A pool table light
Even light over the whole playing surface, with no shadows from the rails. Hang it about 32 to 36 inches above the cloth.
Game Room Setup: Everything Around the Pool Table
The table is the star, but the room around it decides whether people want to hang out and play. Here is what to add, in the order most people should buy it.
Light and space first
A wall cue rack
Keeps cues straight and off the floor, with a spot for the bridge, balls and chalk.
A rug or floor protection
Protects the floor from chalk and dropped balls, and quiets the room. Keep it under the whole table and stroke area.
Make people stay
Spectator chairs or pub stools
Tall seats along the wall let people watch the game without standing in the way of a stroke.
A pub table
A spot for drinks that is not the rail of your table. Keep it outside the stroke area.
A scoreboard
A bead scoreboard or a chalkboard keeps race-to-7 sets honest and adds pool hall style.
More games
A dartboard cabinet
The classic partner to a pool table. Put it on a different wall so dart throwers and shooters do not collide.
A card and game table
For poker night and board games when the table is busy.
A TV mount for streams
Watch pro events and streams between racks. Mount it high so it clears the cue.
Finishing touches
Billiard wall art
Vintage pool posters and neon signs give the room character.
A table brush and cover
Brush the cloth after play and cover it to keep dust and spills off.
A better ball set
The balls that come with most tables are the first thing worth upgrading.
Tips
- Plan the stroke area before anything else: about 5 feet around the playing surface, clear of furniture and walls.
- A dimmer on the room lights (not the table light) makes the table pop and sets the mood.
- Host a home tournament: print a free tournament bracket and use the payout calculator for the pot.
More gear guides
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