17 Simple DIY Decor Hacks for Cheap Game Rooms

Create a stylish game room on a budget with 17 simple DIY decor hacks. Transform thrift store finds into unique gaming stations, craft personalized game boards from materials you already have, and enhance your space with LED strip lights and storage ottomans.

Express your gaming passion creatively and sustainably. Discover affordable options and elevate both the function and aesthetic of your space.

Recycled Gaming Stations

Transform old laptop screens and leftover wood into a creative, eco-friendly gaming station. Use a table saw and plunge router to cut and shape the wood for the frame and screen slots. Secure with nails, glue, and screws for stability, and add casters for mobility. Recycle materials such as old laptop screens and leftover wood to emphasize sustainability in your gaming station project. Integrate old consoles and accessories, customizing with stains or varnishes. Drill precise holes for buttons and LED lights, using hot glue for screen placement. This DIY project reduces costs and adds a unique, personal touch to your game room.

Thrift Store Desk Finds

Finding a thrift store desk for your game room is economical and rewarding. Thrift stores serve as resale outlets for donated items, often benefiting charities. Look for a sturdy desk with no major damage and ensure it fits your space. Check if drawers and storage are functional and if the desk complements your decor. Upcycle with a fresh coat of paint and new hardware. Add fabric to chairs for comfort. Organize gaming accessories with storage bins, label compartments, and keep frequently used items accessible.

DIY Game Boards

Design your own game board by selecting a 12"x12" piece of cardboard or a sturdy material like MDF or pine wood. Sketch a circle for the start and a star for the finish, connecting them with a winding path. Paint each space with craft paints and add instructions such as "move ahead 2 spaces." Customize with stickers to match your room's decor. For game pieces, try painting rocks or using unique items like seashells or Legos. To enhance play, document rules on paper for future reference. Create custom rules for extra fun, and remember, the first to reach the star wins. Enjoy the creative process!

Pallet Stackable Tables

After crafting your game boards, enhance your game room with pallet stackable tables.

Gather pallets, a hammer, chisel, and power saw. Break apart pallets to salvage planks, cut them to size for the tabletop and legs, and arrange by color and size for cohesion.

Glue and clamp boards together for a flat top, then securely attach the legs with screws. Add borders or decorations if desired.

Finally, sand and stain the table for a rustic charm. This DIY project adds both function and style to your space.

Oversized Storage Ottomans

Enhance your game room with oversized storage ottomans that offer both style and function. They provide extra seating, essential storage for items like blankets, and can double as a coffee table with an ottoman tray.

Options include removable cushioned tops, shelves, leather in colors like brown and black, or vibrant fabric patterns. Consider building one with plywood and high-quality foam.

Whether your style is modern or boho, there's an ottoman to suit your aesthetic and improve your space.

Simple Thematic Decor

A neon sign or game poster can set your game room's theme.

For a retro vibe, hang vintage posters and add neon signs for an arcade feel. Display classic consoles and games on shelves.

For a high-tech theme, use LED accents and hexagon lights, and wrap furniture in color-changing LED strips for a dynamic atmosphere.

If you prefer minimalism, opt for sleek furniture and neutral colors with low-maintenance plants like succulents for a calming touch.

Personalize with custom murals or framed game art to reflect your unique gaming passions.

Consider adding RGBIC light strips that offer 16.8 million color combinations to create an immersive gaming environment.

Bold Wall Colors

After selecting your theme, consider bold wall colors to enhance your game room's atmosphere. Bright hues like reds and oranges can transform your space into an exciting hub.

Try crimson or maroon with complementary tones for balance, as they boost energy and concentration—ideal for gaming. Accent walls in yellows and golds, like Casa de Oro, add vibrancy.

Pair black and red for a nostalgic arcade feel with a modern twist, or use 8-bit colors for a retro vibe. Ensure bold choices are balanced with neutral elements for harmony.

Neon Vibes

Infuse your game room with neon vibes by using LED neon lights, which are durable and energy-efficient. Available in various colors like vibrant neon pink, they can be customized to reflect your gaming passions or favorite quotes.

Strategically place them above your gaming setup, around your TV or monitor, or along ceiling edges. Enhance the glow with mirrors and integrate smart lighting for adjustable colors and intensity.

Balance neon pink with complementary blue and white for a cohesive look.

Dark Area Rugs

Dark area rugs enhance your game room's style and functionality. Select a rug that complements the room's theme, like a "Billiards" or "Snookered" design.

Choose durable materials like polypropylene or latex-foam with secure backings to keep it stable during intense games. Measure your space carefully to ensure the rug fits well or can be trimmed without losing its design. Dark colors with geometric or border patterns can elevate the room's decor.

Prepare by clearing furniture, inspecting the floor, and marking cut lines. When installing, use appropriate glue, lay the rug smoothly, and secure the edges tightly.

Regular vacuuming and cleaning will maintain its appearance and longevity, keeping your game room inviting. For optimal comfort during extended gaming sessions, consider rugs with medium to high pile height for added cushioning.

Black Ceiling Contrast

A black ceiling can elevate your game room with sophistication, adding mystery and elegance. It creates a dramatic visual impact, drawing eyes upward and making the room feel taller and more intimate.

Balance this bold choice with light-colored walls, reflective surfaces like mirrors, and varied textures to maintain harmony. Proper lighting, such as pendant lights or lamps, adds warmth. Use materials like glass or metal for depth.

Note that while black ceilings hide imperfections, they highlight dust, so regular cleaning is crucial. Opt for shades like charcoal or slate for easier upkeep.

Neon Lighting Accents

Neon lighting can transform your game room into a vibrant space. Choose between traditional neon signs for an authentic glow or durable LED neon lights for a similar look without fragility.

Customize with neon signs featuring gaming quotes, and use battery-powered options for DIY projects like neon letters. Highlight key areas such as above your gaming setup or along ceiling edges.

Incorporate game symbols or motivational quotes and balance colors to avoid overwhelming the room. Secure lights by bending wires, applying adhesive, and managing cables neatly.

Use reflective surfaces to enhance their glow.

Colored Light Themes

Transform your game room with colored light themes for an immersive atmosphere.

For a cyberpunk vibe, use LED strips in hot pink, neon blue, and acid green to outline desks and shelves.

Create a fantasy feel with whimsical colors like lavender and mint green, and add polyfill clouds and unicorn statues.

Space and sci-fi themes can benefit from RGB lights in green, blue, and red, enhanced by purple strip lighting for a nebula effect.

Highlight collectibles with gaming franchise-specific colors, like Pokémon's iconic shades.

Experiment with combinations to personalize your space, enhancing your gaming experience and adding a unique touch.

Basic Light Fixtures

Basic light fixtures, like LED strip lights, enhance your game room's ambiance affordably and flexibly.

Place them behind TVs, monitors, or under shelves for a subtle glow, or wrap them around floor lamps for extra color.

Use accent lighting to highlight game memorabilia or art.

For a custom touch, try DIY solutions with materials like mason jars.

Smart, adjustable options like dimmer switches or smart bulbs offer easy mood control, ensuring flexibility for any gaming scenario.

Custom Storage Cabinets

Custom storage cabinets offer an ideal solution for organizing your game room, keeping everything accessible.

With customizable designs, you can adjust size, depth, and width to suit your game collection and space. Use durable materials like MDF or plywood, and save costs using thrifted drawer sliders.

Adjustable shelving accommodates games of all sizes, while compartments and dividers handle small pieces. Consider baskets or storage bins for accessories.

For a polished look, add wooden shelf lips as handles. Maximize space with wall-to-wall units or hanging shelves, blending seamlessly into your room's design.

DIY Pullout Solutions

Enhance your game room storage with DIY pullout solutions that combine function and style.

Craft pullout shelves from plywood and 1×2-inch wood, using full extension drawer slides for easy access. Design each shelf with a 6.5-inch height for various game sizes, and attach a wooden lip as a handle.

For small items like dice, create 1.5-inch wood compartments and use resealable bags and XL rubber bands for security.

Integrate these pullouts into existing furniture by attaching them to cabinets with thrifted drawer slides. Add labels for quick identification, ensuring accessibility without moving other items, maintaining functionality and aesthetics.

Garage Game Conversion

Transform your garage into a dynamic game room by optimizing the layout. Measure the space, plan furniture placement, and consider replacing the garage door with a wall.

Clean thoroughly, insulate walls and ceiling, and upgrade flooring with epoxy or rubber mats. Enhance lighting with track lights or LED strips. Ensure the electrical setup supports gaming tech.

Opt for budget-friendly furniture, like secondhand desks and couches, and use storage solutions for organization. Your garage can become the ultimate game space!

Vintage Gaming Art

Explore the nostalgic world of vintage gaming art, where each piece narrates creativity and innovation.

Discover hand-drawn masterpieces by legends like Neal Adams and John Romita, whose comic-style art brings games to life.

Admire airbrushed box covers like RapJam: Volume One, rich in color and detail.

Investigate NES-era mixed media, blending construction paper and airbrush for unique effects.

Appreciate Jason Edmiston's pop culture work, like the Hitman HD Trilogy cover.

Mimic retro aesthetics with limited color palettes and dramatic typography, or display rare original artwork in your game room for an authentic historical touch.

Conclusion

Congratulations on exploring these DIY decor hacks! The adventure continues as you infuse your personal flair into every project, creating a unique game room. By blending creativity and resourcefulness, you're not just saving money but crafting a space that mirrors your personality. So, gather your tools, unleash your imagination, and transform your game room into a captivating haven.