Pool tables are seeing a surging demand, with research published in April predicting a market value of $0.32 billion by 2030.
Increased grassroots initiatives in schools, universities, and clubs contribute to rising billiards and snooker equipment sales. Governing bodies and organizations promote cue sports, while the popularity of billiards, pool, and snooker for entertainment drives installations in sports halls, recreational centres, and clubs.
Household use is growing with personalized and hand-crafted pool tables for various purposes, including space-saving and home decor. Demand for these trends is expected to drive pool table sales. The current market segments include American pool tables, English pool tables, and others, categorized by size (7 ft, 8 ft, 9 ft).
Before you buy one to create a game room at home, get to know what you’re going to play so you don’t purchase the wrong items.
Are you playing billiards, pool, or snooker?
Billiards, pool, and snooker are three cue sports that share similarities but have distinct differences.
With its roots dating back to the 15th century, billiards is played on a table without pockets, using three balls. Billiard tables usually vary in size, but the game usually shares the same tables with pool, often played on a 7-8 foot table. Pool is actually a derivative of billiards. It features a table with six pockets and 16 balls, including the cue ball.
Meanwhile, snooker, introduced in the 1800s, is played on a larger table with six pockets and a total of 22 balls, including a cue ball and 15 red balls. The English snooker table is typically 10-12 feet in size.
While each sport has its unique characteristics, some players may adapt to using different tables for convenience or preference. Some might not be so lucky and prefer to enjoy the game online due to space constraints, especially since you can now use cryptocurrencies to bet on Snooker. However, pick a table and start decorating if you have the space and budget.
Don’t forget to buy other kits that the game requires and think about the storage of each piece of equipment. For instance, in the game of pool, common equipment includes a set of sixteen billiard balls, divided into solid and striped balls, with a black 8-ball and a white cue ball.
Cue sticks, typically 58 inches long, are used to strike the cue ball, but shorter sizes, like 52-inch and 48-inch sticks, may be preferred in confined spaces. Pool chalk enhances cue ball contact, and triangular racks are used to set up the initial ball arrangement. Additionally, a mechanical pool bridge, a specialized cue stick with an attachment for extended or challenging shots, provides a helpful tool during gameplay.
Game room decorating tips
Playing snooker, pool, or billiards offers numerous benefits beyond being a sport or hobby. It enhances physical and mental health, boosts focus, hones risk assessment skills, reduces stress, and fosters stronger relationships through quality time spent with friends and family. Shooting pool in a beautifully designed game room is the perfect way to end a night.
However, the tools required to play this game at home, especially the table, can be space-consuming. Be mindful of these constraints; make the game table the centrepiece and optimize the remaining area accordingly.
You can also opt for versatile tables that seamlessly switch functions, for instance, between dining and snooker. Customized items like this, although can be more expensive, can maximise your space’s potential for family fun.
When you have decided on the area that will be taken up as part of the pool area, it is time to add more to the room. Tailor your games room’s design to fit its proportions while maintaining harmony with the overall style of your home.
Prioritize comfortable furniture, ensuring ample seating and storage for board games, cards, or other entertainment essentials. Source vintage furnishings to add character to your games room, such as repurposing a wooden bench from an old train station and placing it alongside a Victorian-style billiards table, creating an inviting and distinctive seating area.
If you still have some space, consider adding a mini-fridge and snacks cupboard for convenient refreshments, especially if your kitchen is not nearby. If you want to go all out, you can combine a home bar with your entertainment corner for a luxurious adult play area that caters to diverse tastes.
Ensure well-lit gameplay areas with adequate lighting for your table and ambient lighting for the rest of the games room. Enhance your games room’s spaciousness with mirrors reflecting natural light and creating a sense of openness.
