Sports Articles

Pool Table Lights Illuminate the Game, Add Style

When you are setting up your family room or gameroom for a pool table, one of the most crucial gameroom accessories that you’ll need to consider are the pool table lights. It is impossible to play a good game of pool in low light conditions and the placement of lights over and around the table can make a big difference in the play and in how much enjoyment people get from the game.

Table lights need to be hung directly over the pool table and it is important that the light is perfectly centered. Experienced pool players use the reflections of the pool table light off of the balls to help them to properly line up their shots. If the pool table lighting is not properly centered, then it can make it more difficult to find the angles and make the shots. For beginners, using the reflections can also be a very helpful guide as they learn the geometry and angles necessary to become a good player.

It is important to use pool table lights even with other ambient lighting in the gameroom in order to make sure that there is good and consistent visibility across the whole pool table. Also, if there are other bright lights in the room, then they should be turned off whenever possible. The reason for this is that the other lights often shine into the players’ eyes which is distracting and also causes more reflections on the balls, which can be confusing.

There is a wide variety of table lights to choose from that will fit into and enhance any decor. Of course, there are popular styles that are seen in the bars and pool halls that are emblazoned with logos of beer and soda companies. If you want your gameroom to have that pub-like feel, then that kind of lighting for your pool room is probably a good way to go.

For those who are wanting a more family-friendly or a more sophisticated look in their family room or their gameroom, then you will find a great selection of choices at any lighting specialty store. In fact, there are even stores that specialize exclusively in pool table lighting and lighted gameroom accessories. If you can’t find such a specialty store in your area, then there are many online retailers who boast of huge selections that will help you to find just the right pool table light to fit your budget and match your style.

The most traditional models of table lights are long fixtures that have three lights to help provide adequate illumination over the length of the table. However, there are also many quality options in pool table lighting that have two or even just one light. Tiffany-style stained glass lamp shades have been popular over pool tables in home and pubs for generations and come in just about every color combination and design pattern imaginable. Today, many people are opting for more clean and modern looks for their gameroom lighting and there are many choices for the urban and contemporary tastes as well.

When hanging the pool table light, it is important to hang it at just the right level. Pool table lights needs to be high enough from the pool table felt to cast light evenly over the entire table surface. At the same time, it must be low enough so that players are not bothered by the glare. The recommendation is to hang pool table lighting approximately 32″ above the surface of the pool table.