8 Things to Keep In Mind When Designing a Bowling Alley at the Comforts of Your Own Home
Is bowling one of your hobbies ever since you were a kid? If so, you are probably saddened by the closure of malls, recreational and entertainment centers in 2020. It is one of the worst years of the century because it was when a global pandemic happened that killed millions of people. Almost all commercial establishments stopped their operations to lessen the risks of acquiring the virus. Besides that, the government imposed strict regulations forcing everyone to stay at home. Up until today, even a bit of normalcy is still nowhere to be found.
Knowing that the health crisis is still ongoing, the least thing that you can do is to stay indoors as much as possible. If you want to go bowling, why not do it in the comfort of your own home by turning an empty room into a bowling alley? It is one of the best features in your humble abode as it assures you of years of fun and long-lasting aesthetics. Besides that, it’s also a type of exercise because it allows you to stretch your body and flex your muscles located in the legs and back. It is a great investment that is designed that can be played by the entire household because it is designed for people of every age. If you want to enjoy bowling with your family members in the comfort and safety of your home, then check out the list below of the things to keep in mind when designing a home bowling alley.
- Consider the dimension of the bowling alley
Before you proceed with the design process, you have to make sure that the empty room in your house can meet the dimension required for a bowling lane. Its typical size is approximately 86 feet while the lane itself measures 30 feet wide and 55 feet long. You have to allocate enough space where players will stand so that they can gain the momentum that they need. It is recommended to use a room more than 86 feet long and 10 feet high but if the available space is smaller than that, be sure to customize the bowling lane so that it can perfectly fit in the room.
- Create a comfortable seating area
A bowling alley would be incomplete if you fail to secure a comfortable seating area. Make sure to add couches, cushions, functional chairs, and a center table where you, your family members, and guests can take a rest. It can also be a place where you can socialize with your siblings and friends. When buying furniture pieces like chairs and couches, you must consider their materials to ensure that they can last for years to come. It is advisable to purchase chairs made out of leather materials because they are proven to be long-lasting, durable, and easy to clean.
- Have unique features on the wall
Aside from having comfortable chairs and couches, it is also vital to place unique features on the wall that can tell your personality. Since you are creating your bowling alley in your home, you have the freedom of how you would want its wall to look. You can be as creative as you want so long that it matches your tastes and preferences. You can be all out by adding unique wall features like built-in aquariums or bookshelf walls, and built-in wine racks. All of them can add a touch of elegance, beauty, and convenience to any place.
- Combine your theater room and bowling alley
Combining the theater room and bowling alley is a great idea because it can create a more spacious entertainment area. Your family members as well as your guests will surely love the idea of being able to play bowling while watching their favorite Netflix movies. Besides that, you can also combine since your TV can double as your scoreboard. Additionally, your theater chairs and couches can also serve as resting areas for the bowlers.
- Consider the ceiling and lighting
Aside from having comfortable chairs and unique wall features, it is also necessary to consider the ceiling and lighting. To make your bowling alley unique, you may use high ceilings and make sure to expose the trusses. If you have decided to purchase wood and bamboo materials, it is also recommended to use the same for the design of the ceiling. In this way, you can create a place with a retro design with a touch of modernism. Don’t forget to add classic-looking lighting fixtures like chandeliers and neon lights for a more vibrant place. To balance the appearance of the room, it is advisable to purchase equipment with simple styles and neutral shades.
- Make the bowling area comfortable
The bowling area is not supposed to look too packed with a lot of stuff. You must be able to arrange it in such a way that the players would feel comfortable. make sure to only place items that are necessary like a few chairs and a center table. You must create enough space where players can bow to avoid any untoward incidents. The path headed to the mechanical room must also be roomy for safety purposes.
- Add speakers in your bowling alley
Music is one of the best ways to create a good ambiance. It is the only way that you can make your viewers and bowlers entertained even if they are just sitting on their chairs. You must never underestimate the power of music in entertainment areas hence it is advisable to add speakers on the ceiling. To make it visually appealing, use wood or metal materials as its base.
- Add extra features
In the bowling alley, some people would prefer other games such as chess and bingo. To address their demands, you may allocate a small space composed of several chairs and a small table where they can play their preferred games. In this way, you are not limiting them on what they can do in the area.
In Conclusion
A bowling alley at home is a great accessory at home because it will allow you to relax and be entertained despite being at home all day. One of the privileges that you will have is being able to design it however you want.