Houston Chronicle Sunday

Reflect overall design of home in game room

- By Joseph Pubillones

In this day of digital technology, game rooms may seem a bit retro and out of date.

Thankfully, having fun is never out of style, and today more than ever, people are choosing to design rooms for this purpose, or redesignin­g areas of the home as a place to play games.

From an early age and then into adulthood, many learn the rules and the finer points of gamesmansh­ip and sportsmans­hip by playing beginners games such as Candy Land, Parcheesi and Monopoly to the shark-like tactics needed to play Poker and Blackjack.

You may think you do not have space, but almost any area can accommodat­e a square table and four chairs, of course you need an additional minimum of 3 feet all around it. Game rooms can be installed in a child’s former bedroom, in a converted garage, or simply in the corner of an under-utilized living room.

The vision of dark game rooms filled with smoke and dim lighting are an image out the movies.

Adequate task lighting is essential for playing card or board games. Prolonged time at the table can be quite taxing on players’ eyes.

Your source of light should come from many sources and locations for the best lighting. During the daytime, even some natural light can be most welcome at a game table.

Selecting the right furniture is paramount. Most game tables are a 42 inches and square in shape, and this facilitate­s games for four people. Games where more than four people play will require a larger table, and a circular shape is recommende­d for equal access to the table from all players. The only caution to be had is that it can be challengin­g to reach the center of a larger round table.

Comfortabl­e chairs are a must for playing table games. As important as selecting office chairs that offer support, chairs that are ergonomica­lly designed for playing games are available. Different than dining chairs, these chairs should offer proper lumbar support and sometimes small upholstere­d arms for support during long games.

Wall-to-wall carpets are the way to go when trans- forming an entire room to a game room, but using an area rug is also perfectly fine. This helps deaden the sound that may come from boisterous players.

A beverage and snack counter can be welcoming amenity to offer to your friends and family. If a built-in counter is not possible, then figure that you will need space to allow for some standing trays to accommodat­e for an ice bucket, glasses, and some dishes with snacks for your players. Make sure to provide adequate area for score cards or if your space allows a chalkboard for keeping score.

The decor of your game room can and should reflect the overall design or flavor of your existing home. Inspiratio­n can come from any source, even your favorite restaurant or your special hangout. Game rooms can have a theme or not. It is entirely up to your decorating taste.

 ?? Creators Syndicate photo ?? Game rooms can have a theme or not. It is entirely up to your decorating taste.
Creators Syndicate photo Game rooms can have a theme or not. It is entirely up to your decorating taste.

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