Constructing a Man-Cave from scratch (Retro Games Room build) – Part 3

Finishing off

For those new to this series of articles, you should probably read Part 1 and Part 2 of my man-cave building exploits first, just to get a flavour of what’s been going on and what we started off with. Just under 12 months ago we made a start on turning our loft into a useable space and I am pretty proud of what we have managed to achieve. By we, I mean my Father and I. Without him and his patience much of this wouldn’t have happened and for that I thank him a lot.

Well, since the last post we finished the architrave, added the skirting board, painted it all and had the carpet laid. I have moved the boxed console part of my retro collection, my cartridges (my Sinclair/Commodore/Amstrad etc. software collection is still awaiting storage) and my office up into the loft and wired all my consoles in. I currently only have a 32″ CRT as I save up funds for a new flat screen to be added.

The consoles now sit in new Ikea units, all backlit by remote control colour change mood lighting. I have shelves around the back of the room housing all my games. The office end of the room has a large computer desk (backlit again) with integral drawer unit, more shelves and a large table to house my large format printer and stationery.

So this project has come to an end. I just hope I have inspired others to have a go at making their own games rooms.

The room I vacated to come up here now needs to be done. Can’t I have a rest? Wife says no.

18 Comments

  1. The room turned out great. I’d like to do the same thing with my retro computer collection. Could you provide links to where you found your furniture and shelving units?
    John

  2. Author

    Hi John, thanks.
    The furniture was all from Ikea, shelving units are all Besta. Just about the cheapest that Ikea do but actually suited me the best so it was a win win.
    Cheers, Ant

  3. I’m massively envious. How do you access the room is it still via folding loft ladder or is there something more permanent? One day I’ll follow in your footsteps!

  4. Author

    Thanks! A quality wooden folding ladder is being used at the moment but the room I vacated to come up here is undergoing the same treatment now and eventually we will have space-saver stairs installed running from that room to the loft.

  5. This is so cool, I was just talking to my Buddy Skullmonkey about his console collection. This beats him by a landslide!

  6. Author

    Thanks bud! I’m quite proud of what we achieved considering I’m only an amateur DIY’er.

  7. That’s a great looking room, been doing something similar in a spare bedroom, but nothing quite as cool as that.

  8. Author

    Thanks Doug. Send us your pictures when you are done, we would love to feature it.

  9. hi guys I live in the uk and have a huge spectrum collection for sale along with other machines where is the best place to sell

    many thanks

  10. Wow. Just wow.

    (You’re still missing a beer fridge though, I see)

  11. Author

    This is true 🙁 Although since this I have actually installed the coffee machine. Not quite beer, but hey. 😉

  12. Fantastic! And I thought I had a lot of stuff. You blow my collection out of the water!

  13. I’m going to say how awesome all this is but really my true intent was to ask if you own a business I want to start or work for a business doing exactly this.

  14. Author

    This was just done in my spare time (it took ages to do!). Whilst the job done was good and we are very pleased with it, I wouldn’t make much of a living doing it. 😉

  15. Working on my loft too! got most of the consoles i want NES,SNES, SEGA MEGA DRIVE 1 & 2, N64, PS1, PS2, Original Gameboy’s upto GBA… Just need a dream cast and original xbox now… Oh and Conkers for the n64! thanks for the info i am now going to get some bestå shelfs 😀

  16. Author

    Hey David,
    Be sure to send us some pics of your finished games room and collection. Would love to feature it here on RGC. 🙂


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