It is important to remember that player mobility is the most important aspect in designing your pool room. The billiard room layout should start with a solid plan, either on paper, or preferably using a 2D to 3D room planning tool such as Floorplanner.com. In fact, given the requirements for players to use their pool cues in any number of positions around the billiard table, it is strongly recommended that you start with the floor plan before even deciding on your pool table purchase (if you do not have one already at this point in the planning). Remembering that at least 5 feet is required as a perimeter around most pool tables, you will need at least a 13 foot wide room for a smaller 7-foot table (more on this later). Making room for the table is only the first step in designing your room for both player mobility, spectator comfort, and use by other non-pool playing members of the family.
Design your billiard room with the pool table at the center, because of course, it is the center of attention. Add your perimeter for players to move around and easily use their pool cues. Then, as room permits, add bar or counter stools for the other players to sit on while waiting their turn. This is really a nice touch, especially for older players who may need to rest up between shots. Of course, you’ll need a wall with a substantial area for the pool cues, pool bridge, pool rack (or triangle, as its called), and perhaps a scoreboard. Now you have the bar minimum in design, but as space allows, you may want to add game chairs or other seating, and a game or card table. Having these elements can turn a billiard room into an all-around game room.
The next step in designing your billiard room may not be what you expect, but it is as important as the room itself. Of course, we are talking about lighting, which has a huge role in defining the mood and tone of a room. A billiard room calls for styles that reflect the use, from playful and whimsical to clubhouse casual. There are many fun billiard-theme pendant lights, but regardless of the style, you’ll want some good lighting directly over the pool table, so hanging lights are the best choice here. Wall lighting is also important and should compliment the pendant lights. One very popular choice is Tiffany-style lighting, which has a wonderful warm light with a vintage appeal. Image: Build.com
Other design elements must follow function. Remember that designing your game room needs to accommodate the heavy traffic it will receive, as well as the fact that there will be food and drinks ever-present. With this in mind, select a very durable, easily-cleaned carpet. An area rug is not recommended simply because someone could trip over it, or it could get caught in chair or bar stool legs. A wall-to-wall carpet in the playing area keeps it safe and comfortable while reducing noise. Although your walls may be adorned with pool accessories, memorabilia, posters and your favorite beer sign, keep them light and avoid the dark paneling that characterized so many game rooms of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. After all, the billiard room is now more of a family room and not a man cave! (image courtesy of Build.com)Although your walls may be adorned with pool accessories, memorabilia, posters and your favorite beer sign, keep them light and avoid the dark paneling that characterized so many game rooms of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. After all, the billiard room is now more of a family room and not a man cave!