Contemplating the Gaming Space

We're buying a new house.  It's still contingent on the sale of our current home (update: contract signed!), but that is also moving forward.  Among the many concerns  we have in this venture, I set aside a fair portion of brain meats to dwell on the location and setup of a gaming area in the new house.

Certainly, there will be a space set aside for bookshelves and gaming table.  I've imagined how I would arrange this space in a variety of houses we've looked at in the past two years.  Some had a classic feel, the older houses with formal dining areas, reminding me of early role-playing sessions at the homes of friends' parents.  Our probable new house is a 50s era ranch, a style that deviates little from its more modern successors.

The first two images are of the upstairs contender, the last two of the basement option:

The south portion of the living room (Floor 1) is adequate, though smaller than the basement family room (Floor 2).  Floor 1 is also the more visible, more public of the two, which is why I was a little surprised when DeeAnn suggested how it could be used for the purpose I'm now discussing.  She is not a gamer, but may be warming to the reality... or fantasy, as it were.

Of course, Floor 2 would not necessarily be a totally devoted gamer space if that area is chosen.  Most likely, it would also be divided in purpose, but more likely by more closely related activities than would be Floor 1.

Here is a list of considerations I have been mentally tabulating:

• Arrangement and space for shelving to house game books and paraphernalia
• Space for gaming table with adequate leg, elbow, and reclining room
• Suitability for proper lighting and speaker installation
• Access to entertainment center, phone jack, electrical outlets, etc.

Please do share your responses or additions to these issues.