Designing a pool room at home isn’t just about placing a table in a spare room. It’s about creating a space where you can relax, practice, entertain guests, and enjoy the true spirit of billiards.
Whether you’re setting up a classic pool hall vibe or a modern game-room aesthetic, this guide will help you plan, design, and set up the perfect pool room for your home — even if you’re working with limited space.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know before you buy your pool table, cues, lighting, or accessories.
1. Choosing the Right Room for Your Pool Table
The first and most important step is selecting the right room. A pool table requires open space not only for the table itself but also for cue movement.
Start With Table Size
The most common pool table sizes are:
- 7 ft table: Ideal for small rooms
- 8 ft table: Standard home-size choice
- 9 ft table: Professional size, needs a large dedicated space
Room Size Guide (Including Cue Clearance)
A simple way to calculate required room size:
Room Size = Table Size + 2 × Cue Length
Most pool cues are 57–58 inches (~4.8 ft).
Here’s a quick reference:
| Table Size | Ideal Room Size |
|---|---|
| 7 ft table | 13′6″ × 16′ |
| 8 ft table | 14′ × 18′ |
| 9 ft table | 14′6″ × 19′ |
If your room is small, don’t worry — short cues (48” or 52”) can help.
2. Choosing the Perfect Pool Table
Your table is the heart of your pool room. Consider the following:
Slate vs MDF Tables
- Slate tables are premium, long-lasting, more accurate, and preferred by serious players.
- MDF tables are lighter, budget-friendly, and suitable for casual play.
Table Style and Finish
Choose a style that matches your room design:
- Rustic wood
- Modern steel & glass
- Vintage leather-pocket tables
- Matte black/industrial look
Cloth (Felt) Options
- Worsted cloth: Fast, smooth, used by pros
- Woolen cloth: Slower, thicker, traditional feel
Colors like green, blue, and maroon are classic, but modern colors like grey and black are trending in 2025.
3. Lighting: A Critical Element Often Ignored
Proper lighting is essential. It reduces shadows, improves aim, and enhances the overall aesthetic.
Ideal Lighting Height
Hang your light 32–36 inches above the table surface.
Avoid These Mistakes
- Lights that cast strong shadows
- Bulbs that reflect harshly on balls
- Overly warm or overly cool lights
Best Lighting Styles
- Traditional billiard bar lights
- Modern LED hanging strips
- Industrial pendant lamps
- Flush-mount lights for small rooms
Make sure the entire table surface is evenly illuminated.
4. Flooring: Don’t Overlook This
You may not think about flooring when planning a pool room, but it plays an important role in durability and comfort.
Best Flooring Options
- Hardwood – classic & premium
- Vinyl / Laminate – durable and affordable
- Carpet tiles – absorb sound and reduce ball bounce
- Rubber backing mats – protect flooring under heavy tables
Avoid soft carpets — ball movement becomes unpredictable if the table shifts.
5. Essential Pool Room Accessories
A great pool room needs more than just a table. These accessories complete the space and elevate your playing experience.
Must-Have Accessories
- Set of quality billiard balls
- Chalk (matching your cue tip color to avoid stains)
- Cue rack (wall-mounted or standing)
- Bridge stick
- Ball triangle (rack)
- Table brush
- Cue tip repair kit
Optional (But Highly Recommended)
- Scoreboard
- Table cover
- Cue cases
- Ball cleaning machine
- Under-table storage drawers
These items help you maintain your equipment and keep the room organized.
6. Planning Cue Storage & Room Organization
Cue storage is both functional and decorative.
Popular Storage Options
- Wall-mounted cue racks – save space
- Floor-standing cue holders – stylish, easy to move
- Cabinets with glass doors – premium look
Your cues should be stored straight, upright, and away from moisture or heat.
7. Soundproofing Your Pool Room (Optional but Helpful)
If your pool room is near bedrooms or neighbors, soundproofing makes play more enjoyable.
Easy Soundproofing Ideas
- Add wall panels or acoustic foam
- Use thick curtains
- Install carpet tiles
- Add bookshelves for natural noise absorption
- Use rubber pads under furniture
This keeps the room quiet and cozy.
8. Adding Seating & Entertainment
Comfort makes your pool room a social space.
Seating Ideas
- Bar stools
- Leather lounge chairs
- Wooden benches
- Window seating with cushions
Place seating away from cue paths to avoid accidental hits.
Add Entertainment
- Bar counter
- Dartboard
- TV or music system
- Mini fridge
- LED ambience lighting
These additions transform your pool room into a complete game zone.
9. Room Decorating Ideas
The atmosphere sets the mood. Here are popular pool room décor themes:
Classic Pool Hall Theme
- Burgundy or forest-green walls
- Leather seating
- Vintage posters
- Wooden cue racks
Modern Minimal Theme
- White or grey walls
- LED strip lights
- Matte black fixtures
Industrial Theme
- Brick wallpaper
- Black metal lighting
- Rustic wooden table
Luxury Theme
- Velvet seating
- Crystal lighting
- Designer felt colors
Pick a theme that matches your personal taste and the rest of your home.
10. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Setting Up a Pool Room
Many first-time buyers make these errors:
(i) Choosing a table too big for the room
(ii) Poor lighting that creates shadows
(iii) Using soft carpets under the table
(iv) No cue clearance around walls
(v) Cheap cues that warp quickly
(vi) Not measuring room size before buying
Avoid these mistakes to save money and enjoy a perfect playing experience.
11. Budget Breakdown for Setting Up a Home Pool Room
Here is a realistic pricing guide (varies by brand and country):
| Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Pool Table (7/8/9 ft) | ₹40,000 – ₹2,00,000+ |
| Lighting | ₹2,000 – ₹15,000 |
| Balls Set | ₹2,000 – ₹10,000 |
| Cues (2–4 pcs) | ₹1,000 – ₹15,000 each |
| Cue Rack | ₹1,000 – ₹7,000 |
| Accessories Kit | ₹1,500 – ₹10,000 |
| Flooring/Interior | ₹5,000 – ₹50,000 |
A complete professional home setup may cost ₹60,000 to ₹3,00,000, depending on table type and décor.
12. Final Checklist Before You Set Up Your Pool Room
Here’s your quick checklist:
Measured the room properly
Selected ideal table size
Picked table material (Slate/MDF)
Installed proper lighting
Added cue racks and storage
Bought quality balls, cues, chalk
Added seating and décor
Considered soundproofing
Ensured the table is perfectly level
Once everything is in place, your home pool room becomes a space for fun, relaxation, and skill improvement.
Conclusion
Setting up a pool room at home is a dream for many — and with the right planning, it’s easier than you think.
From choosing the right table to designing the room layout, lighting, accessories, and décor, you can create a stylish and functional billiards space that your family and guests will love.