ChoosethePerfect Lamps

Choose the Perfect Lamps for Your Pool Table

Pool table lighting is a unique and specialized form of illumination, with a focus on highlighting the table rather than the entire room.

Unlike standard pendant lights, pool table lights provide concentrated lighting for a specific area. For a cozy, nostalgic ambiance reminiscent of the 1930s-40s, similar designs used in restaurants, bars, and taverns are the stylistic inspiration for billiard lamps.

However, when it comes to choosing lamps for a inground pool light, style takes a backseat to functionality.

The game of billiards has established specific lighting criteria over many years of practical testing. To ensure comfort during gameplay, it is essential to adhere to these guidelines.

Organizing Lighting Above the Pool Table
Lighting plays a crucial role in any game of billiards. The traditional semi-darkness and the scattered light over the gaming table create the perfect atmospheric ambiance. To eliminate shadows caused by balls, players, and cues, lamps should be placed directly above the table.

They can be attached to the ceiling or a beam, but the key factor is maintaining proper spacing. The distance between the lamp and the table should be at least 0.8 meters, although it can be increased to 1 meter for taller players.

Additionally, the placement of the lamps should align with the middle of the length of the pool table, regardless of the overall orientation of the room. Following these conditions will ensure clear visibility, natural shadows, and minimal light distortion, darkening, or refraction.

Choosing the Right Lamps for Your Pool Table
When selecting lamps for your pool lights, it is critical to consider the height of the lamps in relation to the table’s edge. The recommended height range is between 0.8 and 1 meter, depending on the power of the electric lamps. U

sing 100-watt lamps, this scheme provides sufficient illumination of the playing surface at a minimum of 300 lux. Placing the lamps higher than 1 meter above the table reduces visibility and creates discomfort for players, as the lighting can interfere with their line of sight.

Conversely, illuminating the table below 0.8 meters can cause glare that disrupts the game.

>>> Read more: Choose the Perfect Lamps for Your Pool Table

It may leave the pockets in the corners poorly lit, and players may accidentally hit their heads or cue sticks on the low-hanging lamps. By following the proper installation rules, you can ensure the most comfortable and effective gameplay experience.

Essential Guidelines for Lamp Selection
To achieve optimal table lighting, aim for an illuminance of 300 to 500 lux. When choosing lamps, consider the following criteria:

Brightness: Opt for matte 100-watt lamps or 20-watt led pool light for even lighting.
Material: Choose lamps made of steel or brass for durability.
Durability: Ensure the lamp’s frame is sturdy enough to withstand accidental impacts from balls or cues.
Color: Traditional green lampshades harmonize well with the table, but other colors are also viable.
Shape: Classic cone-shaped lampshades offer protection and diffuse light. However, non-standard shapes like drops or circles are also options.
Style: Consider wooden, plastic, fabric, or metal lamps that complement the overall design of your billiard room. Trendy metal lampshades in silver or bronze make a statement, while green lampshades never go out of fashion!
The highest intensity of light should be concentrated directly above the table, while side lighting should be slightly less intense to eliminate ball shadows and provide illumination for the extreme pockets.

These technical parameters ensure accuracy in gameplay. The units of illuminance are measured in lux, with an ideal range of 300 to 500 lux for pool tables. During televised billiards matches, lighting intensity is increased to 1000 lux using more powerful lamps.

>>> Read more: How Many LED Pool Lights Do You Really Need? A Guide to Making the Right Choice

Calculating the Number of Lamps for Your Table
The number of lamps required depends on the size of your pool table. For amateur tables, 2-3 ceiling lights are sufficient. Standard table sizes (9-10 feet) typically require 3-4 lamps, while professional tables need 5-6 lamps. The number of lampshades also varies based on table size, ranging from 2-3 shades per 7-8-foot table to 6-7 shades per 20-foot table.

Proper Placement of Lamps Above the Table
To ensure complete illumination of the playing surface, including the extreme pockets, it’s important to carefully position the lamps.