33 replies to this topic

[rmaerz]

Alright I just bought a house last October and we're getting ready to remodel the basement into a rec room. Maybe what I'll do is take pix of the basement and post them for you folks to mark up with some ideas.

I have two arcade cabinets to put in so far and upwards of six in the future. Along with that I have my modest console collection consisting of 26-52-7800, CV, C64, NES, SNES, N64, Game Cube, PS1 & 2, two flashbacks and a Powerjoy.

I have some rock music related artwork from my old basement that I will incorporate which consists of framed picture discs and albums, concert flyers etc.

To start it off, what color combinations (main, accent wall and carpet) work the best for an arcade room?

What lighting and accessories would look really cool?

Post and links for inspiration if you have any...

I have checked out Lunacity Arcade and http://bpulliam.smugmug.com/Arcade for ideas.

Thanks, this should be fun...

[keilbaca]

Carpeted walls, black lights, and a projector playing 80's music videos or whatever you like is a must.

^_^

[Dr Galaga]

A pic and dimensions would probably help.

[yuppicide]

Smugmug, nice. I helped my friend set his photography site up there.

I looked at some of your galleries.. namely Playland not at the beach.. where is that? That place looks really cool.

San Francisco, CA? I'm thinking near there since I see your Aquarius Records pics.

I wanna say WOW because I've never seen a Journey arcade machine.

Lovin the CAX 2009 photos. Something sexy, calming, warm, and peaceful feeling about a whole row of arcade games like that.

Edited by yuppicide, Wed Jul 29, 2009 8:53 PM.

[rmaerz]

Dr Galaga, on Mon Jul 27, 2009 5:08 PM, said:

A pic and dimensions would probably help.

I checked out your page and it looks like you did a lot with little space. That's the challenge that I am facing.

[rmaerz]

Well, for the last week we've been thinking about what colors to do for the arcade. I looked at pix of other arcades (home and commercial) on the Net and the easiest working color combination would be chocolate, yellow and orange. It even gives you that retro 70s look. My wife doesn't like it because it reminds her of corn in 5h1t.

Another problem with that scheme is that it isn't dark enough for that "outer space" feel. So we kicked around baby blue, navy blue, teal, olive, yellow and red (three of those colors to be used). Then we just couldn't figure out how to make those colors work with the walls that we have...

So, I thought why not just look at the Encyclopedia of Arcade Games for inspiration?

Galaga: Green, Red, Blue, Purple - N0PE

Galaxian: Blue, Green, Gold - N0PE

Space Invaders: Crimson, Blue, Yellow/Gold - Perfect!!!

The main color will be blue with a darker shade for the ceiling. The yellow/gold and crimson will be used as accents.

[keilbaca]

Very nice! I can't wait to see this when its done!

[DaveD]

Arcades are meant to look good in the dark. I think if you turned on the lights in any arcade back in the day you'd be surprised that it was really nothing but a plain white or black room and whatever commercial carpeting was leftover from the previous tenant. When I did my Arcade '84 virtual arcade (which I was told helped inspire the Luna City Arcade) I tried to remember what it would look like in the dark. That's why I included those subtle mirrored strips along the walls. I figured they'd reflect the lights from all the screens and subtly help outline the space without being distracting. It also sounds like you already have a lot of fun & colorful artwork to hang on the walls so I don't know if I'd want to get too colorful with the walls if you're going to decorate them. I'd think clean and neutral, kinda like the white walls of a museum that allow the hanging art to be showcased without distraction. Remember even a white room looks dark when the lights are out. If you're going for an old school feel maybe consider some wood paneling. If you keep it simple you can hang some dimmable track lighting along the walls that shine down on the decorations.

[rmaerz]

I need to get with it and post some pix of the basement.

Anyway, I've calculated that I will need another 20 AMP circuit installed so that may be done by next Tuesday. I can't paint the ceiling until then cuz obviously the power has to be run across and down the wall.

We bought a 6x9 Space Explorer black light rug for the arcade. Is there a certain way that the black lights will need to be positioned in order to get the effect? i.e. do they need to be directly overhead? If so, I may have to have an outlet installed in the ceiling as well. It would make more sense then running a cord all the way across the ceiling and down the wall.

[rmaerz]

Alright I got it in gear and took photos of what I have to work with...

The "Retrocade" will be in the half of the room going from the duct work back to the Florida room which is that disaster area currently housing the Galaga cabinet.

I do not recall the exact measurements but it's roughly a 12X12 area.

I'm open to ideas!

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[keilbaca]

You can either run them from the floor or the ceiling, I think ceiling would be better, just outline the perimeter with black light florescent...

Then you can go from there and put bits of stuff on the wall to make it look like a starfield, being you're going with a space carpet.

You just want the lights from the arcades to light the room, and the black lights for a nice dark effect, along with the space feel on the wall.

At least, that's how I'd build my arcade. XD

[rmaerz]

keilbaca, on Fri Aug 14, 2009 2:37 PM, said:

You can either run them from the floor or the ceiling, I think ceiling would be better, just outline the perimeter with black light florescent...

Then you can go from there and put bits of stuff on the wall to make it look like a starfield, being you're going with a space carpet.

You just want the lights from the arcades to light the room, and the black lights for a nice dark effect, along with the space feel on the wall.

At least, that's how I'd build my arcade. XD

I think the area is small enough that mounting the black lights up on the walls will work. It should be as easy as buying two of them and testing them out before the power is run...

[the.golden.ax]

Why relegate it to a single room I always say

AX

[rmaerz]

the.golden.ax, on Fri Aug 14, 2009 2:48 PM, said:

Why relegate it to a single room I always say

AX

She gets the bigger half and I get the other...I didn't think the arcade would look good on the other side with the fireplace...

[the.golden.ax]

Where do you live (state)?

AX

[rmaerz]

the.golden.ax, on Fri Aug 14, 2009 4:39 PM, said:

Where do you live (state)?

AX

PA

Are you coming over?

[the.golden.ax]

A wii () bit too far. IM in TN. This is one subject area I really enjoy. The main reason I want a new store.

AX

[rmaerz]

Well, started painting the ceilings yesterday. Two coats of blue and at least one more coat.

I happened to be at the mall last night and Spencer's had black lights on sale - buy one get the second for half off. I bought two 4 footers and two 18 inchers.

Our carpet arrived at the store yesterday and we should have that installed next week (hopefully). The Space Explorer black light rug waits patiently in the garage...

I'll post update pix after everything has been painted.

I want to have this complete soon so I can have a gaming party the third or last weekend of September.

[rmaerz]

Status update

Ceilings done and one wall done...

Carpet should be out Thursday in time for trash day and painting should be completed this Saturday. Install baseboards and new outlets/switches next week and new carpet installed on Sunday (yeah - I know) the 13th.

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[rmaerz]

I just noticed Hungry Hungry Hippos laying on the floor - I told them kids they're not allowed to play in the basement while it's under construction

[keilbaca]

Looking good! I can't wait for you to have your party, I'll bring Rachel along if you don't mind to see the "other half" of me. Hehe.

Keep it up, its looking great!

[rmaerz]

keilbaca, on Tue Sep 1, 2009 7:51 AM, said:

Looking good! I can't wait for you to have your party, I'll bring Rachel along if you don't mind to see the "other half" of me. Hehe.

Keep it up, its looking great!

Party is slated for October 3. PM your personal email address and I will send a formal evite when it has been firmed up.

[rmaerz]

Walls and ceilings painted & carpet removed...

Baseboards installed this week and carpet on Sunday

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[EricDeLee]

Looks good. I'm in the same boat right now. I should be moving in about 1-2 months. We are putting an offer down this coming week. The basement is pretty nice. I'm not going to strictly make mine an arcade. I will make it my little cave though. I'm going to build the shelving system that therealred5 built, but I'll add cabinet doors to it. I will be making 4 200 cart shelves, and then make a smaller one of 20-40 carts (carts I play a lot).

First thing first, we are adding a few walls in the basement (or that is the plan). The 16 year old will have his own apartment pretty much by the time we are done (bedroom, living area and bathroom. I will have an area of about 20x17 foot to call my own. So I'll have some framing, mudding, painting, and other stuff to do soon. I also have to figure out my surround sound system in there. I am considering doing the wires within the walls. Lots of planning invloved, but for the first time I will have a dedicated space for myself and games. At least one arcade game will join me down there. This will also be the place for me to hang out and watch my Husker games, and perhaps a few Tigers games next year.

[rmaerz]

Still adding stuff to it, but here's an update

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