For pool enthusiasts with limited square footage, fitting a regulation-size pool table into your game room can seem downright impossible. With standard pool tables requiring sizable spaces up to 19 feet long by 13 feet wide, finding room for one in a small home calls for creative thinking. But don’t let a lack of space deter you from enjoying billiards in your own home just yet – with a few clever solutions, you can install a totally functional pool table in rooms and basements of nearly any size.
By learning compact designs, space-saving layouts, and smart storage tricks, you can transform even the most challenging room into an awesome home pool zone. Keep reading as we reveal insider homeowner tips for installing pool tables in condos, apartments, and other snug spaces.
Calculating the Square Footage You’ll Need
First things first – you’ll need to math out the footprint required to accommodate your dream pool table. Standard sizes for residential tables are 7, 8 or 9 feet long and about 4 feet wide. On the more compact end, some specialty “bar box” tables measure just 3.5 feet by 7 feet.
Here’s the general formula for finding the room size needed: Take the length and width of the table, then double the length and add 50% of the width. For example, a common 8 foot by 4 foot table requires a room at least 16 feet long (double the length) by 12 feet wide (4 foot width plus 50% more).
Factor In Cue Length Too
Cue sticks matter too! The typical pool cue is 58 inches long. To make shots, players need adequate clearance behind and in front of the table lengthwise. With standard cues, most experts thus recommend leaving at least 4 feet of space around all sides of the table.
For an 8 foot table, that means allowing for 16 feet lengthwise and 12 feet widthwise. But by using shorter cues, you can reduce the amount of elbow room needed and potentially downsize the room requirements.
Strategic Pool Table Placement
How and where you situate the pool table within the available space makes a big difference. Avoid pushing the table flush into a wall or corner if possible. This restricts access and can make playing and moving around the table frustrating.
Try Angling in a Corner
A better approach is angling the pool table partially into a corner but keeping several feet of clearance on all sides. This provides more wiggle room than cramming it fully into a corner.
Pay attention to the table’s positioning in relation to doors, hallways, openings, and any obstacles like low ceilings or hanging lights. Leave plenty of room for players to walk around the table, line up shots, and access seating areas.
Shorter Pool Cues Open Up Options
As touched on earlier, opting for a shorter cue can be a game changer for maximizing play in a small space. Standard pool cues are 58 inches long, but 53 inch and 48 inch compact options are available.
Shorter cues reduce the amount of clearance required behind and in front of the rails by several feet. This allows you to accommodate pool tables in rooms with length or width restrictions that would not work with regulation cues.
Downsides of Shorter Cues
The main tradeoffs are reduced stroking control and less powerful shots. Shorter cues can also limit your ability to perform certain trick shots or play defensively.
We recommend trying out compact cues to ensure you can adjust to the different feel before fully committing to a smaller room layout.
Creative Compact Pool Table Solutions
In addition to downsizing your cues, compact and adjustable pool tables offer even more possibilities for small spaces. Here are some innovative options we love:
Multi-Game Tables
Maximize functionality with a convertible table that doubles as a dining table, poker table, or even a ping pong table. Many feature removable tops to go from one use to another in seconds.
Foldable and Nesting Designs
True space-savers, folding tables can be folded vertically and stashed against a wall when not in use. Nesting or “tuckaway” tables work similarly, allowing you to retract one half into the other.
Smaller Bar Box Styles
For the ultimate in compactness, scaled-down “bar box” tables are narrower and shorter than standard home designs. The smallest are just 3.5 by 7 feet – perfect for squeezing into tiny rec rooms.
Pool Table Accessories to Maximize Small Square Footage
Take advantage of vertical space and accessories tailored to small areas. Our top picks:
- Wall-mounted cue racks get sticks off the floor
- Hanging lights free up floor space while illuminating the table
- Custom cues racks allow organized storage in unused corners
- Puck-style chalk holders attach directly to table rails
FAQs: Pool Tables for Compact Spaces
Can I install a pool table in my apartment?
While challenging, some space-saving designs can work even in apartments, provided you have at least one sizable room. Measure carefully, look for folding or nesting options, and get management approval first.
Will a pool table damage my floors?
Not if you take precautions. Use a level, anti-vibration cushion under the legs. Felt pads can also help. Avoid direct floor contact with slate beds, which are extremely heavy.
What if I want to move my pool table later?
Portable tables with folding legs offer the most flexibility for moving and reconfiguring your layout over time. Wheeled options also make it easy to roll a table between rooms.
Can I install a pool table on the second floor?
It’s risky. Pool tables weigh hundreds of pounds at minimum, so structural integrity is a real concern. Get an engineer to assess the floor load capacity to prevent potential ceiling or floor damage.
If we learned one thing here, it’s to not let limited square footage crush your dream of at-home billiards. With strategic room planning, compact equipment, and space-saving accessories, you can enjoy an awesome pool setup even in a smaller home, apartment or condo.
Don’t settle for a cheap toy table or give up altogether. By following our tips for measuring, positioning, downsizing cues, and choosing smart multipurpose furniture, you can play real pool in real tight spaces. Bring the corner bar experience home and start racking up happy hours of fun, all while sticking to your spatial and budgetary requirements.
