Even if you're a die-hard sports fan, you can't always make it to each and every game. Watching your favorite sports team from the comfort of your living room can be just as fun. Even if you don't have a dedicated sports room, you can still show-off your love of the game with these tips.
Subtlety
If you live alone, you've essentially got carte blanche on the decorating. If you want nothing more than to showcase your favorite baseball jerseys, football helmets and signed hockey posters, then go for it!
However, if you live with your family, significant other or a roommate who isn't quite the sports buff that you are --but still want to liven up the living room with some sports memorabilia, be subtle about it.
- Think about which memorabilia items are most important to you. Do you have a baseball signed by Babe Ruth or a football helmet signed by Joe Namath? Display one or two of your favorite items in an appropriate-sized case or on a shelf.
- Perhaps you have a collection of posters or photos that you'd like to display. Have them professionally framed and mounted instead of hanging them on the wall with thumbtacks or tape. They'll not only look better, but they'll keep their value longer if they're taken care of properly.
- A photo of you and your roommate, significant other or family members enjoying a game is a great compromise - you'll have a great family picture and you'll show off your love of the sport!
Sports-themed room
If you're lucky enough to have space dedicated to just watching and enjoying sports, this is the opportunity to get a little bold with your decorating choices.
- Think of your favorite teams and their colors. Paint the room with your teams' colors or some variation of them.
- Many retailers sell themed merchandise including rugs, wall coverings, pillows and blankets that would be welcome additions to any sports-themed room.
Sports bar
If you have the budget (and space) for an entire sports-themed room, then why not create your own sports bar?
- Sports bars generally have multiple TVs screening more than one game, a fully-stocked wet bar and finger foods by the pound. If you're going to create your own sports bar in your home, you'll have the option to stick with regular bar stools and chairs or you can upgrade to comfy recliners and couches.
- They've also got pool tables, foosball tables and other entertainment, so if you happen to find one at the next garage sale or flea market, pick it up and add it to your sports bar.
- Don't forget about the neon lights! A fun way to add lighting to your sports room is with neon signs of your favorite teams' logo, your favorite brewery or anything you find interesting.
- When decorating your personal sports bar, keep your budget in mind. If you have a larger budget, you can mount multiple 50-inch TVs on the wall, and purchase quality theater recliners with built-in massagers to make your viewing experience the best it can be. If your budget is a bit more modest, choose a TV you can afford: LCD and LED TVs have brighter screens than plasmas, but a plasma screen has a wider viewing angle.
TIP: Here's a trick for figuring out your target screen-size: measure the distance in inches between your seat and your screen and divide by 2.5.
Whatever your favorite sport, you can decorate your home accordingly and watch it in style and comfort.