Imagine transforming that underutilized basement or spare room in your Morris Plains home into the ultimate entertainment destination? A dedicated game room where family and friends gather for hours of laughter, friendly competition, and unforgettable memories may be exactly what you need.
A well-designed game room isn’t just about filling a space with entertainment. It’s about creating a hub for connection, relaxation, and fun that adds real value to your home and your lifestyle!
Whether you’re envisioning intense pool tournaments, fast-paced air hockey matches, or relaxed poker nights with friends, the ultimate game room combines thoughtful planning with quality game tables that match your family’s interests. The key is selecting the right mix of entertainment options, designing a functional layout, and choosing quality pieces that will provide years of enjoyment.
With Pelican Shops’ Morris Plains showroom, conveniently located in your community, you have access to expert guidance and an impressive selection of game tables for sale to bring your game room vision to life.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of creating a game room that your family will love for years to come.
Planning Your Morris Plains Game Room Space
Before you start shopping for game tables, take time to carefully assess and plan your available space.
Many Morris Plains homes feature finished basements that make ideal game room locations, offering ample square footage away from main living areas. Alternatively, you might consider converting a spare bedroom, bonus room, or even a section of your garage into your entertainment haven.
The most critical step is accurately measuring your space and understanding clearance requirements. For example, a pool table requires not just the footprint of the table itself, but an additional five feet of clearance on all sides to allow players to comfortably use their cues.
Similarly, ping pong game tables need room for players to move around the table, while air hockey tables require space at each end for players to stand during fast-paced gameplay.
Consider your family’s entertainment preferences honestly. Are you passionate about billiards? Do your teenagers love competitive games? Does your social circle enjoy poker nights? Your answers will help prioritize which game tables deserve prime real estate in your room.
Don’t forget to evaluate the existing features of your Morris Plains home: ceiling height, doorway dimensions for delivery, electrical outlets for electronic games, and natural lighting or lack thereof will all influence your design decisions.
Finally, establish a realistic budget that accounts for not just game tables, but also complementary elements like lighting, flooring, seating, and accessories. Quality game tables are an investment, but they provide entertainment value that far exceeds their cost over time.
Essential Game Tables for Your Game Room
Pool Tables and Billiards
A pool table often serves as the centerpiece of any game room, and for good reason. This classic game table appeals to all ages and skill levels while adding an element of sophistication to your space. When selecting pool tables, you’ll typically choose between 7-foot, 8-foot, or 9-foot tables.
For most home game rooms in Morris Plains, an 8-foot table offers the ideal balance between authentic play experience and reasonable space requirements.
Beyond size, consider the style and finish of your pool table. Modern game tables come in a variety of designs, from traditional oak with ornate legs to sleek contemporary styles with clean lines. The right choice should complement your home’s existing décor while reflecting your personal taste.
Quality construction matters too. Look for slate playing surfaces, solid wood frames, and professional-grade cushions that ensure consistent ball response.
Air Hockey Tables
Few game tables generate as much excitement and energy as air hockey tables. The fast-paced action appeals to kids and adults alike, making it a fantastic addition to any game room. The constant airflow and rapid gameplay create an arcade-like atmosphere that transforms your Morris Plains home into an entertainment destination.
When selecting an air hockey table, pay attention to the motor quality and power, a strong, consistent air current is essential for smooth puck movement. Commercial-grade tables offer the most durable construction, though high-quality recreational models work perfectly for home use.
Consider tables with electronic scoring systems to eliminate disputes and keep the competition flowing. Most air hockey tables require a 7 to 8-foot space, making them more compact than pool tables while still delivering major entertainment value.
Foosball Tables
Foosball tables pack incredible entertainment into a relatively compact footprint, making them ideal for game rooms where space is at a premium. This fast-paced game encourages quick reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and strategic thinking, while tournament-style play can become surprisingly competitive among dedicated players.
The key distinction in foosball tables lies between tournament-style models built to professional specifications and recreational tables designed for casual family play. Tournament tables feature counterbalanced players, solid construction, and precise bearings that serious players appreciate.
For most families, however, a well-built recreational model offers excellent durability and gameplay at a more accessible price point. Look for solid legs, smooth rods, and high-quality playing surfaces that resist warping.
Ping Pong Game Tables
Ping pong game tables deserve serious consideration for your Morris Plains game room, offering not just entertainment but genuine physical activity and hand-eye coordination development. This versatile choice appeals to competitive players and casual participants alike, and ping pong has experienced a renaissance in popularity among all age groups.
You’ll choose between foldable tables that can be stored when not in use and stationary tables that serve as permanent game room fixtures. Foldable options work beautifully for multi-purpose spaces or smaller rooms, while stationary tables typically offer more stability and professional-quality play.
Some ping pong tables feature conversion tops that allow you to transform pool tables or other game tables into table tennis setups, maximizing versatility in space-conscious game rooms.
Poker Game Tables
For homeowners who love hosting game nights, poker game tables create the perfect setting for cards, conversation, and camaraderie. A dedicated poker table elevates the experience beyond a standard dining table, with thoughtful features designed specifically for card games.
Quality poker game tables include padded armrests for comfort during extended play sessions, built-in cup holders to prevent spills, and chip trays for organized gameplay. Seating capacity typically ranges from six to ten players, so consider your usual group size when selecting a table.
The felt playing surface should be smooth, durable, and available in your preferred color. Some poker tables feature convertible tops, allowing them to function as regular dining or pub tables when not in use for cards.
Bubble Hockey Tables
Bubble hockey tables bring nostalgic charm and unique visual appeal to your game room. These distinctive game tables feature dome-covered playing surfaces with rod-controlled players, combining elements of foosball with hockey’s fast-paced action. Sports enthusiasts particularly appreciate the immersive experience of controlling miniature hockey players in realistic arenas.
Compared to larger game tables, bubble hockey offers a relatively compact footprint while delivering outsized entertainment value. The enclosed playing surface prevents lost pucks and makes the game accessible even for younger players.
Look for models with smooth rod action, durable dome construction, and quality graphics that enhance the playing experience.
Complementary Game Room Elements
Dart Boards
Dart boards provide wall-mounted entertainment that requires minimal floor space – a perfect complement to your larger game tables. Electronic dart boards offer automatic scoring, multiple game variations, and the ability to reduce the physical impact of darts, making them safer for families with children.
Traditional bristle boards appeal to purists who appreciate the authentic feel and the satisfying thud of steel-tipped darts finding their mark.
Proper placement is crucial for dart board safety and enjoyment. Mount your board at the regulation height of 5 feet 8 inches to the bullseye, with the throw line positioned 7 feet 9.25 inches from the board face. Ensure adequate space around the dartboard – both for throwing accuracy and to protect nearby walls and game tables from errant darts.
Consider installing a backboard or cabinet to catch stray throws and protect your walls.
Bars and Pub Tables
A bar or pub table transforms your game room from a simple play space into a sophisticated entertainment venue.
These elements create natural gathering spots for spectators, refreshment areas between games, and social centerpieces that encourage conversation and connection. A well-designed bar area can include storage for glassware, beverages, and snacks, keeping everything you need for entertaining close at hand.
When selecting bars and pub tables, consider both style and function. The height should be comfortable for bar stools, typically 42 inches for bar height or 36 inches for counter height. Storage solutions matter too, whether you prefer open shelving for display or enclosed cabinets for tucked-away storage. The style should coordinate with your game tables and overall room aesthetic, creating a cohesive look throughout your space.
Bar seating deserves careful attention as well. Comfortable stools with backs and footrests encourage guests to linger, while swivel seats add convenience. For game rooms that see frequent use, durable upholstery or leather seats resist wear better than delicate fabrics.
Game Room Accessories
The right game room accessories elevate your space from functional to fantastic.
Proper lighting is perhaps the most important accessory, direct, focused lighting over pool tables ensures clear visibility without glare, while ambient lighting creates atmosphere in seating areas. Consider pendant lights, track lighting, or even stylish billiard lights that add character while illuminating gameplay.
Storage solutions keep your game room organized and your equipment protected. Wall-mounted cue racks display your pool cues while keeping them straight and readily accessible. Storage benches or cabinets provide homes for ping pong paddles, air hockey pucks, extra poker chips, and other accessories that might otherwise create clutter.
Scorekeeping systems, whether traditional chalkboards, dry-erase boards, or electronic scoreboards, help track competition and add to the authentic game room atmosphere. Comfortable seating areas with sofas or recliners create spaces for spectators and players between games.
Finally, décor elements like neon signs, vintage game room posters, or sports memorabilia inject personality and make your space uniquely yours.
Design and Layout Tips for Morris Plains Homes
Creating an effective game room layout requires strategic thinking about traffic flow and functionality. Position your largest game table, typically a pool table, as the room’s anchor, ensuring adequate clearance on all sides. Arrange other game tables and elements around this centerpiece, maintaining clear pathways that allow easy movement between different entertainment zones.
Lighting strategies should vary by activity. Your pool table needs bright, direct overhead lighting that illuminates the entire playing surface evenly. Air hockey and foosball tables benefit from good ambient lighting without harsh shadows. Poker game tables work best with focused lighting directly above that doesn’t create glare on cards. Installing dimmer switches gives you control to adjust lighting for different activities and atmospheres.
Flooring choices significantly impact both aesthetics and function. Durable options like luxury vinyl plank, laminate, or commercial-grade carpet withstand heavy foot traffic and resist damage from dropped equipment. Area rugs can define different zones within your game room while adding warmth and sound absorption. Avoid flooring that shows every scuff mark or requires constant maintenance – your game room should be a space for fun, not stress about preservation.
Color schemes set the mood for your entertainment space. Darker colors create an intimate, lounge-like atmosphere reminiscent of upscale billiard halls, while lighter colors make spaces feel more open and energetic. Consider an accent wall behind your bar or main game table to add visual interest without overwhelming the space.
Sound considerations matter, especially in Morris Plains homes where game rooms often occupy basements near other living spaces. Acoustic ceiling tiles, thick area rugs, and upholstered furniture all help absorb sound and reduce echo.
For basement game rooms specifically, address climate control to ensure comfortable year-round use, as proper dehumidification prevents moisture damage to game tables while maintaining comfortable playing conditions.
Why Shop Local: Visiting Pelican Shops in Morris Plains
While online shopping offers convenience, there’s no substitute for experiencing game tables in person before making a significant investment.
Pelican Shops’ Morris Plains showroom allows you to see, touch, and even play on various game tables in Morris Plains before deciding which options best suit your needs. This hands-on experience helps you understand the true scale of different tables, appreciate construction quality, and test gameplay firsthand.
The knowledgeable staff at Pelican Shops brings years of expertise to help guide your selections. They can answer specific questions about durability, space requirements, and features while offering honest recommendations based on your family’s needs and budget. This expert guidance proves invaluable when choosing between similar models or determining which game tables for sale offer the best value for your specific situation.
Shopping locally also ensures quality assurance, as you’re not gambling on products sight unseen or dealing with complicated returns if something isn’t quite right. Pelican Shops stands behind their products with reliable customer service and support that extends well beyond your initial purchase.
For Morris Plains residents, the convenience factor can’t be overstated. Delivery and professional setup services ensure your game tables arrive safely and are installed correctly, saving you the headache of navigating delivery logistics or attempting complex assembly.
The Morris Plains showroom is easily accessible from anywhere in the area, and Pelican Shops maintains additional locations in Whitehouse, NJ, East Brunswick, NJ, and Quakertown, PA for customers throughout the region.
Maintaining Your Game Room Investment
Quality game tables represent significant investments that deserve proper care to ensure years of reliable performance.
Each type of game table has specific maintenance requirements. Pool tables benefit from regular brushing to remove chalk dust and debris, with periodic professional re-leveling to maintain optimal play. Air hockey tables need their playing surfaces wiped clean and air holes cleared to maintain proper airflow. Foosball tables require occasional lubrication of rods and bearings for smooth operation.
Protecting your investment extends beyond regular cleaning. Establish and enforce house rules about food and drinks near game tables, respectful play that avoids damage, and proper storage of accessories when not in use. Table covers provide excellent protection for pool tables and poker game tables when not in use, preventing dust accumulation and incidental damage.
For Morris Plains homeowners with basement game rooms, pay attention to seasonal climate considerations. Humidity fluctuations can affect wood game tables and playing surfaces, so maintaining consistent humidity levels, typically between 40-50%, protects your investment.
A quality dehumidifier during humid summer months and a humidifier during dry winter periods help maintain stable conditions.
Next Steps to Creating Your Dream Game Room
Creating the ultimate game room in your Morris Plains home is an exciting project that combines practical planning with creative vision.
By carefully assessing your available space, selecting game tables that match your family’s interests, and designing a functional layout with thoughtful details, you’ll create an entertainment destination that brings joy for years to come. Whether you prioritize classic pool tables, fast-paced air hockey, competitive foosball, versatile ping pong game tables, or a combination of options, the key is choosing quality pieces that fit your space and lifestyle.
The investment in a well-designed game room pays dividends in family bonding, stress relief, and pure entertainment value. Your Morris Plains home will become the go-to gathering spot for friends and family, creating memories that extend far beyond the game room walls.
Ready to start planning your ultimate game room? Contact us today or simply visit Pelican Shops’ Morris Plains showroom to explore an impressive selection of game tables in Morris Plains and receive expert guidance from knowledgeable staff who understand your local needs.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore options or you’re ready to purchase game tables for sale, the team at Pelican Shops will help you create the entertainment space you’ve been dreaming of. Stop by today and take the first step toward transforming your Morris Plains home with the ultimate game room.
Pelican Shops – Morris Plains Showroom
Your local destination for quality game tables and game room accessories. Visit us to see our full selection and speak with our experienced team about creating your perfect game room.
