Pool Table Rooms Design Concepts
Having a pool table in your home can be a great source of entertainment and relaxation. But incorporating a bulky gaming fixture into an existing room can present some design challenges. With careful planning and clever decorating tricks, you can create a pool table room that is both stylish and functional.
The key considerations will be allowing adequate play space around the table, choosing durable and coordinated finishes, and setting the right ambiance with lighting, wall decor and accessories. By optimizing the layout, selecting multipurpose furnishings, and personalizing the details, your pool table area can become a welcoming gathering spot for family and friends.
Provide Sufficient Clearance Around the Pool Table
The first priority is ensuring enough open floor area around the pool table for unobstructed game play. Standard guidelines recommend leaving at least 4-1/2 feet of clearance on all sides of the table. This allows enough elbow room for taking shots, even with a longer pool cue. For optimal play, 5 feet or more is ideal. Adjust clearances based on your room size and table dimensions.
- Measure your available space before purchasing a table to avoid cramming it in
- Floating shelves or walls shouldn't extend into the 4-1/2 feet clearance zone
- In tight spaces, choose a 3/4 size or multi-game table to save room
Also check for any overhead obstructions, like low hanging lights or ceiling fans, that could interfere with the pool cues. Leaving ample clearance around the entire pool table is essential for functionality.
Select the Proper Lighting
Visibility is crucial when lining up tricky shots, so appropriate lighting should be a top consideration. Bright, even illumination over the table surface is ideal. Here are some pool table lighting ideas:
- Install a billiards-style pendant fixture centered over the table
- Add recessed can lights or track lighting evenly spaced above the play area
- Use table or floor lamps in nearby seating areas for ambient light
- Include dimmer switches to adjust brightness as needed
Task lighting directly above the table paired with general background lighting in the surrounding space creates the perfect balance for play. Adjustable controls allow customizing the right mood.
Select Durable, Easy-Care Flooring
The flooring around a pool table sees a lot of activity, from active play to entertaining guests. Durability and easy maintenance are top concerns. Plush carpeting may seem tempting for comfort, but balls and chalk can quickly dirty high-traffic areas.
Here are some better options:
- Hardwood flooring looks stylish, wears well and is easy to clean
- Vinyl plank flooring resists scuffs and stands up to heavy use
- Concrete floors offer an edgy, urban look if color and texture is added
- Tile or stone is very durable but can be hard underfoot during lengthy play
Area rugs under and around the table add softness and visual appeal while protecting the floor beneath. Just be sure rug edges don't impede shots. The floor under the table itself should be flat and seamless for proper ball roll.
Choose Wall Colors to Complement the Room
The shade of the pool table felt is a natural starting point for selecting wall colors. Neutrals like gray, tan and brown nicely blend with traditional green or blue felt. Warmer tones like burgundy, forest green or navy blue pair well with graphite or charcoal gray tables.
Use accent walls in a coordinating tone behind or near the pool table to make it stand out. Painting the other walls in a lighter neutral tone keeps the focus on the game play. Bold colors can feel energizing but may get tiring over time.
- Greens complement traditional pool table hues but avoid matching too closely
- Grays, tans and wood tones recede for a subtle background
- Bold patterns add interest when used sparingly in moderation
- Paint ceiling and trim in a bright white to maximize light reflection
Wall color impacts the room's ambiance. Light, neutral backdrops keep the focus on the table while bold accents can energize the space when used thoughtfully.
Include Eye-Catching Wall Decor
The walls surrounding a pool table offer prime real estate for distinctive decor. From graphic art to architectural details, wall accents can reinforce the room's theme and style. Some wall decor ideas include:
- Framed vintage posters with game room themes
- Floating shelves displaying balls, trophies or decorative objects
- Neon signs, mirrors or wall clocks for retro flair
- Textured wallpaper, paneling or brick veneer for visual impact
- Mounted TVs or drop-down projector screens for entertainment
Wall decor shouldn't impede game play. Floating shelves should be outside the 4-1/2 foot clearance zone. Strike a balance between stylish accents and functional open space.
Choose Furnishings for Comfort and Function
The furniture in your pool table room should accommodate guests in style while keeping functionality in mind. Look for pieces that are durable yet coordinated with your decor. Some furnishings to consider include:
- Bar stools for casual gathering around high top tables
- Leather armchairs on casters for easy mobility during play
- Floating open shelves for displaying decorative objects
- Small side tables for holding drinks and snacks
Arrange furnishings to promote conversation and flow around the table's perimeter. Avoid cluttering the interior area with pieces that obstruct play. Prioritize multi-functional items like a bar cart that can be moved or folded down when not in use.
Include Specialty Details for Function
Beyond the major furnishings, specialty accents can add ambiance while serving practical purposes. Consider including features like:
- Pendant lights hanging artistically over the table
- Wall-mounted or free-standing pool cue racks
- A mini fridge or wet bar station for serving beverages
- Nearby dart boards or arcade games for extra entertainment
Accent lighting illuminates the table itself, while also providing visual interest. Convenient cue holders keep essential game gear organized. And a wet bar area encourages guests to linger and socialize before, during or after a match. Details catering to the pool table area help maximize enjoyment.
Zone Different Activity Areas
Effective pool table room design defines separate zones for each function, from competitive play to comfortable lounging. Arrange furnishings to create distinct spaces for:
- Dedicated game play with open floor space
- Casual seating for conversation and observation
- Dining or refreshments a bit further from the action
Floating shelves, area rugs, and careful furniture placement help delineate each zone. Make sure walkways allow easy circulation, and sight lines permit viewing the table. Zoning encourages guests to spread out and prevents bottlenecks.
Add Finishing Touches
Artful accents put the final polish on your stylishly functional pool table room. Coordinating details like these enhance the space:
- Plush area rugs overlapping under and around the table
- Stylish drapes or blinds framing windows
- Themed artwork and decorative objects on the walls
- Ornamental plants or modern sculpture accents
Softer textures from wool rugs, velvet pillows, or linen drapes contrast with the table's sleek lines. Bold patterns and colors in the decor add visual energy. Finishing touches blended throughout the space pull the whole room together.
Create Cohesive Game Room Style
When designing your pool table space, consider the overall style you want to achieve. Then select complementary elements that enhance that theme. Some fun motifs include:
- Contemporary: Metallics, glossy surfaces, geometric patterns
- Industrial: Exposed brick, stainless steel, pendant lighting
- Mid-Century Modern: Retro colors, floating shelves, iconic furniture
- Rustic Lodge: Wood paneling, leather furniture, antler chandeliers
- Refined Glam: Velvet and leather, mirrored accents, gold finishes
The furnishings, lighting, wall decor and accessories should all tie together. An eclectic mix of items risks looking haphazard. Aim for a collected look that complements your personal taste.
Address Important Special Considerations
Besides the decor details, some technical elements require attention for an ideal pool table room. Be sure to factor in:
- Proper ventilation, temperature and humidity regulation
- Acoustic treatments if soundproofing is needed
- Flat, level flooring free of obstructions under the table
- Convenient storage for balls, pool cues, chalk and accessories
- Durable, easy-care finishes that stand up to heavy use
Proper infrastructure ensures your table always plays true and the space stays comfortable. Prioritize smooth floors, climate control, and acoustic privacy, then dress up with stylish design details.
Set a Realistic Decorating Budget
Creating your dream game room likely requires some financial investment. Set realistic expectations by:
- Focusing first on key functional elements like the table, flooring and lighting
- Mixing in both higher-end and budget-friendly furniture pieces
- Incorporating DIY projects to save money where possible
- Choosing durable furnishings and materials that offer good long-term value
Big-ticket purchases like the pool table itself and installing new flooring or lighting make the most impact. Supplement with less expensive decorative items from vintage shops or big box stores. Allocate your budget wisely.
Designing a stylish yet functional pool table room requires balancing proper lighting, smart layout, durable finishes and appealing decor. Allow ample clearances for play, install pool table lighting for visibility, and choose low-maintenance flooring to handle active use. Include plush furnishings for relaxation between shots and display fun accessories to set the mood. Zone areas for circulation and activities. Tie everything together based on your preferred theme, whether modern contemporary or rustic lodge. With clever spatial planning and personal styling, your pool table room can serve as a welcoming spot for entertainment and quality time.