Thankfully, fun never goes out of style
In this day of digital technology, game rooms may seem a bit retro and out of date. Thankfully, having fun is never out of style. Today more than ever, people are choosing to design rooms for this purpose, or redesigning areas of the home as a place to play games.
From an early age and then into adulthood, many learn the rules and the finer points of gamesmanship and sportsmanship by playing beginners games such as Candy Land, Parcheesi and Monopoly, helping develop the sharklike tactics needed to play Poker and Blackjack.
You may think you do not have space, but almost any area can accommodate a square table and four chairs (of course, you need an additional minimum of 3 feet all around it). Game rooms can be installed in a child's former bedroom, reducing the angst of an empty nest, in a converted garage, or simply in the corner of an underutilized living room.
The vision of dark game rooms filled with smoke and dim lighting are an image out the movies. Adequate task lighting is essential for playing card or board games. Prolonged time at the table can be quite taxing on players' eyes. Your source of light should come from many sources and locations for the best lighting. During the daytime, even some natural light can be most welcome at a game table.
Selecting the right furniture is paramount. Most game tables are a 42 inches and square in shape, and this facilitates games for four. Games where more than four people play will require a larger table, and a circular shape is recommended for equal access to the table from all players. The only caution to be had is that it can be challenging to reach the center of a larger round table.
Comfortable chairs are a must for playing table games. As important as selecting office chairs that offer support, chairs that are ergonomically designed for playing games are available. Different from dining chairs, these chairs should offer proper lumbar support and sometimes small upholstered arms for support during long games.
Wall-to-wall carpeting is the way to go when transforming an entire room to a game room, but using an area rug is also perfectly fine. This helps deaden the sound that may come from boisterous players and the frequent moving of chairs.
A beverage and snack counter can be a welcoming amenity to offer your friends and family. If a built-in counter is not possible, then figure you will need space to allow for some standing trays to accommodate for an ice bucket, glasses and some dishes with snacks for your players. Make sure to provide adequate area for score cards or, if your space allows, a chalkboard for keeping score.
The decor of your game room can and should reflect the overall design or flavor of your existing home. Inspiration can come from any source, even your favorite restaurant or your special hangout.
Game rooms can have a theme or not. It is entirely up to your decorating whim. Play on!
• Joseph Pubillones is the owner of Joseph Pubillones Interiors, an award-winning interior design firm based in Palm Beach, Florida.
© 2016, Creators Syndicate