Traditional home games rooms are a great way to bring families and friends together for hours of fun and entertainment. Whether you’re a fan of classic games like pool and foosball, or you prefer the latest video games, there’s a game room for everyone.
In this article, we’ll explore the history of traditional home games rooms, and we’ll give you some tips on how to create your own. We’ll also look at some of the most popular games that you can play in a traditional games room, and we’ll share some ideas for decorating your space.
So whether you’re just starting to plan your games room, or you’re looking for some inspiration, read on for all the information you need to create the perfect traditional home games room.
History of home games rooms
The games room or recreation room as it is often called can be dated back as far as the Victorian era when the upper classes would retire to the games room to play parlour games. More recently, people started to introduce tabletop games and bar games as a way to impress and entertain their guests. Most recently, video games have taken over the traditional games found in a games room.
We are going to focus on a traditional or classic games room in this article.
Planning your games room
Make sure you have enough space
Many traditional games require space to play as well as access to get them in and out. You will want to consider the kind of games you wish to introduce into your room and measure accordingly. Not only standing areas but playing areas and entranceways to ensure you can your games in via a door or window.
Consider your budget
Although many games can be picked up for free or for a small fee if you are willing to travel. The market for retro games and nostalgia is pretty good so be prepared to pay big money for some desirable gaming items, especially things like classic pinball and jukeboxes although you can often buy modern replicas for a discount over their older brothers.
Choose games for everyone
If you are reading this, you probably have an idea of the dream game room you want to create with that classic pub game or arcade machine from your childhood. When planning your room, however, spare a thought for your family and guests who may have different interests. You are far more likely to get approval for your games room if you include games popular with your family or partner.
Classic games
The most popular types of games include retro arcade machines, pinball tables and table football. Other options include ‘pub’ style games like darts and pool (space permitting).
Sourcing and buying your games for your new man cave can be frustrating end enjoyable at the same time. If you are on a budget, you can often get old machines on Craigslist or Ebay in need of some TLC. Expect to pay a premium for popular, refurbished classics. There are lots of retailers who specialise in reproductions of classic arcade machines, cocktail tables and pinball machines to suit a variety of budgets. Pool tables in need of some repair are often found advertised for free if you can collect them.
Decorating your games room
There are no rules when it comes to your choice of decor for your man cave games room. One of the beauties of creating a classic games room is the option of using recycled materials, old signs, upcycled furniture and leftover paint. These all tend to mix well with the classic vibe most people are going for when designing their room. Online archive photos of old bars, diners and arcades are great source of inspiration for your new room.
Furnishing
As with decoration, recycling, flea markets and ebay are a great way to spruce up your man cave on a budget. Re-covering a tired chair or stool is fairly easy with a good staple gun and youtube or a cheap throw can be used to cover a heavily worn sofa.