Game tables are currently the popular focal point in many contemporary entertainment spaces. Designers are emphasizing both entertainment and practicality by offering adaptable furniture and sturdy materials. Tailored areas allow for spaces to be suited to intimate gatherings or grand events.
Last season’s furniture market trends suggest that the recreational room is making a comeback. The High Point Furniture Fair is a bellwether for the future of interior design trends, and last spring, from one showroom to the next, a particular playful item was in vogue: the game table in all its various forms.
From card games and foosball to Ping-Pong and billiards, leisure activities were prominently featured. Due to the lead time on most furniture orders, this means that you can anticipate seeing these items becoming increasingly common in homes and social media feeds just as the autumn season arrives.
In contrast to the dimly lit basements of the past, today’s recreational rooms combine vintage appeal with contemporary flair, advocating for the charm of traditional games and face-to-face interaction. A designated gaming area, whether it’s a small corner or an entire room, adds vitality and a touch of nostalgia to the home.
In a time dominated by screen time, this is precisely the aim, according to designer Megan Gorelick, who crafted a vibrant space in Lancaster, PA, centered around a whimsically painted Ping-Pong table. It’s actually a custom-painted regulation-size 9′ × 5′ dining table—ideal for a pizza party once the net is removed. The objective is to draw everyone away from their devices and into the present moment. Here are four suggestions for creating a game room that encourages disconnection from technology.
Game rooms thrive on versatile, adaptable floor plans. Swivel chairs and poufs, such as those Gorelick included, enable spectators to keep up with the action, and convertible tables can accommodate larger groups. “Seek out billiards or shuffleboard tables with removable tops so they can serve as dining surfaces or buffets,” advises designer Kari McIntosh, who selected a Ping-Pong table with a detachable net for her club-inspired space. The table also serves as a puzzle station on quieter game nights.
Scuffs and spills are inevitable in this environment. Opt for durable fabrics, dark patterned rugs, and resilient finishes. “Imagine a hotel lobby, utilizing indoor-outdoor fabrics with rich textures,” suggests designer Erin Gates, who chose plaid’s camouflaging properties in a Boston game room. Keep fragile items like lamps and knick-knacks in rooms less prone to the dangers of pool cues or errant balls.
The finest game rooms cater to all ages with a blend of active play areas and cozy seating. “A contemporary twist on classic pub or country club style feels sophisticated yet remains family-friendly,” Gates comments. Bonus points for incorporating a classic pinball machine or vintage arcade game. “They appeal to nearly every age group,” she observes. Look for affordable secondhand options on sites like Arcade1Up, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace.
A spacious game room should feel welcoming, whether it’s hosting a small family game night or a neighborhood mahjong club. Carefully arranging furniture to create defined zones is crucial. For the Mansion in May show house, design firm Toledo Geller divided a lengthy garden-level room with a pair of facing sofas, with small card tables for tournaments on one side and a solitary pedestal table for more intimate game sessions on the other. High-gloss paint on the low ceiling ensures brightness throughout the day and night.
In an era where casual entertainment is the norm, a game room is the contemporary equivalent of a relaxed living room.
Game tables at the furniture fair showcased a wide range of styles, from sleek, modern pieces such as this Ping-Pong table by Four Hands (installed by Betz Design Studio in a Buford, GA, lounge) to classic card tables in various finishes. Here are some photos of three of our favorite styles:
