The idea of a sports den or game room might seem outdated, but it’s just beginning to hit its stride. Various design trends and advancements in technology have brought us to a point where we can entertain ourselves from the comfort of our home. If you think of a sports den as a multipurpose entertainment hub—a place where friends and family can gather to binge movies, watch the big game, or simply unwind—it can become a functional and diverse aspect of any modern home.
Traditionally, a game room was thought of like a secret lair full of arcade games, posters, and memorabilia, but a dedicated space for family entertainment doesn't have to look like a downtown sports bar. Today, many game rooms are sleek, minimal, and modern. You don’t need to dedicate an entire room or basement to your sports den, either—you can use any unused space in your garage, spare bedroom, or even your back patio.
With a little creativity, you can easily transform your indoor space into the ultimate zone for sports, games, and activities. So, whether you’re rooting for your favorite team in this year's college basketball tournament or eagerly waiting for opening day at the ballpark, get your sports den ready for tip-off, first-pitch, or any other event with these designer-approved decorating tips.
Start with Modern Seating
It isn’t a complete sports den with comfortable seating. Cozy chairs with bright pops of color embody everything that makes a game room so inviting and fun. Comfy lounge chairs or sectional sofas are great options for an audience to sit back and watch the action until it’s their turn to play. They're also great spots to catch a flick, play a video game, check the score, or simply take a break with a book or some board games.
If you’re craving the nostalgia of a classic sports den, modern bar stools can also be a stylish addition for guests to observe and enjoy the atmosphere. They don’t take up much space and they’re easy to jump off when you need to celebrate a game-winning play.
It can go beyond seating, as well. Table sets can also change the dynamic of your space. If you want to be efficient, invest in multi-purpose furniture pieces that will add versatility to your room. For example, maybe a ping pong table can double as a dining table so you can make the most of your recreational space.
Light it Up
Proper lighting plays an integral role in the design of any space, but it’s even more important in a game room. An evenly lit playing surface looks stylish, but it also gives everyone a level playing field once the games begin. Lighting comes in different shapes and sizes that can add visual interest to your sports den without detracting from the refined elegance of your home.
If you’re a fan of LED lights, you can instantly improve the aesthetic of any game room and incorporate a tasteful element into your design. You can even opt for customizable lighting so you can change the color to correspond with your favorite team’s colors on game day.
Go with Game Tables
It’s no surprise here, the most important element of any game room has to be the games! One of the most popular game tables featured in a sports den is a pool table. This is one of the largest game tables around (typically eight or nine feet long), so it is a space commitment. You'll need to be sure you have a level surface for accurate gameplay, and you’ll need to carve enough room around each side of the pool table so players can fully draw their cue sticks back without poking out any eyes or damaging surrounding walls or furniture.
If space is a concern, you can always integrate smaller game tables that won’t cover as much surface area. Try investing in a poker table, air hockey table, shuffleboard table, foosball table, or even a pinball machine or dartboard.
Limit Your Theme
Contrary to popular belief, a sports den doesn’t need an over-the-top design. Many people think a sports den needs a specific theme to match your favorite sports team, but this isn’t always the case. From a décor perspective, it’s better to keep a neutral, broader design. You don’t want your home to resemble a party theme, it should be classy and comfortable.
It’s easy to bypass how a game room will blend with the rest of your home, but when decorating common areas like a game room, try your best to incorporate a design that flows with the structure and layout of your house. This space should be purposeful without being a distraction from the rest of your space.
Combine it with a Study Room
If your sports den turns into a designated sanctuary for your kids, create a space that encourages them to study and focus on their schoolwork. Combining interactive and educational elements provides a quiet place for kids to read and do homework, and allows them to take a quick break in-between assignments.
If your children are still participating in remote learning, it’s a great way to create a makeshift classroom. With cozy seating and plenty of school supplies, your little ones will be able to engage in their studies for the duration of the school day.
You can even add a mini-fridge for mid-day snacks. Whether you’re playing games or hitting the books, it consumes a lot of energy. A built-in snack and beverage corner will ensure everyone can access their favorite food or drink whenever they need a pick-me-up.
Cater the Space to Your Hobbies
If your sports den caters more to the adults in the house, choose the leisure activity you enjoy the most. Dedicating your sports den to something you’re passionate about allows you to utilize the space more often.
If you like to feel part of the action during every game or match, add some gym equipment like a punching bag or a treadmill if space permits. You can get some exercise and pretend you're in the ring for a 12-round bout, or you can run the 400-meter relay and cross the finish like to take home the gold.
It is a sports den after all, who said you couldn’t play along?
Bonus: Establish an Entertainment Center
When it comes to any game room, surround sound is a must-have. The concept of surround sound has changed drastically over the last decade, and while some sound systems still require cables to connect full-size speakers, you can now connect your speakers wirelessly via Bluetooth. You can even find single-unit speakers that provide the same experience as an entire surround sound speaker set.
It's easy to change the ambiance of your sports den with a little music, but you can’t enjoy the game without a crystal-clear TV. When it comes to a game room, a mounted TV is a more modern approach. Placing a TV on a traditional stand will still look nice, but it looks less intentional and less refined compared to a wall-mounted TV. The best part about a new TV is that it’s surprisingly affordable. A high-quality TV set is one of the most affordable luxuries that can truly elevate your sports den. You can find a picture-worthy display and a large, theater-quality screen for well under $1,000.
And if you want a fully compatible game center, then you might be interested in a smart hub. Smart speakers and TVs with built-in voice assistants make it easy to control your entire game room. You can adjust lighting, turn down the volume, change the channel, and switch between gaming consoles all with a voice command. It's a highly efficient and sophisticated way to add an immense level of convenience to your sports den.
It’s Game Time
When you’re designing a sports den, remember to have fun. This is your chance to be the captain of your team. Make your own rules, follow your own playbook, and create a space you can enjoy season after season. Most of us haven’t been to a live sporting event in over a year, so it’s time to welcome the action and excitement of live sports to your home.
If you have questions or would like to learn more, it’s time to get your head in the game! Give us a call, browse our online catalog, or visit us in person to shop our entire collection of indoor furniture and game room accessories.