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Recreation rooms are one of those spaces that can require space that easily extends beyond the square footage of the average home. Traditional games such as pool and table tennis demand dedicated space, but there are many home games that could fit on a tabletop. Let’s find out what games your home could host by taking a look at the dimensions of some of the favourites.

Pool Tables

Pool tables are available in several sizes, and the most common ones are designated as 9-, 8- and 7-foot. The actual dimensions are as follows:

9 ft.: 5 ft., 2 in. wide and 9 ft., 4 in. long
8 ft.: 4 ft., 8 in. wide and 8 ft., 4 in. long
7 ft.: 4 ft., 2 in. wide and 7 ft., 4 in. long

All tables are 30 in. high and need a clear space above the table of at least 30 in. from hanging light fixtures. You will need at least 5 ft. clear around the table and next to walls with an addition of 2 ft. or more when placed next to other furnishings such as another game table. Considering the overall size of the pool table and the area required to function, you may need as much as 300 square feet dedicated to it.

The floor must be level, and it will need to support the weight of a traditional wooden pool table.

You must provide diffused lighting with a rating of 375 lumens on the playing surface, which is about three 150-watt incandescent bulbs. Sharp shadows and fluorescent lighting should be avoided.

Cues are about 4 to 6 ft. long, and the rack is about a 12-in. triangle, and these items must be stowed conveniently within or near the table.

Table Tennis

Table tennis is another space eater when it comes to recreation rooms. The tables come in just one size, 5 ft. wide; 9 ft., 6 in. long; and 30 in. high. You need at least 7 ft. at each end of the table, and 4 ft. on each side clear to the walls. You should add a couple of extra feet if the table will be placed next to other furnishings. Similar to a pool table, it requires about 300 square ft.; though the required footprint is narrower, it needs more than 23 ft. in length.

Again, level flooring is critical, and a resilient material that allows some skidding is best. No gloss and darker finishes suit table tennis floors best to aid in keeping the white ball in clear sight.

Halogen lighting is ideal and should range from 150 to 500 lumens on the tabletop surface. Though not as desirable for play, natural lighting may have to do during the day – but always avoid fluorescent illumination for table tennis.

Foosball

Foosball, also called table football, takes up a comparatively modest amount of space. The playing area is 48 in. long, 27 in. wide and about 6 in. deep. The overall dimension of a foosball table ranges from 54 to 60 in. long and 30 to 36 in. wide, excluding the protruding handles that control the figures that make up the field. Add another 8 in. to the long sides for the handles. Heights of tables are usually about 36 in. Add 3½ to 4 ft. on the sides of the table to accommodate players.

Diffused lighting of around 250 lumens usually provides adequate illumination for this game.

Other Game Tables

Round, hexagonal or octagonal game tables can be found in 42, 48 or 54 in. diameters and others dimensions in between with a height of 30 in. Some are designed with gaming features built into their tops. A pedestal design is best suited for game tables, because it allows plenty of knee space and movement around the table. Game table chairs are similar in size to dining chairs at about 20 to 28 in. wide and 24 to 30 in. deep. Those fitted with casters help players shift in and out and reach across the table if necessary.

An area that is at least 8 sq. ft. will host a modest-size game table set. More comfortable dimensions and larger-scale furnishings may need an area that is 10 to 12 sq. ft.

Provide an overhead light fixture, bright indirect lighting, plenty of natural daylight or all three for game tables. You should be able to clearly read cards and see to write down scores and lists.

Chess and Checkers

Smaller tables are available for chess, checkers and backgammon, among a few other games. You will want the game board to be at least 24 in. sq., and tables usually measure 2 to 6 in. larger than that. Heights are typically 30 in. Chairs can be dining size and don’t need to have casters.

Lighting need not be as bright as for pool or table tennis, but adequate illumination should be provided so that players can comfortably see the game pieces.

An area that is about 4 ft. wide and 8 ft. long can be sufficient.

Pinball

While pinball machines might be rarer than billiard tables, there are a surprising number of pinball machine collectors, and you can find new and used machines in many types. They vary in size depending on the game and the complexity of the machine.

As a general guide, allow a width of about 30 in. and a depth of about 54 in. The height can range from 48 in. to 96 in. Having a clear space of at least 36 in. in front of the machine will allow plenty of space to contort your torso as you symbolically guide the ball. Leave about 20 in. on each side of the machine for elbow room.

Table Shuffleboard

This game is a variant on traditional deck shuffleboard that is played with paddles that you use to push the weights across the playing surface. The table version is played by hand.

Various sizes and configurations are available; however, the 22-ft.-long table is most common and desirable for proper gaming. While you will need considerable length, the width is more manageable at about 36 in. You can place the board with the long side against a wall, since the positions the gamers take are at the ends of the table.

Bright indirect light that washes the room in even intensity is best for shuffleboard.

Arcade Games

Pac-Man is a classic arcade game, and it and other arcade games are widely available for home installation. They require just a small space but must be placed near an electrical outlet, usually against a wall.

Sizes vary from 24 to 30 in. wide, from 20 to 30 in. deep, and from 48 to 60 in. high. Other lighting is not so critical, since the game screen is self-illuminating. A stool often makes the best seating for these games. Take measurements to determine if you need a table-, counter- or bar-height seat before you shop for one.

Recreation Room Layout Ideas

This diagram illustrates a space that is 32 ft. by 32 ft. Each square tile represents 2 ft. by 2 ft., which equals 4 sq. ft.

A red outline shows the space required for the pool table and table tennis, which overlap. The game table has its own red outline that shows it occupying an area that is 8 ft. sq. Gray tiles around the foosball table show approximately how much space it requires, and beige tiles surround the shuffleboard and table tennis and give an idea of the space they will occupy. The pinball and arcade machines surrounded by white tiles give you an approximation of how much space they will need.

While you may not have all of these in one space, you should be able to get a sense of where you might position your recreation furnishings in your room from this image and how they might relate to one another.