Ideas for Garage Conversions to Games Room

Electronic Games Room

• The first step in setting up an electronics or video games room in your garage is checking that you have sufficient power wattage and outlet. Garages do not always have the same electrical power as a home and you may need to hire an electrician to increase the power supply safely. You also need to ensure that your garage is adequately water-proofed so that your electronic games are not damaged. Some options for an electronic games room include purchasing old-fashioned stand-up arcade games or electronic pinball machines. You can also mount a large-screen television on the garage wall and set up multiple gaming systems. Set up large speakers for surround sound. Purchase bean bags or several comfortable chairs to put around the television. You may also purchase a cabinet or build shelves on the garage wall for storing games.

Table-Top Games Room

• Whether you enjoy traditional board games such as Monopoly or Scrabble, card games, role-playing games or war games, setting up the garage as a games room can give you plenty of storage places for all the bits and pieces. Build shelves on the garage wall that are wide and deep enough to store the games you play the most often. If you play war games or table-top games, create compartments for storing miniatures and terrain. Set up an area of the garage as a work-bench for painting the pieces that you need. You can either purchase a table or custom-make one that fits your gaming style. These games often take hours to play, so consider buying a refrigerator or small bar for snacks.

Sports Games Room

• A garage can make an excellent sports games room as it can be converted so that there is nothing breakable in the garage. Install a peg board for hanging sporting equipment and cover your garage walls with sport-themed wallpaper.You can set up a basketball hoop on the outside of the garage, create a putting range in the garage or even hang a net for a semi-indoor volleyball game. If you incline more toward gymnastics or wrestling, set up an area of the garage with mats in a water-proof area. Many lawn games can also be converted to play in your garage.

Children's Games Room

• A garage can also make an excellent children's games room that can change AS your child grows. Paint one wall with chalkboard paint so that your child can draw or play games like Tic-Tac-Toe or Hangman. Paint a hopscotch grid on the floor. Let your child paint another wall or section of the wall using a variety of colors to create a mural. Install shelves and bins that are at your child's height. Divide the garage into areas for different types of games. One area can be set aside for blocks and building materials, another area can be set up for "house," an area can be available for ball-related games and another area can be for puzzles and board games. Place bins in each area so your child can easily store games and clean up quickly when done playing.