10 Game Room Ideas That Make Family Time at Home Even More Fun
Designing the ultimate game room is like creating your own personal playground that blends fun, function, and style into what is bound to be the go-to destination in your house. Whether you’re an avid gamer, a trivia buff, a Scrabble genius, or just someone who enjoys a bit of friendly competition, a thoughtfully designed game room can transform your space into the ultimate hangout spot.
Below, we’re diving into 10 enviable game room design ideas from some of our favorite interior designers, showcasing everything from clever storage hacks to stylish furniture picks that will ensure your at-home game room blows away the competition.
Choose a Party-Ready Layout
Sargent Photography for McCann Design Group
Chances are good that your game room is going to attract a lot of attention—and even more visitors. Make sure everyone is in on the fun by arranging the space to function as a friendly hangout zone, whether or not you’re partaking in game night.
In this space by McCann Design Group, that means cocktail tables and banquettes that surround the pool table, as well as a nearby seating arrangement where a second game (or some riveting conversation) can go down.
Pack in Plenty of Storage
Spacecrafting Photography for Bria Hammel Interiors
As anyone who has ever been on Monopoly cleanup duty knows, game night can be a messy affair. To keep your game room from devolving into chaos, it’s important to outfit the space with functional (and beautiful!) organization.
In this airy game room, designer Bria Hammel opted for an assortment of seagrass baskets to hide the mess and keep all games and accessories in order.
Color Drench the Room
Helene Spurgin for Harmen Designs
Nothing transforms a room quite like paint, making it your secret weapon when designing a game room that is transportive and playful. Instead of coating just the walls, up the ante by color-drenching the space in all one tone.
Here, designer Helene Spurgin of Harmen Designs opted for a soft gray-blue to bring a subtle dose of drama to the scheme.
Invest in a Stunning Centerpiece
Robert Radifera Photography for Ella Scott Design
You want guests to be immediately on board for some friendly competition upon entering your game room, so it’s important to spotlight a piece that entices their playful side.
Our suggestion? A pool or air hockey table—like the luxe version seen here in a project by the Ella Scott Design team—is a great way to anchor your space and jumpstart the fun.
Make the Most of an Unused Spot
Toni Deis Creative for Mimi & Hill
Not everyone has space in their home for a designated game room, but there are plenty of opportunities to think outside the box when it comes to choosing a playful destination.
Case in point: This colorful and creative retreat designed by Mimi & Hill, which puts an unused garage to work housing lounge furniture, arcade games, and more.
Take a Hint From Your Favorite Hangout
Madeline Harper Photography for Lisa Furtado Interiors
One of the (many) perks of an at-home game room is not having to leave the house the next time you want to crack open a beer and shoot some pool. To ensure your space is a worthy substitution for the real deal, take a hint from your favorite local hangout when designing your game room.
Here, designer Lisa Furtado incorporated a lounge-inspired bartop (complete with stools!) to add function and ambiance to the moody game space.
Prioritize Form and Function
Workstead
Short on space? No sweat! You can still prioritize fun with a bit of extra creativity by incorporating moments of play in your everyday spaces.
In this charming home by the Workstead design team, that meant incorporating a clever net across the dining room table so it could function as a ping pong court until dinnertime. Genius!
Choose Round Over Square
Rebecca McAlpin Photography for Megan Gorelick Interiors
There’s a reason why almost all game tables are round; the shape facilitates conversation and teamwork better, as well as making it easier to reach for pieces, deal cards, and generally be your most competitive self.
And don’t forget seating! Roomy seats—like these barrel armchairs in a project by Megan Gorelick Interiors—will ensure all your guests are comfortable and have the energy for a showdown.
Add Some Ambiance With Lighting
Catherine Nguyen Photography for Demi Ryan Interiors
The perfect game room isn’t just a spot to spread out your poker chips—it’s a room with serious ambiance. One of the best ways to channel that attitude? With lighting. Look for opportunities to add an unexpected glow to your space, whether that means mini lamps on each poker table or a custom neon sign.
In this project by Demi Ryan Interiors, a marquee-style sign lights the way to a mini arcade just begging for some fun.
Keep Your Beverages Close
Nathan Schroder Photography for Stephanie Kraus Designs
A game room and a wet bar go hand-in-hand—we can’t explain it, they just do. If you have the space, consider outfitting your game room with a mini kitchen or countertop bar that can support all the fixings, from cocktail mixing to popcorn making.
This version from designer Stephanie Kraus even has a sink where the loser can tackle dish duty.
