The Complete Games Room.

They say that 'staying in is the new going out'. It means more and more people are converting home space such as spare rooms or garages into a games room. Here we take a look at what we believe makes the perfect games room and the ideal products to put in it.

Pool Table

The most popular item and often the centrepiece of a games room is a pool table. There are pool tables of many shapes and sizes on the market. We feel, however, that a slate bed table is the best choice. Although some tables with a wood bed playing surface can offer an enjoyable game, we don’t believe anything can replicate the game you get on a slate bed table. Slate provides the ultimate level surface and playing experience.

The pool table can often take up the most room as UK pool tables are either 6ft x 3’6 or 7ft x 4ft. You also require at least 4ft clearance for cueing around the table.

Football Table.

Another fabulous games room product is a football table. They are great fun, fast-paced games and everyone can play. They take up little space and are one of the most popular games we sell.

Professional foosball tables are usually around 152 x 82 x 46cm in size. They either come with telescopic safety rods or solid rods. Telescopic rods do not come through the side of the cabinet when pushed in and are often the preferred choice for a busy games room. Also, they take up a little less space than solid through rod tables.

Table Tennis

Table tennis tables are 9ft x 5ft and require a large area of space to play a game. However, the vast majority will fold up when not in use and can be easily moved out of the way. As they are not a permanent fixture in the room, this makes table tennis a popular games room item. You may have to shuffle a few things around before setting up the table to play but once finished it can be put away in minutes.

The folding tables also allow you to play on your own. You can fold one half of the table and use the upright end as a playback option. It will enable you to perfect your game to make sure you come out on top with your friends.

Darts

This traditional pub game is perfect for any games room. Just hang the board on the wall, and you are ready to go. It is recommended to get a board with either a darts cabinet or with a board surround. This way if you have a few wayward throws the darts don’t damage the walls or bounce off and accidentally hit someone.

A rubber darts mat would also be a good idea as this shows the oche throwing line and stops any cheating or arguments.

If you are going for a pub feel in your games room, then a dartboard is essential.

Arcade Machine

If you want to stand out from the crowd, then an Arcade Machine will undoubtedly do the trick. These machines are much more affordable than people realise. They look great and offer a vast range of new and retro games. Most Arcades can offer multiple games with some even offering as many as 2000 great fun games all from the one device.

Hours of fun for all the family can be enjoyed with an Arcade machine. The cabinets come in all shapes and sizes and with today’s technology they are very reliable.

Air Hockey

Air Hockey tables are mostly found in arcades and bowling alleys. The free play home versions are becoming more and more popular. Many offices and schools are purchasing these tables as they offer a fast, fun and quick game. Everyone can play, and it is a great leveller for people of all abilities.

The downside is that the tables are big and take up much space. The cost of these tables varies greatly. The higher the price, the more reliable and sturdy they are. We have found over the years that the lower end tables can be a bit unreliable. We therefore only recommend a better quality table that will stand the test of time.

Jukebox

A jukebox will get the party started. The height of luxury for any games room and a very trendy item. These are indeed not the cheapest items, but they are guaranteed to turn heads.

A retro Wurlitzer style box not only looks fantastic but will sound great. Most of the Jukeboxes these days can offer a wide range of ways to play music. You can have CD boxes, Vinyl, Digital, Sonos, iPod, Bluetooth, Wireless and much more. LED bubble lighting, disco lighting and mood lighting are also standard on most of today's machines.

An expensive item but also a real show stopper.

The above are just some the UK’s favourites when it comes to kitting out your games room. Few of us have enough space or money to have all the items, but even just a few of the most popular games can ensure hours of fun in your very own games room.

We do always advise to plan the room carefully and produce a scale drawing before buying any items. It is essential to leave enough space for other things such as sofas, TV screens and possibly even a bar. You could also finish off the room in style with a selection of wall signs or memorabilia. We hope this games room guide gives you a few ideas.