If there’s one room in the house where you can afford to let your creativity run wild, it’s the home entertainment room. Done right, it can double as a cinematic sanctuary, a games night hub, and an esports gamer’s digital playground. If you really get it right, it can do all of this while looking effortlessly stylish!
As an interior designer, I see the best setups balancing form and function, pulling together luxe textures, moody lighting, and curated tech to create a space that serves a purpose and feels inviting. Want to know the tricks of the trade? Let’s go through room by room, taking the design from fun to fun and functional.
The Cinema Room
Back in the 90s, it was all about clunky recliners and plastic popcorn machines. If you’re going for that look then don’t let me stop you! But nowadays, there are options that are both chic and fun.
The most important thing is to get the colour scheme just right. You want to start with rich dark walls, navy, charcoal, or even oxblood red are all great options. Lighting is next and you want to layer it, think dimmable wall sconces and tucked away LED strips (you can pick these up and fit them for next to nothing). Pop some behind seating and shelves to create that subtle glow that has the feeling of a real cinema.
Seating is always a divider of people. Personally? I don’t go to the cinema for the seats. Give me soft, squidgy velvet or chenille modular seating, forget the cinema chairs. Being able to settle in for a weekend-long binge-watch of the latest series is essential, and you’ve got to have something comfortable to do it on.
For acoustics, think heavy drapes, fabric wall panels, or even sound-dampening paint. It all helps create that ‘real’ cinema experience. Then buy a whacking great big 4k screen.
Game Night Corners
Not every home has room for a giant pool table or retro arcade machines, but that doesn’t mean you can’t carve out a smaller entertainment space. A well-planned game night corner can still be a thing of beauty. Built-in banquettes around a table are space-saving, perfect for long board game sessions, and if you build them yourself (or use an Ikea hack) you can use them for storage too.
For lighting, keep it bright but adjustable. A central pendant light with a warm hue, paired with adjustable wall lights, lets you turn up the brightness if someone is struggling to see the board! A gallery wall (perhaps with framed score sheets?) can be a cute, cost-effective way to bring a bit of personality.
Digital Gaming Zones
More of us than ever are choosing to use digital means for almost all of our entertainment. Whether it’s playing board games online, tuning in for a session on Call of Duty, or playing casino games. All of these require one thing – a screen (and an internet connection).
This modern twist can be a super sleek way to incorporate a games room into your home. High-res screens, maybe multi-monitors, gaming mouse, slimline keyboard—it can all look very high-tech, very futuristic. If you’re keen to lean into this aesthetic, then it works brilliantly. Whether you’re playing video poker, digital roulette, or classic card games, these options bring all the energy of a night out into your own home, minus the dress code.
Sound, Storage, and Sensory Details
Regardless of how you use your entertainment space, consider the three S’s: sound, storage, and sensory. Sound is more about clarity than volume, so consider wall-mounted speakers or even in-ceiling ones. This declutters the space visually and can still give really excellent audio. As for storage, hide clutter in plain sight. Built-in units, floating consoles, and closed cabinetry are your best friends.
Then there’s the sensory layer. Scented candles or diffusers can transform the feel of the room (amber or wood-based scents are particularly grounding), and textiles too, think soft throws, heavy drapes. Want a bonus tip? Add a mini bar or snack station. A sleek bar cart or built-in shelf with drinks and treats elevates the whole experience.