Your game room is the heart of home entertainment, a place for friendly competition and lasting memories. You’ve picked out the perfect pool table and maybe even a classic arcade game, but something is missing. The room feels incomplete, lacking the central hub that invites guests to relax, chat, and enjoy a drink between games. Without the right supporting furniture, your game room is just a collection of games, not a cohesive social environment. This guide will walk you through selecting the perfect game room bars, pub tables, and stools to transform your space into the ultimate entertainment destination.
Key Takeaways
- The style of your bar—whether traditional, industrial, or modern—sets the overall tone for your game room’s design.
- Choosing the correct pub table height (bar, counter, or table) is crucial for guest comfort and must be matched with the appropriate stool height.
- A gap of 10 to 12 inches between the stool seat and the underside of the table or bar provides optimal legroom.
- Coordinating materials, such as wood undertones and metal finishes, across your bar, table, and stools creates a harmonious and professionally designed look.
- Functionality is as important as style; consider features like built-in storage, swivel stools, and easy-to-clean upholstery to meet your specific entertainment needs.
What Should You Look for in a Game Room Bar?
A well-chosen bar is more than just a place to pour drinks; it’s the anchor of your game room’s social scene. When selecting a bar, the first step is to consider the various styles available. Traditional or English pub-style bars offer a classic, welcoming feel with robust wood construction and ample storage. For a more modern and edgy aesthetic, an industrial home bar combines metal and wood, often featuring stemware racks and other distinctive accents. If your style is sleek and minimalist, a contemporary bar with bold geometric shapes might be the perfect fit.
Beyond style, functionality is paramount. Measure your space carefully to ensure the bar fits comfortably without obstructing movement. Think about your entertainment needs: will you require a sink for easy cleanup, a built-in mini-refrigerator, or specialized storage for wine bottles? Prohibition-style bars, for example, often blend classic handcrafted wood designs with modern amenities like LED lighting. The material itself contributes to the bar’s character, from the tropical vibe of sustainable bamboo tiki bars to the rich, classic look of rubberwood with a cappuccino finish.
Finally, consider the bar’s primary purpose. If it’s mainly for serving drinks, a smaller, more streamlined model may suffice. However, if it will also serve as a snack station or gathering spot, a larger bar with more counter space, like a transitional home bar, would be more appropriate.
How Do You Select the Right Pub Table?
A pub table acts as the versatile centerpiece for conversation, snacks, and casual games. The shape of the table is a great starting point for your selection. Round tables, often around 30 inches in diameter, are excellent for smaller spaces and encourage intimate conversation among two to four people. Square tables provide more surface area for board games or food, while rectangular tables are best suited for larger gatherings.
The height of your pub table is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make. A standard bar-height table is typically 40 to 42 inches tall, creating a casual, bar-like atmosphere. Counter-height tables are slightly shorter at 34 to 36 inches. The key is to match the table height to your seating and any existing bar to ensure a comfortable experience for your guests.
The material and style should align with your game room’s overall theme. Wood tables in finishes like Chestnut, English Tudor, or Black offer a traditional feel, while tables with metal bases or tempered glass tops lend a more contemporary or industrial look. For a truly personalized space, you can even find branded pub tables with themes from Harley Davidson to Jack Daniels, ensuring your game room furniture reflects your unique style.
What Is the Best Way to Choose Game Room Bar Stools?
Stools provide the finishing touch to your game room seating, and getting them right involves balancing comfort, style, and practicality. The most important factor is height. As a rule, there should be a 10 to 12-inch gap between the seat of the stool and the bottom of the bar or pub table surface. This ensures guests have enough legroom to sit comfortably.
Here is a quick guide to matching stool height to table height. For a detailed comparison, see this guide on counter vs. bar height stools.
- Standard Bar (40-42″ high): Use a bar stool with a 28-30″ seat height.
- Counter Height (34-36″ high): Use a counter stool with a 24-26″ seat height.
- Table Height (28-30″ high): Use a chair or stool with an 18″ seat height.
Once you’ve determined the correct height, consider features that enhance comfort and usability. Stools with backrests and armrests provide more support for longer sitting sessions. Swivel stools are a popular choice for game rooms, as they allow guests to easily turn and socialize without moving the entire stool. For maximum flexibility, adjustable height stools with a hydraulic pump can accommodate various users and table heights. In a room where spills are likely, practical upholstery like vinyl or faux leather is durable and easy to clean.
How Can You Create a Cohesive Game Room Design?
Matching your game room furniture is what elevates the space from a simple collection of items to a thoughtfully designed interior. The goal is not to match everything perfectly, but to create a harmonious and layered look. When working with wood, focus on coordinating the undertones (warm, cool, or neutral). A bar with warm cherry undertones will pair nicely with stools in a medium oak that shares a similar warm base.
If your furniture includes metal accents, keep the finishes consistent. Whether you choose brushed nickel, chrome, or matte black, repeating that finish across the bases of your stools, the hardware on your bar, and the frame of your pub table will create a unified aesthetic. The upholstery on your stools provides another opportunity for coordination; select a color or fabric that complements the finishes of the bar and table.
Finally, ensure your furniture choices align with your game room’s overall theme. For a classic pub theme, traditional wood pieces are a natural fit. For a modern, minimalist room, sleek lines and metal finishes are ideal. By coordinating these elements, your game room furniture will work together to create an inviting and stylish atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the most important consideration when choosing bar stool height?
- The most critical factor is ensuring there is a 10 to 12-inch gap between the top of the stool’s seat and the underside of the counter or table. This provides adequate legroom and ensures a comfortable seating position for your guests.
Can I mix different wood finishes in my game room?
- Absolutely. The key to mixing wood tones is to match their undertones. Woods with similar warm, cool, or neutral undertones will look harmonious together, even if their colors are different. This creates a more sophisticated, layered look than trying to match everything perfectly.
What style of bar is best for storage?
- Traditional or English pub-style bars are often designed with ample storage, including cabinets, shelves, and wine racks. Bar cabinets, such as those designed to look like iconic English phone booths, are also excellent choices that combine functionality with a unique aesthetic.
Conclusion
Transforming your game room into the ultimate social hub hinges on choosing the right game room furniture. A well-selected bar becomes the room’s focal point, a pub table provides a versatile surface for games and conversation, and the right stools ensure your guests’ comfort. By carefully planning your space, prioritizing functionality, and coordinating styles and finishes, you can create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. Remember to consider the crucial measurements for table and stool heights to ensure every piece is as practical as it is stylish. With these elements in place, your game room will be fully equipped for years of entertainment.
Placeholder Call-to-Action (CTA): For expert advice on selecting the perfect game room furniture for your home in the Toronto area, contact Hallmark Billiards today.
