A party room of your own is every host's dream: a space where you can throw a party any time, without having to rearrange the living room first. But a bare basement doesn't turn into a party space on its own — it comes down to the right setup. In this guide we'll walk you through exactly what party room gear you actually need: from lighting to the bar to the games that bring the room to life.
Last updated: 26 July 2024
What is a party room? A space permanently kitted out for celebrations — usually in the basement or a lower level — where lighting, sound, a bar and seating are all fixed in place. Unlike a spontaneous living-room party, everything here is ready to go, so a get-together can kick off any time without a big setup.
💡 By the way: that's exactly why we built the Party Bundle — everything for the party in one matched set. More on that below ↓
Why a properly set up party room pays off
The big advantage of a party room is spontaneity. If you have a room that's already set up, you don't have to spend hours decorating before the party and undoing it all afterward — the party can basically start any time. Then there's the freedom: in your own basement, there's no delicate living-room furniture to worry about, so things can get louder, wilder and go on longer (a quick word with the neighbours helps). And over time, the room develops a character all its own — with your favourite decor, your go-to bar and the games that come out at every party. A good party room is far more than a storage room with a string of lights: it's the stage for countless unforgettable nights.
Product showcase and explanation of the Shot Slope Slalom ice run – @apresallstars
If you'd rather not hunt down every piece separately: the Party Bundle pairs the Shotski, the Shot Slope Slalom ice run, ski boot glasses and corks, scaled to your group size: Starter for four, Hausparty for six to twelve, Go Big for up to twenty people.
Party room lighting: the heart of the basement vibe
A basement usually has no daylight — that's not a drawback, it's your biggest opportunity. Nowhere else can you control the light mood as precisely as here. Layer it up: warm base lighting from string lights and indirect lamps for a cosy foundation, plus coloured LED spotlights or LED strips you can switch depending on the mood. A small disco ball or LED projector adds movement across the walls and ceiling, and dimmable lights let you turn the room from "cosy" to "party" as the evening goes on. The perk of a fixed room: you install the lighting properly once and never have to set it up and take it down again.
Sound: the right sound for the room
Music is the engine of every party, and in an enclosed basement it really comes into its own. A solid Bluetooth sound system or permanently installed speakers are enough for most rooms. Aim for a balanced sound with plenty of bass — in a basement, that's the difference between background music and real party energy. If you're up for it, add a karaoke microphone — in your own basement, experience shows that a lot more people are willing to grab the mic than in someone else's flat. When it comes to sound, spare a thought for the neighbours too: some sound dampening on the walls (rugs, curtains, acoustic panels) keeps the peace in the house and improves the sound as a bonus.
The bar: the centrepiece of the party room
No party room setup is complete without a bar of its own. It doesn't have to be big — even a built-in counter, an old sideboard or a used pallet becomes the heart of the room with a bit of creativity. What matters is that everything is within reach: glasses, a small bar kit (shaker, jigger, muddler), ice and, of course, the fun drinking gadgets. A Shotski on the wall and a set of ski boot glasses on the counter are the visible invitation to raise a toast together. A small cooler or a drinks fridge saves the trip back upstairs to the kitchen. That's how the bar becomes the spot guests keep coming back to — just like in a real pub.
Seating & decor: comfortable and sturdy
In a party room, comfortable and low-maintenance is the way to go. Sturdy, easy-care seating is the best choice — old sofas, bean bags, pallet furniture with wipeable cushions or bar stools by the counter. A mix of seating and standing areas is important to keep movement flowing through the room. When it comes to decor, feel free to go all in on your own style: a consistent theme (sports bar, après-ski hut, retro disco) gives the room character. Old skis on the wall, neon signs, beer mat collections or concert posters turn the basement into a space with personality — and give guests plenty to talk about along the way.
If you'd rather not hunt down every piece separately: the Party Bundle pairs the Shotski, the Shot Slope Slalom ice run, ski boot glasses and corks, scaled to your group size: Starter for four, Hausparty for six to twelve, Go Big for up to twenty people.
Games: what every party room needs
A party room is the ideal spot for games that take up too much space in a flat. These classics belong in every party room:
- Beer pong table: Permanently set up or foldable — the ever-reliable favourite that always brings out competitive spirit.
- Dartboard or foosball table: Perfect for tournaments and the lulls between the big party moments.
- Miniski roulette: The random-chance gadget that keeps the round fresh and lively.
- Shotski: For the shared group ritual that crowns every basement party.
You'll find the full rules to play along with at Party Gadgets & Games and the best drinking games.
Party room checklist: step by step to your own party room
- Prep the room: Clear it out, clean thoroughly, and repaint if needed. Dark walls often set the mood better in a party room than light ones.
- Install the lighting: Base lighting plus coloured accents — that's the biggest bang for your buck when it comes to atmosphere.
- Set up the sound: Place your speakers, and add some sound dampening if needed.
- Build the bar: Arrange the counter, glasses, bar kit and drinking gadgets within easy reach.
- Seating & decor: Set up sturdy furniture and add your theme decor.
- Set up the games: Plan in beer pong, darts or foosball as fixtures.
The beauty of it: once it's set up, it stays that way — and the next party is just a "come on over!" away.
A party room for every budget
A great party room doesn't have to be expensive — a lot can be solved with creativity and second-hand finds. If you want to start small, combine an LED string of lights, a good Bluetooth speaker, an old sofa from the flea market and a pallet as a bar — for a few euros, you've already got an inviting room. For a mid-range budget, invest in permanently installed colour-changing lighting, sturdy seating, a proper counter and one or two fixed games like a beer pong table. If you want to go all in, add a drinks fridge, a permanently installed sound system with dampening, a dartboard or foosball table, and quality drinking gadgets that have a permanent home at the bar. The trick: you don't have to buy everything at once. A party room grows with every celebration — and that's exactly what makes it fun.
Safety in the party room
There are a few things you should pay particular attention to in a basement: make sure there's enough ventilation, especially when a lot of people are in the room. Keep escape routes clear and check that you have a working smoke detector — especially if you're using candles or a fog machine. Non-slip flooring and good stair lighting help prevent falls. And as with any party: put out water, offer non-alcoholic options, and make sure everyone gets home safely.
As the group grows, the Shotski simply grows with it via the extension set — four modules are the base, and each additional pair adds two spots.
More party inspiration
Find the full setup in detail at Party Accessories for Adults, the matching gadgets at Party Gadgets for Adults, and how to plan stress-free in the stress-free party planning guide.
FAQ
What gear does a party room need?
The basics: layered lighting (warm base light plus coloured accents), a solid sound system, a bar of your own with glasses and drinking gadgets, sturdy seating and a few fixed games like beer pong or darts.
How do I set up a party room?
Step by step: clear out and clean the room, install the lighting, set up the sound, build the bar, add a seating area and decor, then set up the games. Once it's done, everything stays ready for the next party.
How do I get the lighting right in a basement?
With multiple layers: warm base light from string lights and indirect lamps, plus coloured LED spotlights and a small disco ball. Dimmable lighting lets you steer the mood as the evening goes on.
What belongs at a party room bar?
Glasses, a small bar kit (shaker, jigger, muddler), ice, a way to keep things cold, and fun drinking gadgets like a Shotski and ski boot glasses. The counter itself can be made from a pallet or an old sideboard.
What should I watch out for on safety in a party room?
Enough ventilation, clear escape routes, a working smoke detector, non-slip flooring and a well-lit staircase. Be especially careful with candles and fog machines.
Which games work well in a party room?
Anything that takes up too much space in a flat: a beer pong table, a dartboard or a foosball table, plus drinking gadgets like Miniski roulette and a Shotski for the group rounds.
Related articles:
Party Accessories for Adults ·
Party Gadgets for Adults ·
The Best Drinking Games