If you’re looking for a fun family activity that brings everyone together and is easy to plan, a family game night is the perfect solution. It’s great for bonding, gets some healthy competition going, and is a fantastic alternative to screens. But how do you make sure to get the most out of it?
Whether you have a dedicated room for a game night, or are using one of your living spaces, comfort and functionality are key. That way you can create a space that encourages connection and fun! With that in mind, let’s jump into our top tips for designing the perfect space for your family game night.
Flooring options for durability and style
The first thing you’re going to want to consider when designing your game space is the flooring – especially if you’re creating a dedicated space. You’ll want to select an option that’s durable, suitable for a family setting, yet still stylish.
Things like ping-pong, snooker, and darts can certainly put your flooring to work and even a quiet board game night can result in spills, so it’s good to plan ahead. Hybrid floors are ideal for this kind of space, as they offer scratch resistance and are easy to clean, making them perfect for games rooms. They also come in a range of colours to blend in seamlessly with your overall design.
Incorporating rugs for warmth and comfort
To make the space quiet and inviting, try adding a rug to your space. They’re great for levelling up the cosiness, and can easily be moved out of the way for particularly messy activities.
In terms of placement, rugs are best used where kids are likely to want to sit on the floor, in areas that you’d like to highlight, and in spaces where you want a warmer place to put your feet.
They’re also a fantastic way to add a pop of colour to your space, making a colourful backdrop for games and activities. You can even incorporate rugs that follow a particular gaming theme, like pixel art for a retro vibe, or a fantasy map for world building.
Selecting the right furniture for comfort and function
Once you’ve got your floors sorted, it’s time to build up your design. The furniture you choose for this space can greatly enhance your game night experience, so it’s important to get it right.
Plush armchairs are the ideal seating choice, as they’re both comfortable and easy to move around. You’ll also want to ensure that you choose a sturdy coffee table for board games to rest on. In terms of smaller items, pouffes work well as they can often double as storage. For bigger items, or if you have a large collection of games, add a cabinet or bookshelf to store them away when not in use.
The role of lighting in setting the mood
The lighting in a space can have a significant impact on the way it feels. Bright natural light for example creates a fresh ambience that’s perfect for daytime game sessions. If you’re mostly gaming in the evening, it’s a good idea to install a pendant light above your gaming space to ensure you can see what you’re doing.
Softer options—such as floor lamps and string lights—on the other hand, build a warm and inviting environment. In terms of ceiling lighting, adding a dimmer switch means you can easily scale brightness up and down based on your needs.
Organising the perfect game night setup
The perfect game night setup will centre on what kind of games you’re playing, so think about what the space will be used for. Does your family love a good board game? In that case, a table with comfortable seating is key to getting the most out of the space. If your games involve getting a bit more animated, you’ll want seating that’s easily movable, with lots of space left for play.
If you have the room, consider dividing the space into zones for different activities. This is especially important if you have games like darts, snooker, or ping pong that could be a hazard for those not participating.
Adding a snacking space (or perhaps even a kitchenette) is also a great idea, as it means that food mess won’t find itself all over the room. Plus, it can be a great way to keep conversations flowing during a game-break. Tie this into the overall gaming theme, using bright colours, wall art featuring your favourite characters, or collectible items and custom signs.
Making memories in your cosy game night space
Having the whole family together for a game night is a great way to make precious memories. These design tips will help you do that, but it’s also important to focus on selecting elements that make the room feel uniquely yours. After all, the best way to create a space that’s comfortable and inviting is to have it reflect you and your family.
Putting the effort in to get your space just right will help you create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds, so it really is worth it. You’ll be happier in the space and get to comfortably enjoy time with your family, which, at the end of the day, is what’s most important.