If you have a designated space in your home for a pool table, like a game room or a basement turned into a bar, you may be wondering if a TV will fit in the space. Of course, you could install a TV just about anywhere in your home, but is it a good idea, and if so, where do you put it?
You can put a TV near your pool table, as long as it is mounted on the wall. If it’s not mounted, the TV will get in the way of your shots. Mounting a TV near your pool table helps keep a good clearance around the pool table and allows for easy viewing of the television while guests play.
If you are concerned about keeping your TV safe while you play pool, don’t worry. In this article, we will go over just how far your TV should be from the pool table and what to consider before adding one to your game room.
Is It Safe to Have a TV Near a Pool Table?
In general, there is no real danger to having a TV in a game room with a pool table. However, where you place the TV could put it at risk of being damaged. It’s important to make sure there is ample distance between all sides of the pool table and the TV to prevent this from happening.
The distance between the pool table and the TV matters because players will need to change their positions and move around the table during the game. They will also require additional space because they must extend the pool cue back while preparing and making a shot.
What is the Best Way to Keep Your TV Safe While You Play?
Keeping your TV at a higher level and adequate distance from the pool table from possible damage while playing. For example, mounting your flat screen on the wall at least six feet or higher will keep it out of the way of the cue for when players pull back to make their shot.
Adding a plexiglass screen in front of the TV can add another layer of protection—especially if you have additional games in your room, such as a ping pong table.
If you cannot mount your TV on the wall, try to make sure there is the extra clearance between the pool table and the TV so that it doesn’t get bumped into or hit during play.
Clearance Around a Pool Table
Having space around the pool table is important for your game, especially if you’re going to be adding extra furniture like a bar or a TV. However, even if you have enough room in your designated space, make sure there’s plenty of extra room all around it to prevent bumps and scratches during use.
Five feet of clearance is typical for most spaces, but it is best to check just in case. You ideally want to be able to use your full cue action from anywhere around the table without the worry of bumping something behind you.
If you are mounting your TV on the wall, you should be fine as long as your pool table is set up with ample clearance around it. However, if you will be adding furniture to set your TV on, you may need to make adjustments. To visualize how your TV will be positioned in your room, you can mark the area with tape and measure the distance between the pool table and where you plan on putting the TV.
Consider the Room’s Décor
The design and aesthetic of your game room can often factor into whether or not a TV will “fit” in the space. Adding a TV may feel a bit out of place if you have a more elegant design around your pool table. However, rooms with a more traditional or modern feel tend to benefit from having a TV.
The shape, size, and general use of the room should also be taken into consideration. The TV should be easily viewable from many perspectives. If the room has little space or strange curves and corners, this may present a problem. Typically, mounting the TV at the height of six feet allows for easy visibility.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, whether you add a TV near your pool table is completely up to you. There is virtually no real danger in having a TV in a game room aside from the possibility of damaging it—but really, that could happen whether you had a pool table in the room or not.
The one thing we recommend is that you keep an eye on those clearances. As long as you’ve got enough room around the table, you should be good to go.