4 Rec Room Remodeling Ideas Inspired By Classic Arcades
Classic arcades are filled with a lot of memories, nostalgia, and fun games. Thanks to modern arcade releases and better affordability, homeowners can now have an arcade of their own. If you have a spare room in your home, then you have the option to convert the space to a rec room fully inspired by classic arcades.
Check out some of the remodeling ideas that add a modern touch while still giving you the opportunity to add classic arcade elements.
1. Expanded Wall and Floor Outlets
As you remodel a room, you want to ensure you have enough space to plug multiple arcade machines in. Classic arcade layouts are known for filling up walls with side-by-side machines. A remodeling company can provide your walls with extra outlet installations and ensure the room can handle excess power.
A modern upgrade to consider are smart outlets. With smart outlets, you can have complete control over your arcade machines and save power. Many classic arcades featured power switches on the side or the back of the machine. Instead of constantly reaching behind machines to shut them off or pull out plugs, smart plugs offer easy access.
Turn off power to the whole room with just a few taps on a smart device. You will save on energy costs when the room is not in use and do not need to move items around. If you want to have multiple rows of arcade machines, then consider floor outlet installations in the center of a room.
A floor outlet is ideal for tabletop-style arcade games and rec room options like air hockey.
2. In-Wall Speaker Systems
Arcades were known for their loud music that provided entertainment throughout all hours of the day. Transform a spare room into a fun sound system with speakers that go into the walls of the rec room. The speakers can connect to streaming services or music hardware like CD players.
The speakers offer sound throughout the whole room. Contractors can also install soundproof panels to help block out sound from other rooms in the home. Set up fun playlists to go with the arcade, or use the speakers to stream classic stations that play music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. You could also play songs from classic video game soundtracks.
If the speakers integrate with a paging system in your home, then you could easily connect to relay messages like dinner is ready or when someone needs to come to another room of the home.
3. Lighting Upgrades
Lighting was typically low in an arcade, with a lot of whimsical lights, neon lights, and black lights in various areas. Add some fun novelty lights to a rec room and create some of the same vibes. Instead of purchasing individual lights, find ways to make the most out of minimal socket installations.
Have contractors evenly spread light sockets throughout the room, and then use smart lights to control the lighting vibe. Smart lights with LED technology can often change hues and colors with voice commands or through app controls. Pair the lights with LED strip lights to add a festive touch.
Through controls, you can turn the lights on and off with ease and create a fun gaming atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.
4. Cube Organizers
The front counter of various arcades often featured a large organizer that held ticket prizes, snacks, and decor. Consider a cube organizer in a rec room. The organizer can showcase fun retro decor pieces, hold snacks, and also feature handheld gaming options.
For example, one cube could hold a handheld Nintendo DS and a collection of game cartridges. If someone is in the mood to play a game, they can easily grab the console and pick out their favorite game.
Plan out your remodel with our professionals at A Tech. We can transform spare rooms into completely new designs and help your arcade visions come to life.