With Super Bowl XLV fast approaching, it’s time to make sure your game room décor is just as exciting as the play on the field! What could be better than sitting on new bar stools, popcorn and beer on the pub table, and a vintage dart board waiting for half-time?
Let’s face it, though: most game rooms consist of the Big TV, an old couch, some pennants from your favourite team, and a mash-up of collectibles dimly lit by a couple of old bar lamps. It’s time to turn your junk décor into funk décor!
The first step in any redecorating project is to edit what you have already. Take a hard look at every piece of furniture, every picture or poster, and every dust-collecting piece of memorabilia. What still makes you smile every time you look at it? What adds to your anxiety about clutter and cleaning? If you could keep 5 items in the room, what would they be? If you have items that have sentimental value to you, but really aren’t practical to keep, take a picture of them. Turn the pictures into a scrapbook or make 8×10 prints and line the insides of cupboards, closets, etc with them. Make them into a slide show for your screensaver for your computer or Apple TV. Transfer the prints onto fabric and make throw pillows for the couch.
Pull everything out of the room, and start thinking of paint colours. If you already had it painted in Green Bay green, was it too overwhelming? Too dark and dreary? Too light or stark white? Start looking at the accent colours on the 5 items you chose to keep. What neutral colour is best for a backdrop to highlight your favourite pieces? Red and white paired together are crisp and clean; just think of a certain cola. Red and tan together are more soothing and antique looking; think retro sports jerseys from days gone by. And by all means, don’t be afraid to use your favourite team’s colour on the wall – just perhaps keep the Ravens’ retro purple on one wall only.
Make sure the furniture you put in the room is in good shape, clean, and comfortable. Inexpensive, washable slipcovers are a good option if the coach has some life still left in it, but the fabric is less than flattering to your décor scheme. All your seating shouldn’t be centred around the TV either; having a pub table and bar stools off in one corner creates a separate conversation area.
Think of which functions are going on in the room. Not what you think should go on, but really what happens on a weekly basis in that room. Is it used mainly by adults -does it need a complete bar set up with accessories and a bar fridge? A poker table? A billiard table complete with the tiffany lamp hanging over it? Or does it need to be more kid friendly – storage for board games, a clear path to the dart board, and a place for the Rock Band drum set?
Don’t forget about proper lighting, as well. Many game rooms are in the basement with not a lot of natural light. Hang lights over your bar area, over the pub table, and use accent lamps as well; there are many novelty lamps available to support your favourite team or soda brand. Use retro neon clocks or signs. Use wall-mounted picture accent lights to spotlight your prized jersey. Hang a vintage advertising mirror on the wall. Chrome bar stools will help to reflect light as well.
Remember that less can be more when it comes to décor. You may love your team, but you don’t need to suffocate that love by having every mug, every poster, and every hat from the team on display. Choose a few favourite and substantial pieces that you want to showcase, and decorate with complimentary items. If you’re a Fighting Irish fan, maybe accent with Guinness beer memorabilia. NY Giants jerseys work with Pepsi colours. Atlanta Falcons and Coke décor go hand in hand, and not just because of their hometown!
So go ahead and show your team colours. Celebrate the wins and the losses in your comfortable, stylish new room. Remember, the playing season may come and go, but a well designed games room is here to stay.
write by Joshua Underwood