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You’ve probably heard of a rec room, often known as a “man cave” (although they don’t only appeal to men!). A rec room is a space designed for relaxation, entertainment, and the pursuit of hobbies. They can be private retreats to unwind, social spaces for bonding with friends and family, or even both. Rooms like garages, basements, and attics are often converted into rec rooms, and this can be an exciting project. If converting one of your rooms into a rec room sounds fulfilling, there are a few factors to consider.
Choosing the furniture
Furniture is perhaps the most vital component of any room. The specific furniture you’ll need will depend on the functions you want your rec room to provide. As rec rooms are spaces for hobbies, this will vary based on your (or your family member’s) interests. For example, a workout bench could be essential to a fitness enthusiast, whereas someone who loves to host parties may prefer a bar area. In most cases, it can be a good idea to make the room versatile to accommodate various activities.
Comfortable seating is essential for any rec room. Consider options like recliners, sofas, bean bags, bar stools, or even built-in seating. When it comes to materials, leather is usually a great choice for its comfort and durability — and can be very cost-effective by using upcycling methods. Repairing torn leather couches is pretty easy with the right products. The exact process may vary depending on the size of the tear, although the right adhesive can deal with anything. This is reassuring if you have kids (including adult kids!) who might cause damage.
Another furniture essential is some kind of surface. Not only do you most likely need somewhere to put snacks and drinks, but other hobbies and activities may need specialized desks or tables. This might be a snooker, foosball, or ping pong table if you’re into sports.
If you’re a board gamer or a cards player, you’ll need something suited to these. Many choose to design a rec room as a space for hobbies that take up a lot of space, like arts and crafts, making model figurines, or playing games like Warhammer — a specialized hobby table can be a great idea in these cases.
Planning an entertainment station
One of the most popular uses of a rec room is as a home cinema or a space to watch sports games. A television (or even a projector screen) is often the focal point of a rec room, and can be the centerpiece around which the rest of the space is organized.
Video gaming is another extremely popular hobby, and having a games console in the rec room can stop arguments over who gets to use the TV in the lounge or other rooms of the house! Something else to consider is a sound system — you may also want to explore soundproofing, depending on how close the room is to other parts of the house and to neighbors.
With a little creativity and ingenuity, you can combine storage into your entertainment station. Although physical media has become less popular in recent years, TV and media storage solutions can still be attractive and functional features. This is especially true if you or your spouse enjoys displaying their collection of DVDs, books, records, or any other items.
Decorating the space
Although a rec room is primarily a functional space, decor is actually vital. One of the key reasons for the popularity of the “man cave” is believed to be that it can function as a small space where men can decorate to their tastes away from the influence of their partners. Gender aside, a rec room can be a great space for someone to personalize to their liking and not their spouse’s or other family members’. Posters and memorabilia relating to hobbies are popular decor choices for rec rooms, and these will vary depending on the inhabitant’s particular interests.
Not only is lighting an important practical consideration, but it can also be used to enhance a space and create a particular mood or ambiance. Layered lighting is a staple of stylish interior design — for example, picture a floor lamp illuminating a reading nook, a retro lava lamp in another corner, and a neon sign above a bar. Dimmable lighting is also a popular choice, especially if you need different levels of light for different activities.
The key factor
By considering these key aspects, you can create the perfect space for relaxation and entertainment in your home. The most important factor is personalization — in every decision, consider the personalities and interests of who will be using the space. A well-designed rec room can be a retreat that provides a break for all the family — even if that means a break from each other!
