Creating a dedicated games room can transform an underused part of an Australian home into a space for entertaining, relaxing and spending time with family. The challenge is fitting everything you want into the available floor area without making the room feel cramped.

For homeowners considering a pool table, air hockey table and fireplace, the key is to plan the room around how each feature will actually be used, rather than simply checking whether the furniture physically fits.

A successful multi-game room needs enough space for active play, comfortable walkways, furniture and storage. Heating also needs to be considered early, particularly if you want to preserve valuable floor space.

With careful planning, even a relatively compact room can become a comfortable and visually balanced home entertainment area. Here is how to approach the layout.

1. Plan the Active Playing Zones First

One of the most common mistakes when designing a games room is measuring only the footprint of each table. The playing area is much larger than the furniture itself.

A pool table requires sufficient space around the playing surface for players to use a full-length cue from different angles. Air hockey also needs open space around the table so players can move comfortably while playing.

How Much Space Does a Pool Table Need?

Standard pool cues are commonly around 57 to 58 inches long, which is approximately 1.45 metres. As a practical planning guide, allow roughly 1.4 to 1.5 metres of unobstructed space around the playing surface where possible.

The exact requirement depends on the table dimensions, cue length, room geometry and how comfortably you want the room to play. A tighter space may technically accommodate a table, but restricted cueing positions can make the playing experience frustrating.

Before choosing between a 7ft, 8ft or 9ft table, measure the entire proposed playing area rather than relying on the table’s external dimensions alone.

Planning tip: Use our free pool table size calculator to compare your room dimensions with different pool table sizes and estimate the space required for comfortable cueing.

How Much Space Does an Air Hockey Table Need?

Air hockey tables have a different spatial requirement from pool tables because players primarily move around the ends and sides of the table.

Rather than treating a specific clearance measurement as a universal rule, consider the complete playing environment. Allow enough room behind each end for players to stand comfortably and enough lateral space for movement during play.

The manufacturer’s recommended clearance should also be considered when planning the final position of the table.

2. Create Clear Traffic Lanes

A games room needs to work when people are actually using it. If someone has to walk directly through a player’s cueing area or squeeze between two tables, the room will quickly feel overcrowded.

Think of the room as a series of zones rather than a collection of individual products.

• Playing zones: Areas dedicated to pool and air hockey where players can move freely.
• Traffic zones: Clear paths between entrances, seating and other parts of the home.
• Social zones: Seating, tables or other areas where people can watch games and relax.
• Storage zones: Dedicated locations for cues, balls, air hockey accessories and other equipment.

Keep the Main Walkway Clear

As a general interior-planning principle, aim for a comfortable main walkway rather than designing the room around the smallest possible passage. Around 900mm to 1 metre of clear circulation space is a useful target for many residential layouts, although the ideal width depends on the room and how it connects with adjoining spaces.

Consider Different Table Orientations

Two large tables do not necessarily need to run parallel. Depending on the shape of the room, positioning the pool table as the main anchor and placing the air hockey table perpendicular to it can create more useful circulation space.

For long, narrow rooms, zoning one game towards one end of the room can also work better than attempting to centre everything.

3. Use the Walls to Preserve Floor Space

When floor area is limited, the walls become an important part of the room design.

A wall-mounted television, shelving, cue storage and a built-in fireplace can all help keep the floor clear. This is particularly useful in a room containing two large game tables.

Wall-mounted storage can also prevent accessories from becoming visual clutter. Cues, triangles, balls and air hockey accessories should have a dedicated home when they are not being used.

4. Consider a Recessed Electric Fireplace

A fireplace can add warmth and atmosphere to a games room, but a freestanding heating appliance can occupy valuable floor space.

A suitable electric fireplace can provide an alternative that integrates more closely with the room’s architecture. Recessed or built-in models can be incorporated into an appropriate feature wall, subject to the manufacturer’s installation requirements.

Electric fireplaces can also offer useful flexibility because many models allow the flame effect to operate independently from the heating function. This means you can enjoy the visual ambience of a fireplace without necessarily running the heater while playing.

Important: Always follow the specific manufacturer’s installation, ventilation, clearance and electrical requirements. Do not assume that every electric fireplace is suitable for every wall, furniture arrangement or installation method.

5. Choose Equipment That Matches the Room

If your available space is limited, selecting appropriately sized equipment can make a dramatic difference.

Consider a 7ft Pool Table

A 7ft pool table can be an excellent option for a residential games room where space is shared with other entertainment furniture.

While larger tables provide a different playing experience and may be preferable where space allows, a well-designed 7ft table can provide an enjoyable home setup while leaving more room for circulation, seating or a second game.

If you are considering a premium slate pool table, compare the table’s overall dimensions, playing area, weight and installation requirements before deciding whether it is suitable for your room.

Look at Multi-Function Furniture

Multi-purpose furniture can be particularly valuable in smaller homes.

A dining pool table, for example, can function as a conventional dining surface when the playing surface is covered. This allows one piece of furniture to perform two roles without requiring a separate dining table.

Similarly, selecting equipment that can be stored or positioned efficiently when not in use can help maintain a more open feel.

6. Get Lighting Right

Lighting should be considered alongside the table layout rather than added as an afterthought.

A pool table generally benefits from dedicated lighting positioned above the playing surface, while air hockey requires enough general illumination to see the playing area clearly.

Choose fittings that complement the room’s proportions and do not interfere with cue movement or sightlines. The appropriate mounting height depends on the particular light fitting, ceiling height and manufacturer’s recommendations, so avoid relying on a single measurement for every installation.

For a contemporary games room, simple linear fittings or understated pendant lights can provide focused illumination without visually overwhelming the space.

7. Think About Storage Before the Tables Arrive

Even a beautifully designed games room can quickly look cluttered when equipment has nowhere to go.

Plan storage for:

• Pool cues and spare cues
• Pool balls and triangles
• Chalk and maintenance accessories
• Air hockey pushers and pucks
• Table covers
• Cleaning equipment

Wall-mounted racks, built-in cabinetry and concealed storage can keep these items organised while preserving the room’s clean visual lines.

8. Measure Before You Buy

Before ordering any large piece of games-room furniture, take detailed measurements of the proposed space.

Measure the room’s length and width, but also consider skirting boards, door openings, windows, pillars, built-in cabinetry and other fixed obstacles.

It is also important to think about how the furniture will actually enter the home. A table may fit comfortably inside the finished room but still present a challenge when being delivered through a narrow doorway, hallway or staircase.

For larger slate tables in particular, confirm delivery access and installation requirements before placing an order.

Multi-Game Room Planning Checklist

Before purchasing your equipment, work through this checklist:

1. Measure the room: Record the usable length and width, including fixed obstacles.
2. Calculate playing space: Allow sufficient clearance around the pool table and air hockey table.
3. Map traffic: Keep entrances, exits and main walkways unobstructed.
4. Choose the right table size: Compare 7ft, 8ft and 9ft options against the actual room dimensions.
5. Plan heating: Consider whether a wall-mounted or recessed electric fireplace can preserve valuable floor area.
6. Plan lighting: Position lighting so the playing surfaces are well illuminated without interfering with play.
7. Plan storage: Give every major accessory a dedicated storage location.
8. Check access: Confirm that the chosen furniture can physically enter the property.
9. Check installation requirements: Follow the manufacturer’s requirements for fireplaces, electrical equipment and other installations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you fit a pool table and air hockey table in the same room?

Yes, provided the room is large enough to accommodate both the furniture footprints and the clearance required for comfortable play. The most important consideration is the active playing area rather than simply whether the two tables physically fit.

What size pool table is best for a home games room?

A 7ft pool table can be a practical choice for many residential games rooms, particularly where the space also needs to accommodate other furniture. Larger 8ft and 9ft tables may be preferable where the room provides sufficient clearance.

Can an electric fireplace be installed near a pool table?

It may be possible, but the suitability depends on the particular fireplace and installation. Always follow the manufacturer’s specified clearances, installation instructions and electrical requirements rather than assuming that every electric fireplace can be installed in the same location.

How can I make a small games room feel larger?

Use appropriately sized furniture, keep main walkways clear, use wall-mounted storage and avoid filling every available section of floor space. Multi-purpose furniture, such as dining pool tables, can also reduce the number of separate pieces required.

Planning Makes the Difference

A successful multi-game room is not necessarily the one that contains the most equipment. It is the one where every element has been positioned with the room’s actual use in mind.

By calculating pool table clearance, allowing comfortable space around the air hockey table, maintaining clear traffic lanes and considering wall-mounted heating and storage, you can create an entertainment space that feels spacious, practical and inviting.

The most important step is to measure and plan before you buy. A few minutes spent checking dimensions can prevent an expensive mistake and help you choose equipment that genuinely works within your home.