If you love taking a break from reality and engaging in a few hours of undisturbed fun alone or with your friends, you might want to set up your retro game room. If you have the space in the house or the outbuildings, you can turn any room into an ultimate game room you can use to entertain your friends and family members, spending some quality time together. Find a few tips on getting started below.
Image via John Sting
Sound Proofing
The first thing you need to do is soundproof the room, so you don’t get distracted by other people in the house or disturb neighbors. There are plenty of cheap DIY soundproofing solutions you can use for game rooms. Choose one that is the right style for your retro room; red or black will be perfect with a bit of gray. It is also important that the wall cover allows you to hang neon signs and images.
Lighting
There are great ways of giving your game room the retro bar finish. Neon signs are available from online retailers, but if you really want to save money, you might want to buy second hand signs. Your gaming room’s lighting should be focused around the screens and machines. If you have a pool table, get hanging lights installed that illuminate the play area only.
Retro Machines
Image via Ryan McGuire
You can improve the look and functionality or your game room if you invest in retro arcade machines. From fruit machines to flippers, there are great second-hand devices available on online auction sites. You might need to up your electricity supply and change the voltage to match the requirements of some of the machines, but it will be worth it. You can even get a jukebox that will keep you and your friends entertained while playing.
Casino Themes
In case you love casino games, you can get a roulette table or a Blackjack setup in your game room, too. Alternatively, you can have a look at livedealer.org to find suitable software that you can install on the big screen and challenge your friends at home without having to visit the casino and getting dressed up for the occasion.
Your Own Bar
To give you the feeling that you are at a real casino, you might want to create a small bar in your game room, too. You can buy these from home improvement stores, or get them constructed made to measure by a local joinery firm. Be sure to check out online auctions, as many pubs closing down sell their furnishing, including bar stools cheap just to raise money. Look out for signs, display shelves, and plaques.
Having your own game room will always give you an excuse to invite friends around and have a night in. If you are fed up with playing in front of the TV, or going to the movie, starting this project might be just the right decision to help you relax and socialize more while having fun.
