gaming system and accessories, a large screen television; blackout blinds; soundproofing features; ample storage; and fun decor items like neon signage, movie posters, and collectibles.
All of which begs the question: what if you want all the benefits of a gaming room, but don’t have one in your home?
The answer is surprisingly simple: It’s time to get creative.
Read on for a roundup of five ways to add a game room to your home without the expense or hassle of an addition or other major home improvement project.
1. Remodel or Refinish Your Basement (or Attic)
While basements are often not included in a home’s square footage count, many offer otherwise untapped space that can be converted into a game room for your family.
Depending on the state of your basement, this may be a small or significant undertaking. If you’re starting with a finished basement in need of some minor cosmetic changes, the job will be a lot less intensive than if you’re working with an unfinished space.
You’ll also have additional considerations, such as wiring, lighting, ventilation, and heating and cooling. Not to mention assessing what updates and improvements will be necessary to create a welcoming and cozy environment.
Don’t have a basement? Look up instead of down. Many attics also make excellent game rooms. However, if you’re bringing in any hefty furniture or game tables, you will need to confirm that the floors can sustain the load and that the entryway is wide enough to allow access.
2. Transform Your Garage with a Garage Door Screen
While car storage may be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of garages, the reality is that these often underutilized spaces have the potential to fulfill many purposes—including as gathering spaces.
While a typical garage may feel dark and claustrophobic, adding a sliding garage screen has transformative potential. Not only does it let in light, create airflow, and offer the many benefits of exposure to nature, it also makes the space feel larger by opening it up.
As with all the home improvement projects on this list, a successful end result relies on proper clean-out, mindful design, and attention to detail. Prioritizing these aspects up front is essential to executing an inviting space.
3. Enclose Your Porch or Patio
Similar to a garage screen, patio enclosures have the potential to turn a room with otherwise limited use into a space that can be used throughout the year. Simple in design and installation, porch enclosure systems deliver serious bang for the buck.
Available in both raising-and-lowering panels and side to side sliding panels, Eze-Breeze porch enclosures are versatile, customizable, and can be used to enclose many different indoor-outdoor spaces, including porches, conservatories, gazebos, lanais, patios, porticos, sun porches, sunrooms, verandas, and more into three-season family rooms.
Enclosing your porch or patio to make a recreation room is also an excellent way to add value to your home while simultaneously maximizing your family’s relaxation and enjoyment.
4. Repurpose a Spare Bedroom
Many homeowners fantasize about having an extra bedroom for guests. However, the reality is that spare bedrooms often sit empty. As such, they amount to undesirable wasted space—especially in light of the ongoing trend toward functional living environments.
Rather than maintaining an unused guest room for extended periods of time, why not turn it into a game room that will receive daily use for years to come? While you may have to do some room rearranging when overnight visitors are coming to stay, it’s a small price to pay for the near-endless hours of entertainment your family will share in a space designed specifically to support your family.
Already using your guest room? From underutilized dining rooms to part-time remote home offices, the same approach applies to other vacant areas in your home.
Plan the Perfect Game Room with Eze-Breeze
Depending on factors like your space, budget, and the specific activities that will take place in your personal space, one of these game rooms may make more sense than others. When it comes to providing a winning combination of form and functionality, Eze-Breeze’s vinyl enclosures are an especially appealing option.
To start designing the family game room of your dreams, find an authorized Eze-Breeze dealer near you.
