The Story Behind the Speakeasy
Yep, speakeasy bar arcade is a mouthful. When my wife and I bought our home, I agreed to give up the office in exchange for the freedom to do whatever I wanted with the unfinished storage room in the basement.
The room measured approximately 12'x18′ with exposed floor joists, bare concrete floors, and white insulation that could best be described as insane asylum décor.
The issue? A contractor quoted me $2,800 just to put up the studs. On top of that, I really wanted a Murphy door (hidden bookcase door), but that would have added another $1,000 or more.
I decided to take on the project myself and get creative with materials. Instead of using traditional studs and drywall, I found unique ways to make the room suit my style.
The Projects (The Spokes)
Hidden Bookcase Door
The first project to tackle is the secret bookcase door. This sets the stage for the entire speakeasy theme.
DIY Spalted Maple Bar
A speakeasy needs a proper bar, and this spalted maple bar provides a stunning centerpiece for the space.
Hand Hewn Barn Beam Light
Transform reclaimed wood into a stunning overhead lighting fixture.
Paint the Concrete Floor
An easy way to transform your bare concrete floor is with epoxy paint.
Wood Weathering Technique
Create aged wood looks from new lumber - perfect for accents, trim, and covering exposed elements like AC ducts.
Rustic Wall & Door Back
Create a feature wall using reclaimed wood or weathered board.
Corrugated Metal Ceiling
Cover exposed floor joists and solve lighting problems in one stylish step.
Virtual Pinball Machine
For the ultimate arcade addition, build a high-end virtual pinball machine on a budget.
Noteworthy Extras
Burlap Walls
A few hours and those white padded walls were gone! I purchased a 96×50 yard roll of burlap from Uline, met a commercial trucker at a gas station to get it. I was able to cut and tuck the burlap around the white insulation. Every so often I hammered a nail through the burlap into a stud.
Faux Brick
Another upgrade that took minutes and was super cheap. Yeah, it's fake but it adds a bit of character to the arcade and really breaks up the space. Perfect for adding texture without the weight and complexity of real brick.
Join the Community
We want to see your space, even if it's a work in progress. Jump over to our Facebook group and share your story, or join and get inspired by others.
Join on FacebookSpeakeasy Arcade Bar FAQs
Common questions from our DIY speakeasy enthusiasts
A DIY hidden bookcase door typically takes a weekend to build for someone with basic woodworking skills. This includes measuring, cutting the wood, assembling the frame, adding shelves, and installing the pivot hinges. Additional time might be needed for finishing touches like painting or staining.
A DIY basement speakeasy can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 depending on your existing space and chosen materials. The hidden bookcase door costs around $300 for materials, a DIY bar another $300-500, and finishing touches like lighting, ceiling treatment, and décor make up the rest. This is significantly less than professional renovation costs, which can easily exceed $5,000.
No special tools are required for the Barn Beam Light project. Basic tools like a drill, screwdriver, wire strippers, and a saw to cut the beam to length (if needed) are sufficient. The electrical components are simple pendant light kits that can be purchased pre-wired, requiring only basic electrical knowledge to install safely.
The best way to secure a hidden bookcase door is with pivot hinges at the top and bottom, combined with magnetic catches. Pivot hinges provide stability while allowing smooth opening, and magnetic catches keep the door securely closed. For heavier doors, consider adding a caster wheel at the corner opposite the hinges to support the weight and prevent sagging over time.
When handling electrical wiring in a basement conversion: Always check local building codes and consider hiring a licensed electrician for complex work. Use junction boxes where necessary and ensure they remain accessible. Install GFCI outlets for safety in basement environments. Consider running wiring through conduit for added protection. Plan your lighting carefully - our corrugated metal ceiling project provides a good solution for hiding wires while maintaining an industrial aesthetic.
For a basement bar, epoxy paint on concrete is an excellent, budget-friendly option that's durable and easy to clean. Other good options include luxury vinyl plank (LVP) which is waterproof and durable, or interlocking rubber tiles which provide comfort underfoot and protection against spills. Carpet tiles can work in gaming areas, allowing for easy replacement if sections get damaged or stained.