8 Design Ideas For Your New Rec Room

Finding a good use for that cleared out spare room or basement is hard to agree on, especially as a family let alone as a couple. Everyone, if thinking selfishly, will want something different from this unused space but settling on a compromise that benefits everyone tends to be the best option. Rec rooms, or recreation rooms, are the perfect choice for both cozy nights in watching a movie on your home theater system or having guests over to make great use of your new home bar.

They also serve as a great space to shut the kids away with their friends when they want to shout at people on the other side of the world playing Fortnite. Whatever your reasons for choosing your new rec room, it can sometimes be difficult to find inspiration for décor. We’ve sourced some great ideas for you to peruse, so enjoy our 10 design ideas for your rec room.

Home Gym

The pandemic has seen many of us becoming slightly more sedentary than we would like. Luckily this has made some of us take our exercise more seriously. Whether it’s just for yourself, you and your partner, or your entire family, you can convert that spare room into a home gym, complete with workout equipment such as free weights, cycling and rowing machines, and treadmills, as well as refreshments and a rest area. Don’t forget to throw in a TV or radio to keep yourself entertained during those longer workouts. You could even convert a portion of the room into a space for wellness practices such as meditation and yoga. Consider light colors and some wall length mirrors to keep an eye on your progress and make the room appear more spacious.

Cinema

A home theater sounds like the sort of thing you’d only find in a celebrity mansion on MTV Cribs, but it’s not as out of reach as you’d think, especially nowadays. TVs are larger, chairs are comfier, and access to smart systems such as lighting and sound can help to set the mood of your cozy and atmospheric new cinema room. 

Consider some smart LED strip lights for both the floors and the ceiling to really replicate that movie theater feel. Seating is evidently going to be another important part to this room. With prolonged sessions sitting down, you’ll want to make sure you and your guests are comfortable. Invest in some luscious recliners complete with arm rests and perhaps even side tables for drinks and snacks. Complete the whole scene with your own popcorn machine for that authentic scent.

Sports Room

Is everyone in your household a bit of a sports nut? Or is everyone into sports other than you? Whether you’re committed to building a shrine to your family’s team or favorite sport or looking for somewhere to send your partner and kids during those long seasons, converting your rec room into a dedicated sports bar or viewing space might be a great choice. Perhaps you’re looking to have friends over for those big games. Get some large sofas, a big TV, and mini fridges to keep drinks cold and close at hand so nobody misses a play. For half-time, consider a foosball or pool table to further stoke the competitive spirit. For décor, you could even choose the theme for your team including wall and furniture color and even showcase your memorabilia and merchandise. 

Bar

If you’re known for inviting people over in the evenings for drinks, whether they’re friends, family, or colleagues, then building your own bar could be the choice for you. If you’re looking for that accurate feel of a bar without the added costs of expensive drink choices, start looking at some essential items like stools, counters and bar surfaces, and drinks cabinets. Get the vibe right with great lighting or even a greatneon sign from echoneon.com. You can even customize your neon signs to give your new bar a name. Finish everything off with a juke box, TV, or pool table depending on the feel you’re going for and you’re done!

Games Room

Whether it’s video games or tabletop games, having a dedicated room for you and your family and friends to gather around and have some well-earned downtime is a great idea. You could even build the room to suit both needs—part of the room with a TV and games consoles for the kids on one end, and on the other, throw in some card and pool tables for those more mature past times. 

If you’re going for a classic, rustic look consider some wooden beams and décor, with some retro, subdued lighting to encourage a relaxed feel. If you’re going for a modern, cool, and slick style, you’ll want to go for some subtle, minimalist options complete with some stand-out accent furniture or lighting.

Kids Room

Having a den is every kid’s dream. Somewhere to bring your friends away from annoying parents was something most of us strived for, so why not present that option to your kids? You probably still won’t be seen as cool, but it will at least help to keep them out of your hair for a bit. If your children are younger, consider smaller furniture, creative spaces that are easy to clean and places for them to showcase their artistic work. 

Giving them a place to flex their imagination is healthy for the mind. For older kids, give them some input into what they’re looking for. Places to just hang out with friends, chat, and play some video games are ideal for teens. Don’t forget to give the room plenty of space for seating and for the inevitably displaced pillows and mattresses for sleepovers.

Indoor Swimming Pool

Similarly with having a home gym, if you have the room, why not consider an indoor swimming pool? Swimming is one of the best forms of cardio exercise, and a pool also provides you with a great space to relax alone or with friends. Throw in some waterproof sofas and chairs, and even a hot tub or sauna if you’re wanting to add an extra air of luxury to the room. Don’t forget to create a private area for people to change and shower before and after swimming, especially if you’re expecting to use this area to entertain guests. 

Multi-Purpose Rec Room

Of course, some of these options are inherently multi-purpose. But sometimes you just can’t agree on an overall use of your rec room. So, if you do have the space, why not contemplate separating the room into a place that served multiple purposes? Cinemas, gyms, and bars can all fit together if you’re smart about how you design the place. 

There are some ways in which you could even hide certain elements of the room to switch the feel and atmosphere on the fly. If you’re going for a multi-purpose room, make sure furniture can be moved and hidden if needed. A cinema room can also double as a games room too. The possibilities are endless, and the options only stop with the limits of your imagination and ingenuity. Ultimately, spend plenty of time figuring out the design and layout of your room as this isn’t a decision to take lightly.