5 must-have additions to your games room in 2025

5 must-have additions to your games room in 2025

In recent years, games rooms have become more popular than ever and are now seen as a great addition to any home. The possibilities are endless, and each space can be designed to be fun, stylish and practical.

Whether you already have a games room at home and are looking for ways to upgrade it and take it to the next level or are considering starting a new project and making a new games room with the space you have, here are five must-have additions everyone should consider for their games room in 2025.

Why are game rooms more popular than ever?

Games rooms are popular for many reasons, but the number one reason is that they are fun. Having a space at home to relax and unwind is a great way to bond with friends and relatives.

Games rooms allow people to come together in a fun and unique way, and they can create unforgettable experiences and, hopefully, memories that will last a lifetime.

When it comes to designing your own private space for you and your guests, you can let your imagination run wild. Some people prefer a modern or quirky look and feel, whereas others prefer a more traditional or retro/old-school theme. Once you have decided upon a theme, decorating and filling your games room with furniture and accessories will be much easier. Adorn your walls with framed hockey jerseys or fill shelves with a collection of Manga and Anime figures – it’s your choice!

You can use your room as a hangout spot whenever you need to chill out and escape the stresses of everyday life, and if the room is big enough, it can be used for parties, game nights and other special occasions during the holidays.

In addition to filling your games room with entertainment activities, you can also use them to exercise and stay fit.

Well-designed, fully functional games rooms have even been known to increase the value of the home as they are seen as attractive features for prospective buyers.

If you are keen on reducing your carbon footprint and the average cost of your electricity bills, then you may also want to consider installing solar panels at home to help power any new appliances you decide to add to your new games room and can also help add value to your property.

People who like to game online can also go green by choosing eco-friendly gaming products, such as ocean-recovered/recycled plastic PC mice.

You can also now find eco-friendly games made using raw materials like cardboard, paper and FSC-certified wood instead of harmful plastics. Plus, there are many other green/sustainable gaming products out there.

You might also want to improve your room’s insulation to keep the heat in and the cold out, and remember to do simple things like switching off devices and appliances when they aren’t being used in your games room.

5 must-have additions to your games room in 2025

Anyone who is looking to take their games room at home to the next level may want to invest in one or more of these must-have additions. These top suggestions can help create a better atmosphere and make your space more enjoyable to relax in.

Five must-have additions to consider for your games room are the following:

  1. Smart TV – perhaps consider getting a smart TV if you haven’t already, or if you already have one, go for a bigger, newer Smart TV. They are excellent for playing free slot games without downloading or registration, watching TV shows and movies on major streaming platforms like Netflix and Prime and taking in live sporting events, musical concerts and so much more.
  2. Furniture – adding the right kind of furniture to your games room will boost comfort for you and your guests and provide a more organised layout so you can get the most out of your space. You might also want to investigate getting a corner sofa, snuggle chair, pouffes or footstools, depending on how much space you have. Again, if you are a PC or console gamer, bucket/gaming chairs are a great idea.
  3. Ambient lighting – there are so many amazing home lighting systems on the market today that can really change the ambience of a room. You can incorporate simple and affordable LED strips, lamps and neon lights or more sophisticated and slightly pricier smartphone-controlled lighting systems.
  4. Games – the most important feature of a games room is the types of games. If you and your guests aren’t console or PC gamers, then you might like to try adding a selection of board games, card games, a bowling lane, pool/billiards table, dart board, shuffleboard, dominoes, air hockey, Jenga, flip cup, mini golf or table football games.
  5. Bar – if you plan on inviting guests around for an evening, you may want to consider adding a small bar area where you can prepare food and drinks. You don’t necessarily need a sink with running water, but adding them would definitely take your games room to the next level.

Final thoughts

When adding the final touches to your games room, you also want to think about how to decorate it, but also consider how much everything is going to cost.

Try to set a reasonable spending budget based on how much disposable income you’re prepared to spend to make it the best games room ever before buying anything.

You might also want to ask your friends or relatives for their input. When it comes to fitting lighting fixtures, sound systems or additional plug sockets for any devices you plan on adding to your games room at home, it may also be a good idea to get some help from either those same people or the professionals.

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How to make the most of your weekend away

How to make the most out of your weekend away

A weekend away is your chance to relax, explore and enjoy a new destination. Whether it’s a staycation or an international trip, there are plenty of ways you can save money. Try to get the most bang for your buck so you can treat yourself to a few luxuries too.

As the end of the year approaches, many people are looking to use up the rest of their annual leave. Enjoy an autumnal holiday before the festive season arrives and take some time for you. Here are a few ways you make the most of your weekend away.

Person cycling on an autumn day

Book in the shoulder season

Summer and Christmas are the most expensive times of year to go on holiday. Try to avoid bank holidays and school breaks if you can and go for the off-peak season instead. You can save a considerable amount of money by being a little flexible with your booking. Try to book as far in advance as possible so you can secure the days off work and get it in the diary.

Have an adventurous day out

For an action-packed and thrilling day, consider planning an adventure with friends or family. One exciting option is attending an airsoft event. Airsoft is a team-based sport that simulates military combat scenarios with realistic gameplay. It encourages physical activity, teamwork and strategic thinking, making it an ideal adventure for all ages.

At an airsoft event, you can experience the thrill of battle, develop tactical skills, and enjoy the camaraderie of playing with others. Many venues offer various game modes and environments, ensuring a unique and memorable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the sport, an airsoft event can be a fun and exhilarating way to spend a day.

London Underground train in a station

Use local transit

Taxis can be very expensive in tourist areas. Use the local public transport system to get around and save a lot of money in the process. You could use the underground or public bus system to get across a city or a new town. The local transit is often an experience, and it’s a great way to emerge yourself in the local way of life.

Huge free entry sign at the Tate Modern museumcredit

Use discounts and deals

Popular attractions can quickly ramp up the price of your holiday. Head to discount sites like Groupon and Last-Minute Deals to find more affordable attraction tickets. This way, you can avoid paying full price and still get to see famous sites.

If you can’t find any discounts, do a little research to find the best free museums and galleries in the area. You may be able to see the area’s famous landmarks from the street or a rooftop restaurant. Get creative and see the tourist sites from a different angle.

You can also find brilliant package deals on these sites. You may be able to book a budget spa day with a massage and afternoon tea included in the price. Or, mix things up and take a cooking class while you’re away with your partner.

On your next weekend away, step outside your comfort zone and try to spend a day like a local. Explore local markets, dine at neighbourhood eateries and participate in community events. This approach not only enriches your travel experience but also helps you connect more deeply with the culture and people of the area.

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Create the perfect World Cup atmosphere with Birstall

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yellow football against a blue skyImage credit: Joe McCarthy

The World Cup only comes around once every four years; here we take a look at the top three garden accessories from Birstall Garden and Leisure Centre to help you make the most of the worldwide football celebration while it’s here.

Whether you’re creating a World Cup haven in your garden with the television outside, or watching the games inside and continuing the party in the garden afterwards, these top three products will make sure you enjoy every moment!

Weber Spirit Classic e210 gas bbq

With all of England’s World Cup games kicking off in the evening, the Weber Spirit Classic barbeque will keep all your guests satisfied with some top-notch food flavour; with two stainless steel burners the compact design has a 26,000 BTU per hour input giving a sleek yet powerful grill capable of cooking all your favourite food to perfection.

Camelot hexagonal easy-up gazebo

It’s impossible to guarantee the British weather, but you can be sure that you’ll always be dry when you’re enjoying your World Cup party with the Camelot – hexagonal easy-up gazebo. The pull down mesh nets, weatherproof frame and UV resistant canopy offer complete comfort and guarantee your World Cup celebrations won’t be called off because of the rain.

patio heater

With many of the World Cup games going on into the early hours of the morning, a patio heater is a much-needed garden accessory to keep you cosy all the way through until extra time. A ThermoFilm gas patio heater uses a high-grade stainless steel burner which heats an area of up to six metres while making only a quiet whisper, so you’ll be toasty warm without being distracted by any excess heater noise.

barbeque

Get these World Cup garden must-haves now and enjoy them all summer long!

Established in 1969, Birstall has 45 years’ experience kitting out gardens & outdoor spaces and was the first online garden retailer in the UK, 15 years ago.