5 Pitfalls to avoid when Building an Entertainment Area (and what to do instead)

An entertainment area is something that many homeowners look for when they buy property.

Homeowners want a separate space where they can host parties, entertain family and friends, or just have a chilled braai when they are alone at home.

Even though you might have the parties and braais in mind already, building an entertainment area requires a lot of planning and preparation.

It is easy to make mistakes that will have an impact on the final result.

Luckily these mistakes are easy to avoid. Here are 5 pitfalls to dodge when building an entertainment area and what you should do instead. 

1) Not installing enough lighting in the entertainment area

You are probably going to use your entertainment area during the day as well as in the evenings.

Not installing enough lighting will leave your area dark and gloomy, making guests feel unwelcome.

As soon as the sun sets, you should be able to use the entertainment area just as much as you use it during the day.

There are several types of lighting that you can consider.

LED lights are popular for the outdoors because they emit enough light whilst being energy efficient. If you want to create more of a romantic atmosphere then string lights and fairy lights are the way to go.

You can also choose to power up the area with solar lights if you get enough sun in that part of your yard. 

2) The entertainment area is inaccessible

Another problem you might not think of is inaccessibility.

Your entertainment area should be easy to get to for friends and family.

If your guests need to walk through long walkways or uneven terrain to get there, it is time to go back to the drawing board.

If you have a patio or a deck, then this is probably the best place for you to create an area for entertaining. You still get to enjoy an outdoor element but it is much more accessible for guests.

If you still want to create it outside, consider flattening the ground or paving it for easy accessibility. 

3) Disregarding a fire pit

What is an entertainment area without a fire pit? Totally incomplete.

Many homeowners overlook this aspect of an entertainment area and instead replace it with a portable braai.

A built-in fire pit is a great way for guests to sit together and socialize. It is perfect for those cold winter nights and roasting marshmallows with the kids.

And fire is, of course, one of the most mesmerizing things in the world. 

4) Not having weather-resistant furniture in your entertainment area

When you choose the seating for your entertainment area, you must consider both aesthetics and functionality.

It might look amazing but will it survive the wind, sun, and rain?

The last thing you want to do is run outside and grab the furniture every time the weather turns.

Wooden and plastic furniture works well and you can get recycled alternatives if you want to be environmentally conscious.

Even if the structure isn’t as appealing as you want it to be, you can always add accent pieces like a throw or a few pillows.

Not only will this play well with the rest of the décor but it will also add a sense of comfortability. 

5) Disregarding the direction of the sun

Homeowners often disregard the direction of the sun when they design their entertainment area.

If the sun beams down in the afternoon and you don’t have enough cover, you might not be able to use it during the hot summer days.

Similarly, you should make provision if the sun is too bright at sunrise or sunset.

If you can’t move the space elsewhere, you can easily install covers if it is outside or tint your windows if it is inside. 

Final thoughts

An entertainment area is a welcome addition to any home. It is something that will increase the value of your home if it is built with the above kept in mind.

Preparation and planning before building will help you build the perfect entertainment area for your home. 

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