How To Create A Pool Hall Vibe In Your Home Bar

A home bar can be a personal space for you to relax and unwind after a long day, it can also be the point of entertainment for visitors. Either way, the sort of theme you decide to use and the aesthetic you create matters. It’s always best to choose a theme that makes you comfortable, but at the same time will also wow visitors.

In this guide, we are going to show you how you can recreate that authentic retro pool hall vibe. So, continue reading, let's show you how to create the home bar you’ve always wanted.

 

Why A Pool Hall?

There are many available ways to decorate your home bar. Going through home magazines and Pinterest, you can find ideas ranging from casual sports bars to high-class wet bars with marble counters and all the works. So why a pool hall?

The short answer to this question is that pool halls are super cool. Seriously, when was the last time you watched an action movie where the main character fights the villain in a Tiki bar? No, the confrontations always happen in a dark pool hall with a shady bartender.

On a more serious note, a pool hall vibe gives your home bar a cool laid back air reminiscent of a previous era. It can transform the space from just an ordinary home bar into a cool space straight out of the 1960s. The additional recreational benefits that can be gotten from the pool table are also an extra advantage.

 

Design Tips For Creating A Pool Hall Vibe

Giving your home bar a pool hall vibe is no simple task, but with a little time, elbow grease, and a DIY spirit, we are sure you can get it done. Let’s go through some design tips on how you can get it done:

 

Pool Table

The pool table is the central figure of the pool hall, so getting the right one is very important. Many types of pool tables are available with various options ranging from size to material to choose from. If you are new to pool, you can follow this guide on how to get the best pool table.

Put off by the steep price of pool tables? Yeah, we were too at first. But don't worry, many online stores and thrift stores offer quality second-hand pool tables. If anyone asks, just tell them you're going for an authentic vintage feel!

Lighting

Lighting is arguably the most important element when creating the vibe. Pool halls are usually lit up to focus only on the billiards table with the rest of the room being in the shadows. To recreate this effect, you can use special dimmable lights that hang from the ceiling to create those zones of lights and shadows.

Dimmable lights are important because you want your pool hall to be dark enough to preserve that aura but also bright enough to play pool.

Neon Accents

Technically, these too are part of the lighting. Neon accents can be the difference-maker when creating the vibe. The neon accents will be the only other light source apart from the overhead lights. You can use neon glass tubing to create these accents.

These lights can be attached to door frames, railings, walls, bar cabinets, and even the underside of the pool table to get a sort of cool glow going. If you can get different color lights, that is even better. You can adjust the lighting according to the mood. 

Neon Bar Sign

A great neon sign can be the clincher that ties the whole room together. You can go with a stock billiards neon bar sign or customize the neon sign to be whatever you want it to be. It can be the logo of your favorite rock band, sports team, or even the name of your bar(you're going to name it, aren't you?).

When you get your neon sign, make sure you mount it somewhere where it's highly visible. Behind the bartender or on a bare wall facing the table are good locations.

Jukebox Machine

I know this might be a little too retro in 2021 with Alexa, Siri, and all the new tech available. But hey, the bar is a place to let your feet down and relax. With a low tech fixture like a jukebox, you can carve out space for yourself free from all that technology so you can just lay back and chill.

Finally, for the last design tip, go crazy. There is no set template for designing a bar. You can come up with your ideas and additions to make space your own. 

 

Tips and Precautions

In any DIY project, there are certain things you need to know first before you set out on the job to avoid accidents and make the project a success. This project is no different. Let’s look at some of those things

First off is safety. During any project, safety is the most important factor, and this one is no different. Always make sure you follow proper safety procedures when carrying out these activities. Also, special warning, LEAVE THE SERIOUS ELECTRICAL STUFF TO THE PROS.

Also, when buying the accessories for the bar, it's very easy to run into vendors that sell substandard products. It's best to stick to tried and tested vendors who provide great quality for a decent price.

For the best quality neon lights and custom designs, you can check us out. With our extensive line up of neon products and experience in creating custom neon signs we are sure we can help you in creating a beautiful home bar.