The Rise Of The Home Games Room

Not so long ago, it might have seemed like the humble games room – once a staple in sprawling townhouses and castles alike – was being replaced by high-tech amenities like home cinemas or gyms. According to interior designers, however, home games rooms are firmly back in fashion, with high-end homeowners placing increasing emphasis on ‘analogue’ spaces designed for family and guests. We spoke to experts from Sims Hilditch and Portia Fox Design to find out more.

The Games Room Revival, Explained

From karaoke rooms to bowling alleys, you don’t have to look far to find properties with rather staggering amenities. Yet running parallel to this ultra-luxurious trend is a growing demand for something that could be considered a lot more retro: the games room.

‘There’s a growing appreciation for the nostalgic charm of traditional games and social activities – a refreshing shift away from an increasingly digital world,’ explains the Sims Hilditch team. ‘As a result, we’re seeing a stronger demand for games rooms, where teenagers and families can gather to play, unwind, and spend quality time together.’

‘We’re definitely seeing more and more people wanting to create spaces where they can do something that allows them to switch off – without just staring at a screen,’ agrees Portia Fox. ‘Games rooms provide a dedicated space to interact with friends and family.’

So, what’s the secret to designing the perfect home games room? Here’s what the experts have to say…

Sims Hilditch

How To Create A Games Room At Home

Focus On Storage

‘A successful games room should have ample storage to keep the space organised and clutter-free,’ advises the Sims Hilditch team. ‘Built-in cabinetry is a great way to store board games as well as snooker, darts and ping pong accessories, while keeping the design sleek.’

Just like in a stylish boot room, bench seats and banquettes are both great options for games rooms. ‘Benches with hidden storage are perfect for stashing away extra cushions, blankets, or even gaming equipment,’ the team adds.

Choose Practical Seating

Speaking of seating, it’s not just storage that you’ll need to consider: functional, hard-wearing furniture is vital in a sociable space like a games room.

‘Seating should be lightweight and practical if it needs to be moved frequently, while also providing ample comfort for longer playing sessions,’ reflects Portia. ‘In one of our designs, we included a banquette upholstered in a textured mustard-colored jacquard fabric, along with large armchairs featuring durable mustard mohair seats. Around the pool table, we used a leather-upholstered ottoman without a back, ensuring it could be moved easily without obstructing gameplay.’

Zone Your Space

If you’re designing a particularly large games room, zoning will allow it to be as multifunctional as possible. 

‘If you need to divide up a larger space while maintaining a sense of openness, consider using a Crittall screen,’ the Sims Hilditch team suggests. ‘Even just two side panels with an open middle can subtly define different areas, such as separating a games zone from a lounge area, while still allowing light to flow through.’

‘A cleverly-designed layout is essential to ensure that the room allows for easy movement and accommodates different activities comfortably,’ adds Portia. ‘Sufficient circulation space around games tables is necessary, ensuring that players have enough elbow room to hold cards or move freely.’

Investing in a few key pieces will create a space that’s both versatile and luxurious. ‘Games rooms often double as entertaining spaces, so incorporating a bar area can enhance the overall experience,’ Portia says. ‘Another particularly practical addition in one of our projects was an expandable games table, which remains compact on a daily basis but can be extended with additional leaves to accommodate larger groups when needed.’

Portia Fox Design (c) Richard Pickavence

Lighting Is Key

‘A well-designed games room requires zoned lighting to cater to different activities and moods,’ explains Portia. ‘Bright, focused lighting is essential above a pool table, while lower, ambient lighting helps create a more intimate atmosphere in other areas. Flexibility is crucial, with individually controlled lighting zones or preset scenes allowing for different times of the day and various entertaining scenarios. This ensures that the space can seamlessly transition from a lively game night to a relaxed social gathering with ease.’

‘If there are multiple lighting circuits, consider installing lighting controls to easily adjust brightness levels,’ the Sims Hilditch team adds. ‘A five-amp circuit can be particularly useful, allowing all lights in the room to be dimmed or adjusted simultaneously to shift between buzzy gatherings and more relaxed settings.’

Don’t Forget About Soundproofing

‘A room designed for fun and games will inevitably generate a lot of noise, so it’s essential to consider proper soundproofing – whether through insulated walls, specialised doors, deep-pile carpets, or heavy curtains,’ note the experts at Sims Hilditch. ‘Sound quality also plays a significant role in a good games room; most of our clients choose Sonos as the most practical, cost-effective, and user-friendly solution for music.’