Basement 101: Game Room

Remodeling your basement into the ultimate gamer's hideout is a great way for gaming enthusiasts to enjoy the basement besides storing old clothes. But before you break out the Xbox or the old Pacman video game, first consider these design theme options when designing the perfect basement game room.

$5,000 and up

These games are some of the most expensive, but well loved games in any game room. Pool tables, classic arcade games and jukeboxes are all in the $5,000 ballpark. The Pinball Company has a wide selection of unique games for the perfect centerpiece to any game room paradise.

Construct 101 Tip: Before you decide on your favorite pool table, air hockey or classic arcade sit-down, make certain you get the dimensions of the item and be sure you have enough room to make it work.

$500 and up

When your basement game room budget is a little tighter than being able to afford that old centipede game, you can still buy some really fun games for around $500. Dart boards, poker tables and slot machines are all interesting game room additions that will be played often.

Construct 101 Tip: Slot machines are fun, but only when a prize is involved. If you're going to go for the one arm bandits, consider installing a token machine as well, creating the perfect prize for lucky winners.

$50 and up

Cheaper items that cost less than $50 can still be a blast in the basement game room. Table top games like checkers, chess and backgammon are all cheap, fun and easy to set up in a permanent form on any card table or bar top.

Construct 101 Tip: Buy a few tubes of craft paint in your favorite colors and create your own board game on a cheap snug fitting tablecloth. Once you're done playing a round of chess, fold up the tablecloth and break out the checkers tablecloth.

Decorating

Decorating a game room can be a fun and challenging adventure. Items like a soda machine refrigerator or popcorn machine add the perfect place to recharge your batteries while you cool down with a cold one between turns at air hockey and still add a functional, yet stylish touch.

Construct 101 Tip: While food and drinks are great for you, they can be a disaster to electronic gaming equipment. When designing your basement game room, keep in mind that you need to keep all food and drink machines far enough away from sensitive electronic equipment.