The rec room is a special place in the house. It’s where you can go to have a good time and relax. It’s a place for entertaining and even bringing out the kid in you. You can make the rec room into the kind of space you want it to be. If you love movies, you can create a home theater space. If you’re a sports fanatic, you can make your rec room completely about the sport or even the team of your choice. A rec room is versatile and can be personalized.
Before you start designing your rec room, though, you’ll want to determine how you plan to use it. The use may help you determine the best area of the house. For example, if you want a home theater, then you’re going to want a room you can make pitch black. A basement could be a great option or a room with few windows. You can also purchase darkening curtains to help create the space you need. Also consider the size of the room and how much space you’ll need for the activities you plan for this rec room. Will you need room to throw darts or play air hockey? Do you plan to offer refreshments in the room and need space for a bar? It’s important to map out what your desires are so you can plan accordingly.
When you know which room you’re going to use and what you plan to do with it, you can start the design process. There are so many things you can include in your room. If you want a sports bar theme, you can include a big screen TV, sports memorabilia on the walls, and even a poker or pool table. If you’re not looking for the sports bar theme, but more of an old fashioned game night room, consider adding shelving or a closet to place all of your board games (and pens and paper to keep score). Add other games, too, like a ping pong or Foosball table. If that’s not your kind of game, then consider gaming consoles, chairs, speakers, and anything else that will make your room perfect for your needs (such as a food station — maybe even a mini fridge end table for easy access to beverages).
The colors in your room can be bold or subdued, it’s really up to you. In a rec room, you can typically get away with more pops of colors, since it’s supposed to be a fun room. So, don’t be afraid to show off your style in this room.
Your lighting needs will depend on the theme. If you want natural light, make sure to choose sheer curtains or just leave the blinds open. You may even want to choose some fun lighting options that make for a cool focal point in the room. You can also go with mood lighting, provided with a dimmer switch.
When deciding on your flooring for your rec room, you’ll want to consider what the space is being used for. If it’s a space for reading, you may want something cozy, like wall to wall carpeting. You should choose a higher end cushion that provides for some spill protection because you’ll likely be eating and drinking in the room. The R2X stain and soil resistance system by ShawFloors can also help carpeting resist spillage. Luxury vinyl planking with a few area rugs for comfort also might be a good choice for a theater or family game room. If your rec room is in a basement you’ll want to consider whether the room gets damp. Rooms with a higher moisture content could benefit from vinyl flooring or porcelain tile. Laminate is also a plausible option for these rooms. If you have any questions about your flooring needs for your rec room make sure to stop in and talk to one of our sales reps, we’ll be happy to help you determine your best options.
When planning your room, don’t forget to consider what furniture you’ll want. If it’s a theater room, consider getting a really comfy couch or upgrading to theater seats. A comfy couch or recliner also can be nice for reading. If you want your space to be for playing board games or entertaining, be sure to include a table and chairs to seat your typical party size. If you’re going for the barroom feel, be sure to add a few bar stools for your guests.
Your rec room is exactly that, yours! You can create the space that will be both fun and relaxing for you to hang out in. It can be a space for you to get away from it all or a space to entertain. So, start brainstorming and consider what your room will look like.