Games rooms: fun for the whole family

Games rooms can be great areas to bond with families and friends. With all your social requirements in one area, people can come together for a fun day or night in.

If you're thinking about creating your own games room, the area must be big to accommodate a variety of options. "Some builders don't enquire about what dimensions you need for the room," says Bronwyn from Tablesport.

"Pretty much every games room has a pool table in it and the seven foot (2100mm) version is the most common size, so you need a room that's at least 4.9m by 3.8m to fit it in," Bronwyn says. 

Tabletop sports for friendly family fun

Other popular games for the room include air hockey and soccer tables. "Darts are just about compulsory as well," Bronwyn says.

"In just about every games room we've helped to build there's a bar," Bronwyn says. "I think it's because we think we play better when we drink. There's always a TV in the room as well."

Lighting fixtures that complement games rooms

To create a warm atmosphere, try working with the lighting. "People often want the canopy over their pool table, which usually comes with fluorescent bars in pubs. We offer tri-phosphorous lighting, which changes hues that then bounce off the ceilings and walls to create a warm ambience."

With great games and comfortable lighting, a games room can be the drawcard of the home. This has become increasingly important with the trend towards larger homes and less space for people's yards, as it provides an area where families can interact. "It beats everyone sitting in front of the television without talking to each other," Bronwyn says.

Games rooms can also be a way to keep teenagers at home and having fun with their friends. "We find lots of first home buyers are getting games rooms, right through to parents with teens who want to keep an eye on them at home."

Contact a building contractor in your area today to find out how you can choose from a variety of games rooms for your home: