Every Sports Lover Deserves Their Own Space
For some people, watching a match is a backdrop, but for real sports lovers, it feels completely different!
Gathering with friends to watch a cricket match, being on the edge of our seats to see who scores the winning goal in football near the end of the match. Or staying up late to see your team win. These are memories we will want to recreate in our own homes.
This is where a sports room comes in!
You don’t need to have a luxury home or a glass cabinet full of signed jerseys to make a sports room. Simply having a little corner in your bedroom or living room can help create a space that truly feels like yours.
The best thing about creating this space is that you don’t need to do everything in one go. Instead, take your time and add things in slowly.
Here are 5 ideas worth stealing!
1) Create a Watching Area
The obvious one – actually watching the games!
If you enjoy watching cricket, football, or basketball, then your watching area will be important to you. You don’t need to spend a lot to create a space that feels great. Simply having a screen that fits the size of your room, a seat, and some sound will do.
Ensure that your TV isn’t causing anyone’s neck to ache or fighting for the best seat. If you usually watch with friends, then make sure there is enough seating for everyone. You may also want to add a small table for snacks and drinks close to the TV. Trust me, you will use this!
Using a sound bar or quality speakers can really make this area feel premium! Especially if you want to hear the crowd cheering instead of the tinny sound of the TV.
Pro Tip: Think about the size of your room and how far you will be sitting from the screen. Usually, a mid-sized TV placed in the right place will make the difference rather than an awkwardly placed one.
2) Create a Feature Wall
We all have that one team, player, or moment that we could talk about for hours.
So why not create a feature wall for them?
Frame your team jersey, add a picture from a match you will never forget, and add a few posters, medals and trophies to a shelf. If you play cricket, then adding a bat or framed jersey as your centrepiece will make an amazing difference. If you are a football lover, then adding some scarves, artwork from your club or pictures from a match will be perfect.
Don’t overcrowd the area.
Too many posters, bright colours, and random items will make your room feel busy. Add some items that mean something to you. Using simple framing and a couple of shelves can make your cheap decor look great!
You don’t need to spend a lot on official memorabilia. Adding some posters, printed pictures, and your little collection will do.
Pro Tip: Start with one feature wall. You can always add more if you find something to display!
3) Create a Budget Area
Not everyone will have an extra room for their hobbies, and that’s okay!
If you are on a budget, then take what you already have and make some changes to your room. Move some furniture around and create a corner in your room. Add some sports-themed items to transform your space.
Adding some printed pictures, frames, a cushion in your team colours and a small shelf will often be enough! Using some simple LED lights behind your TV or shelf can really change the feel of your room.
Using multi-functional furniture can also help. Using a storage bench will give you somewhere to sit whilst also storing all your accessories. Adding some shelves to your walls will give you somewhere to display your items without taking up too much space.
Avoid buying everything you saw in an online setup.
Your room should be affordable and fit in with your lifestyle.
Pro Tip: Decide on a budget and spend on the things you will actually use. This could include seating and good lighting. Decorative items are optional.
4) Add Some Games
Whilst watching sports can be great, adding some games can make your room feel awesome!
If you enjoy video games, then add a console for football, cricket, or racing games. If you prefer not to use screens, then add a small foosball table, dartboard (if it’s safe and allowed!), or a small games area.
You can even make it a game! Hosting a gaming tournament during the match or having a prediction game can make an average evening feel exciting!
Obviously, depending on how much space you have, you may not want to buy a full-sized table. However, using a console or a tabletop game usually fits into most areas.
Tip: Only add one extra game that you and your friends will actually use. You don’t need to turn your home into an arcade!
5) Add Good Lighting
Sometimes you don’t need to add anything to your room. Just add some lighting!
Having good lighting will make a difference, especially if you are watching evening matches. Adding some LED lights behind your TV, shelf, or floor lamp will create a relaxing feel. It won’t feel like you’re under stadium lights!
Try to avoid any lighting that will reflect on your screen. You just want the room to be well lit so you can move around without any issues.
Ensure that you have good seating that will support your back. Ensure there is enough space to move and hide your cables so they don’t become a tripping hazard!
If this room is doubling as your bedroom or workspace, then use some easy to change decor. Using removable stickers on your walls, cushions, and framed prints will help you change the feel of the room.
Pro Tip: Ensure you are comfortable! If your seating is uncomfortable or your screen is a struggle to watch, then your room won’t feel special.
How To Choose The Right Setup
Ask yourself these questions before spending any money:
What do you enjoy most? Watching matches, collecting memorabilia, playing games or getting hands-on?
How much space do you have? If you have a dedicated room, then there will be more options. If you only have a small corner, then keep it simple!
How much can you actually afford? Start with the basics and build up.
Also think about who lives with you. Usually it’s better to have a versatile space that can be used as somewhere to hang out but also your living space.
Create a Personal Space
A great sports room doesn’t need to look like a lounge or professional sports bar.
For one person, they may have a TV and a comfy sofa. For someone else, they may have a cricket memorabilia wall, games area, or just a few pictures of their favourite team.
What matters most is how you feel when you are in your room.
Start with one idea. Use what you already have and slowly add things in. You don’t need to copy a setup you saw on Instagram to create something you will love!
At the end of the day, the best sports room is one where you can relax, enjoy the game, get lost in the moments, and create some memories!
