When it comes to designing a space for leisure, relaxation, and fun, a recreational room, or "rec room", is the ideal spot in your home.

It serves as a sanctuary for adults, teens, and children alike to unwind, connect, and engage in competitive or cooperative games. To help you create the perfect rec room, we'll look at three primary elements: a 22-foot shuffleboard table, a pool table, and a table tennis setup.

This guide is predicated on having enough space to work with! We’re going all out with a professional size shuffleboard table as the centerpiece, so if you can’t accommodate such a large board, you might want to scale down some of the size requirements to follow.

Planning Your Space

Designing a rec room involves more than simply selecting your favorite games and placing them in an open area. You need to carefully consider the space and the requirements of each game. Remember, a rec room needs enough space for the game tables, spectators, and players' movements.

For a 22-foot shuffleboard table, you'll need a room that's at least 28 feet long to accommodate the table and allow space for players to move comfortably.

A standard pool table requires a room that's at least 16 x 20 feet, considering cue handling. And a table tennis setup needs a minimum space of 19 x 11 feet, again accounting for players' movement.

Ensure you have at least a few feet of open space on all sides of these game setups. Your rec room may also need to include comfortable seating areas, storage, and possibly a bar or refreshment area. Make sure to include these in your space planning as well.

Shuffleboard Table

A 22-foot shuffleboard table is a fantastic centerpiece for a rec room. Shuffleboard is a game that can be enjoyed by all ages and skill levels, and a full-size table like this will really give everyone an incredible experience. If you need to scale down to a smaller size table, that’s perfectly fine too, as shuffleboard tables come in a variety of sizes. Just keep in mind that the game changes somewhat as the playing field gets shorter.

Shuffleboard is not as physically demanding as other games, making it a perfect activity for social gatherings.

Pool Table

A pool table offers a classic game room touch and can be the site of many friendly competitions. Look for a high-quality pool table with a slate playing surface for the best playing experience. The size of the table you choose may depend on the space you have available.

A 7-foot table is suitable for casual play, while an 8-foot or 9-foot table will satisfy more serious players. Make sure you have enough room for players to maneuver their pool cues around all sides of the table.

Table Tennis

Table tennis, or ping pong, is a fast-paced game that can be played in singles or doubles format. It's a great way to get some physical activity while enjoying a friendly match.

A standard table tennis table measures 9 x 5 feet, but remember to account for space around the table for players to move and swing their paddles. If space is tight, look for a foldable model that can be stowed away when not in use. Since table tennis can get kind of intense, you might need to design your rec room with additional space in mind around the table compared to the other tables.

Lighting and Décor

A well-lit room is essential for game play. Ideally, each game area should have its own light source. Pendant lights work well for pool and shuffleboard tables, while a brighter, more diffused light is better for table tennis.

When it comes to décor, consider a theme that complements the casual and playful nature of the space. Vintage sports, retro arcade, or traditional pub themes all work well for a game room. Remember, this is a space for fun, so make it as inviting and engaging as possible!

Additional Considerations For a Killer Rec Room

The rec room should include comfortable seating for spectators, perhaps bar stools or a cozy couch. A mini-fridge or a bar area might be a great addition for refreshments if you have the space for it. Storage solutions for cues, paddles, shuffleboard pucks, and other gaming accessories will also help to keep the space tidy.

There are other games that take up less room, such as darts, that you may also want to consider adding.

A well-planned rec room can provide endless fun and relaxation for your family and guests. Consider the spatial requirements of each game, choose high-quality tables, and add in your own personal style touches to create a welcoming and entertaining environment.

For anyone looking to upgrade their rec room or create one from scratch, you’re already in the right place. Here at eFamilyFun, we carry a wide assortment of professional-quality game tables that the whole family can enjoy. From shuffleboard tables to billiards and so much more, feel free to explore our online game table store to start designing your ideal entertainment room today!