Turn Your Basement Into a Fun Game Room without Breaking Your Budget

Proper lighting and acoustics are a must to enhance the video game experience. To contain the gaming activities in one area, it may make sense to convert part of your basement into a game room. Here are a few tips to do so.

Video game enthusiasts need their own space to play in your Philadelphia home. If you love video games, or live with someone who does, then you’re probably aware of the basics required for this fun-filled hobby. On top of one or more gaming systems, you probably own a large collection of individual games, controllers, and of course a television. Proper lighting and acoustics are a must to enhance the video game experience. To contain the gaming activities in one area, it may make sense to convert part of your basement into a game room. Here are a few tips on how to do it without breaking the budget.

Make Gaming the Focus

Budget-wise, you’ll probably want to spend the most on your game system and television. Certain televisions are more suited to video games than others, so you’ll want to do some research to find a good gaming television within your price range. Next, give thought to location of the system and the television. Make sure the television is installed at the correct height to avoid eye and neck strain. Often, this means purchasing a television stand or other piece of furniture to ensure your television and game system are placed correctly and located in proximity so it’s easy for them to be wired together.

Acoustics, Lighting, and Other Important Gaming Elements

Once the system is set, consider acoustics and lighting. Bad lighting and tinny sounds can ruin the overall experience of gaming. If your basement doesn’t already have good acoustics and lighting, this may be another area where you want to invest your game room budget dollars. Overhead lighting for a media room doesn’t have to be ornate. In fact, it can be something simple, yet functional, like recessed lights. Sound-wise, the range in speaker prices is quite large, but you’ll want to invest in something providing good sound throughout the entire game room. Placement of electrical outlets is another concern with video game equipment, along with a reliable Internet connection that reaches into the basement through wired or wireless access.

Stylish Comfort is Key

The game room may also function as a gathering place where you watch movies and socialize with friends. You’ll want everyone to be comfortable in this area of your basement. This means that seating is essential. Movable game chairs can be used for video game sessions, along with bean bag type seats for kids. Adults will want something nicer, and may wish to invest in a quality sofa that will hold up well and last for years.

Decorating Your Basement Gaming Area

Since the focus is on entertainment, minimal background decor can work well in a game room. To carry through the video game theme, hang posters featuring classic games or video game characters. Brightly colored wall paint can help turn a dark basement into a bright and fun game space. In addition to video games, you may also want to purchase other related items, based on your budget. Storage towers to house a game collection can help organize the space. Shop Philadelphia-area stores for a retro arcade game or Foosball table provide another outlet for fun and a break from the television.

A great game room is a place where everyone can relax and have fun. If you’re moving into a new Philadelphia home or have decided to finish your existing basement, you can still create a great gaming area on a budget.

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Jennifer A. DiGiovanni

Jennifer DiGiovanni is a freelance writer and a partner in a real estate investment firm focusing on residential properties. She previously worked in the financial services industry and has earned an MBA from Villanova University. Jennifer enjoys writing about real estate, home improvement and small business.