see our buying guide

About Legacy Billiards
Legacy began over 30 years ago as a furniture manufacturer for
the most recognized names in the furniture industry. We also
manufactured billiard and furniture components for many of
the largest Billiard Companies in the industry.
In 2002, to better meet the needs and growing demand of
modern day consumers, Legacy began providing quality billiard tables, shuffleboards and game room furniture directly
to consumers themselves. Legacy Billiards strived to bring the
best of furniture manufacturing (finishing, hand carving, design, material, and construction) into the home game room
industry.
Today Legacy Billiards is an industry leader in game room design and innovation. We created this guide to help potential
game room customers better understand how to properly assemble a game room that will provide decades of enjoyment.
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1 Plan Your Game Room
Room Size
Flooring
Lighting
Layout
How Many People Will Use Your Game Room?
2 Furniture Options
Table of Contents
Billiard Table Options
Seating
Accessory Storage Options
Bar Furniture, Regular Tables
Adding Shuffleboard, Ping Pong, Other Game
Room Items
Matching Game Room Furniture
3 Room Design
Where to Put Everything
Game Room Design Trends
Clearing Up Your Walls
Using and Enjoying Your Game Room
Planning for Furniture Additions
Maintaining Your Game Room and Billiard Table
4 Conclusion
Introduction
So, you’re thinking about taking the first
“steps
of adding a game room to your home?
”
So, you’re thinking about taking the first steps of adding a game room to your home?
A game room can be an endlessly fun area that the whole family can enjoy for years
to come. Get in touch with your fun and imaginative side as you create a game room
with anything from billiard tables to shuffleboards, poker tables, home entertainment systems, home bar furniture, dartboards or table tennis. It’s all up to you!
If planning and designing a game room seems like an overwhelming task, it’s definitely not. With this guide, we’re going to walk you through the process of planning
a game room all the way from initial design and furniture options to usage and
maintenance. If you’re on a budget, we’ll show you ways you can maximize your
dollar by getting the best value in furniture and accessories. Stick to the guidelines
in our Game Room Guide, and you’ll quickly be on your way to turning an ordinary
room into the most entertaining space in the house.
A Quick Note on Budget
Depending on what options you select, a game room can be put together on any
budget. But, no matter how much money you’re planning on spending, there are
still a few characteristics you should look for in all of the game room furniture and
accessories you buy.
Make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck by shopping for furniture that
is constructed with solid hardwood components and quality hardware. Always keep
a look out for billiard table that offers a lifetime warranty to ensure your investment
will be protected for as long as you own it. In a bit, we’ll go over a few other features
and characteristics you should look for to maximize your game room dollar.
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1
Plan Your
G a m e
R o o m
Game Room Design Guide
Plan Your Game Room
Before you start selecting furniture, accessories and design elements, you’ll
need to know a few things about the room you’re planning to use. In this chapter we will go over room size, flooring, lighting and a few other decisions that
are important for creating the perfect game room.
Room Size
The first thing you should look at when designing a billiard room or game room
is the size of the room itself. Knowing the measurements of the room will allow
you to better understand the options you will have for games and furniture.
When it comes to billiard tables, you should take extra care when determining
what size table will fit comfortably in your game room. Make sure you allow
ample space surrounding the table for play. A standard pool cue measures
58-inches, and you’ll need to allow space on each side of the table for cue
movement. Adjust your measurements based on if you plan on buying a 7, 8
or 9-foot table or if you’re planning on using longer or shorter cues. Even the
most impressive looking 9-foot table is going to lose some appeal if it’s too big
for the room and doesn’t allow comfortable play.
Room Planner
GUIDE
Using the on-line Icovia Room Planner;
Step 1. Log into the Legacy Billiards website. www.legacybilliards.com
Step 2. Select the “Room Planner” tab on
the right of the screen.
Step 3. With the program opened, the
first step is to identify the type of room
that you are designing. In this case,
your selection would be “billiard room”.
Secondly, click on the “build your own”
option. Opening this portion of the room
planner will allow you to enter the measurements of your soon-to-be-amazing
game room.
To better understand the size of
the room you’ll be using, we recommend the Icovia Room Planner, like the one available at LegacyBilliards.com. With this simple
program, you enter your room
measurements and it will create a
customized floor plan and allow
you to choose which furniture,
games and accessories will best fit
in the available space.
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Game Room Design Guide
Flooring
The flooring in your game room is an important, yet often
overlooked, necessity to consider early in the planning stage.
If you’re designing the space with a billiard table in mind,
you might need to make adjustments to your flooring. You
can experiment with different flooring options that go with
the theme and design of your game room, but always keep in
mind the importance of stability and protection for the game
room contents.
A typical billiard table can weigh between 600 and 800
pounds. You may need to make sure your flooring can safely
support this amount of weight. If your floor is constructed
with 16-inch on center joists that are commonly found in
most homes, you can easily accommodate the weight of a
pool table in your game room.
Game tables need to be placed on a stable base to ensure
they stay in place during play. If you have hardwood, laminated hardwood, tile or vinyl, an area rug can help your
game room furniture stay in place during use, and will help
to ensure that it doesn’t scratch or damage the floor. The Icovia Room planner has several options for rugs that you can
use in your design. If you prefer not to have an area rug under
your billiard table, there are several pads and mats available
that will keep your table secure when placed on the floor. Installers often carry these pads, and they can be easily added
to the bottom of the table feet when your table is assembled
Lighting
In order to make your game room comfortable and easy to
play in, functional and stylish lighting is essential. If a billiard
table is the centerpiece of your game room, consider adding
an over-hanging light fixture for a well-lit playing surface.
An overhead light fixture should be placed approximately
32-36 inches over the slate playing surface. Adjust the type
and size of the light fixture you purchase to compliment the
size of the table. Bigger size tables should have bigger lights
to ensure the entire play area is well lit while smaller tables
shouldn’t be overwhelmed by a light that is too big.
You may have to install your billiard light before the table is
in place. If this is the case, hang the lamp approximately 66
inches from the floor to the bottom of the lamp. As we mentioned before, note that billiard lights come in various sizes.
An 8ft. billiard table should have a lamp that is no less than
42 inches in length and should house at least 3 light bulbs.
For optimal lighting during play, frosted incandescent bulbs
of no less than 60 watts per bulb are recommended
If your game room is already sufficiently lit and you don’t
need extra light for the play surface, you may consider holding off on adding a billiard lamp. While billiard lamps add
ambiance to the game room and prevent eyestrain during
extended play sessions, you do not need one immediately to
complete a game room project.
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Game Room Design Guide
Layout
Now that you’ve chosen your flooring and light options let
your creativity shine for the last step: putting the design together. The layout of your game room can differ depending on
the furniture, accessories and design options you choose.
How Many People Will Use Your Game Room?
Now that you have the flooring and lighting in your billiard room, you should explore how you plan to entertain in the room once it’s completed. A good question to ask when planning for the need for additional
seating is “How many people are likely to be in the game room at any given time?” If you’re planning on
entertaining a large number, plan for adding seating and extra space to accommodate more guests.
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Furniture
o p t i o n s
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Game Room Design Guide
Furniture Options
Once you have the measurements of the room you’d like to use, and your flooring and lighting is in place, it’s time to examine some of the furniture options
you might want in your game room. In this chapter, we’ll go over the different
options available, as well as what to look for in the furniture you choose.
Billard Table Options
More often than not, a traditional pool or billiard table will be the centerpiece of a
game room. With the virtually limitless options in design, look and size, you’ll need
to make a few decisions before investing in your first billiard table. Here are a few
main points to consider when making an investment in a pool table.
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Game Room Design Guide
Size
What to Look for in a Billard Table
As we mentioned earlier, pool tables generally come
sized at 7ft, 8ft or 9ft, and any of these can be considered “regulation” size. Any billiard table measured twice
as long as it is wide can be considered regulation, but
the 8ft size is commonly considered the standard-size
table. Refer back to your room measurements when sizing your table, and remember to account for space for
cues on all sides of the table. If not, your billiard table
may be unplayable and you may cause accidental damage the walls, windows and furniture in the room.
A pool table is an investment, and you should make
careful considerations when purchasing one. As the centerpiece of your game room, always look for brands that
are well constructed and are built with high-quality, solid-wood materials. Quality materials and construction
separate a table that will last a few years from one that
will last for decades as a family heirloom. If you want
to get the maximum playability from your pool table,
you’ll want a true, level slate surface, well-constructed
,solid hardwood cabinet and quality billiard cloth.
Want to learn more about pool table options
like slate, cloth, rails and everything in-between?
Check out our complete Pool Table Buying Guide.
Click Here to Download.
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Game Room Design Guide
Design and Style
The appearance of your table is completely up to you. There are
numerous designs available so finding one that fits your personality, style and decor won’t be a problem. Shop around to find what
best fits you and your vision of what you want from the table and
your game room. No matter what style table you choose, keep a
look out for tables made with quality materials and don’t settle for
less than a lifetime warranty.
Not sure if the billiard table brand you’re shopping for is up to standard?
Click here for a video buying guide
with tips on getting the most for your money in game room furniture
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Game Room Design Guide
Seating
A game room should be the best place to entertain guests in the home.
It’s important to consider how many guests you’re planning to have in
the room at one time to ensure everyone has a place to sit or gather.
If a billiard table is the centerpiece of your game room, a spectator
chair is the first piece to consider. Pool is generally played as a 2-player
game. Spectator chairs give the players a comfortable place to sit while
waiting on their turn to shoot. These chairs are specifically designed for
game rooms as the height of a spectator chair is set for optimal viewing
of the play surface to watch the game. These chairs also have a place to
rest a pool cue and set a drink.
Once your game room is complete and word gets out, don’t be surprised if you have other guests stop in to enjoy the space. A pub set is
an easy and affordable way to provide a small entertainment area near
the billiard table. While pub tables come in many sizes, a 30-inch diameter pub table is designed for smaller rooms and should have 2 barstools to make the set complete. A 36-inch diameter pub is adequate
for larger rooms and can hold as many as 4 barstools, and can easily be
expanded to accommodate 6 seats with a conversion top. Pub sets also
come in various heights. With 40 to 42-inch heights being the standard,
depending on your room’s size and placement of the pub. The 36-inch
café height may be used to avoid interference with the pool cue during
play. Also, make sure the pub seating you choose corresponds with the
height of your table. If you purchase a 36-inch high café table you’ll
need a 25-inch high café stool while a 40 to 42-inch high table will
require a 30-inch high pub sool.
At this point, if you are entertaining an average of 5 guests, you are providing a comfortable place in the billiard room for everybody.
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Game Room Design Guide
Accessory Storage
Having a functional game room means designing a space that stores
all necessary cues, balls, brushes, ball racks, and chalk efficiently.
Wall racks, floor stands and storage benches all serve to help you
keep your game room organized. Any sort of railing or paneling on
the walls make using a wall rack difficult in which case you should
opt for a floor stand or storage bench. If you have limited floor
space, a wall rack is your best option.
If you don’t have room for a storage solution, or wish to free up
space in the room, search for an integrated storage drawer that
mounts underneath your billiards table.
Bar Furniture
If you are entertaining an average of more than 5 guests, a bar is a great entertainment
area either next to the billiard table or, if space allows, elsewhere in the room. Bar
sets, like pub sets, also come in various sizes. As a general rule you will find 5, 6, 7
and 8 ft. bars the standard. To allow for the proper placement of a bar, a minimum
of 3 ft. between the wall and the back of the bar should be given. More room will be
needed if you are considering a back bar of any type. Additional game room seating
can also be created with installation of a bar. A 5 or 6 ft. bar will properly seat 3 to
5 guests. (2 barstools in the front of the bar, 1 one each side, and 1 behind the bar).
7 ft. bars can seat up to 6 and 8 ft. bars can seat up to 7 comfortably. Adding a return
to make the bar an “L” shape will add room for an additional seating.
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Game Room Design Guide
Shuffleboard, Ping Pong, Video Games, and More
If pool isn’t your thing, or you just want to add some variety to the games in your game
room, consider adding shuffleboard, table tennis, or a variety of other fun game options.
Shuffleboard can be a great, low-maintenance addition to any game room without taking up much extra space. In table shuffleboard, players use their hands to slide pucks
across the table surface into a scoring area on the opposite side of the table.
Another option that adds variety and saves space is table tennis. If you don’t have space
for a dedicated Ping-Pong table, you can easily add a table tennis surface on your billiard
table. If you choose to purchase a table tennis top for your pool table, look for one with
protective padding that won’t cause damage to the table.
Dartboards, poker tables, arcade games and pinball machine make great additions to
your game room. Shop around and experiment to see what will work best for you!
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Game Room Design Guide
Matching Your Game Room Furniture
If you want your billiard table to match your spectator chairs, pub sets, shuffleboard and accessories, look for brands that
offer coordinating furniture in their product lines. This will ensure everything in your game room will match and come
together to show the thought and attention to detail you put in to creating and designing your game room. Matching furniture does not just mean the same finish; matching design and style, product features, and the quality of construction are
important factors to consider as well. Not all furniture brands offer products that match, so be sure to seek out those that
do if you want a perfectly matched game room that you can easily add-on to in the future.
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Room Design
Game Room Design Guide
Game Room Design Trends
While many traditional styles remain intact in game room design, today’s trends are often a reflection of the interests and personality of the designer. With more and more available options in game room furniture, you have
more creative freedom than ever. Below are just a few examples of popular styles in game rooms that can be a
great starting point to making your personal statement.
Theming and Color Schemes
Cleaner Walls
Your game room is a space for enjoyment and entertainment, and the colors you choose should be a
reflection of that. Like other aspects of game room
design, the colors you choose will come from your
personal preference. You can never go wrong with
coordinating the room’s colors with your billiard
table, furniture and other accessories.
In the past, people have often chosen to store billiard
accessories on the wall using a cue rack. While that’s
still an option some people choose in their designs,
more and more designers are choosing to keep their
walls clear. Search for a storage solution that is hidden away, such as an accessory drawer that mounts
underneath the table.
For sports fans, team colors are becoming a poplar
choice in color design. No matter what your favorite team might be, enjoying the game in a room
that reflects your team’s personality can be the ultimate game-day fan experience. Choose colors
in billiard tables, furniture, accessories and paint
that coordinate with your team’s colors. Add to the
theming with posters, throws, pillows, framed jerseys and team accessories.
While many designers are choosing the “less is
more” approach to design, your walls don’t have to
be completely empty. Pub signs, neon signs, or posters that reflect your interests and personality can be
a great way to add life to your game room. If you
want to take it a step further, pick up a trendy personalized signed with your name or favorite saying.
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Game Room Design Guide
Where to Put Everything
So, you’ve picked your room, bought your pool table, your furniture and all the accessories, and painted your
walls. Now it’s time to decide where everything goes. Since each game room will be unique, most of these
decisions will come down to the individual. Remember to allow space for cues on each side of your billiard
table, and allow space for play on other games like shuffleboard and table tennis. If you are entertaining a
large number of guests, allow space for extra seating to ensure everyone is comfortable. Experiment with different layouts to ensure the most efficient design for your game room.
While the other items in the room can possibly be rearranged in a few years or so for a fresh new look, we
don’t recommend relocating the pool table. If you already have you’re table installed, moving it can be very
difficult, and if you have a billiard lamp installed, you’ll have to move that as well. So make sure your decision of table placement is a spot you’ll be satisfied with well in to the future.
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Conclusion
If you’ve gone through the steps found in this guide, you should be on your way to a finished, functional and personalized game room project. As we conclude our guide, we’ll go over a few ways you can use your game room
as well as tips for making sure your furniture, games and accessories are maintained and cared for properly.
Using and Enjoying Your Game Room
Always Plan for Future Additions
Once you’ve completed your game room project, it’s
time to entertain. A game room can be a great, lowcost way to keep your friends and family entertained
in the home. Throw pool parties and experiment with
all the different game variations like 8-ball, 9-ball or
pill pool. Host poker night or invite the guys over to
watch the game. A game room can also be the center of a money saving “stay-cation” at home for you
and your family. The possibilities for years of fun are
limitless with a game room and features can easily be
added as your family changes and grows.
Like any room in the house, a finished game room
can always evolve and change. If you want to add
variety to your game room down the road, consider
adding shuffleboard or purchasing a table tennis top
for your billiard table. If you’re entertaining more
guests than you originally planned, add additional
seating or bar furniture.
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Game Room Design Guide
1
Brush your billiard table’s cloth to keep it free of dust,
chalk and debris. Brushing your table with a quality
billiard brush is the safest way to keep it clean. Don’t
vacuum the cloth directly. Vacuuming will pull dust
from the slate surface and create tiny holes that can
damage the cloth and eventually require you to replace the cloth.
2
Use a table cover during long periods between play
on your billiard table. Covers keep the table clean
and prolong the life of the cloth.
3
Keep your cues, balls and other accessories in optimal condition and properly stored away in a cue rack
or an accessory drawer.
4
Replacing the shuffleboard wax is easy and should
be done regularly to maintain the surface of the
boards’ playing area. Here’s a quick video that
shows you how it’s done. http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=yXYMneDoYTg
5
All of your furniture should be cleaned and polished
using a non-abrasive cloth and a high-grade furniture
polish. When cleaning your table’s wood finish, be
sure not to get polish on the billiard cloth so as not to
stain or disturb the matte of the cloth.
Maintaining Your Game Room,
Shuffleboard and Billiard Table
Taking a few steps to maintain your game room will
ensure problem-free continued enjoyment for years.
Here are a few tips for keeping your billiard table and
shuffleboard clean and maintained.
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We hope this guide has been helpful in your quest for a perfect game room that reflects your personality and fits with
your entertainment goals. Remember, there’s no right or
wrong when it comes to style and décor. There is, however,
a difference between a game room that will last for only a
few seasons and one that will bring a lifetime of enjoyment.
Sincerely,
Legacy Billiards
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