Should You Buy a Convertible Dining Pool Table?
By now, most people embrace the duality of the home to be a Work-from-home space as much as an abode. Whether for working or living, we've gotten used to spending more time in our homes.
Yet, the modern home can offer so much more than being somewhere to work or live in. By reimagining the home as a space to have fun (versus finding recreation outside of it), we can always make home a place where play, work and live are integrated.
In essence, Play-from-Home isn't just a concept, but a lifestyle choice we could make.
Play-From-Home
One popular recreational activity is pool, which is a great social sport given its relatively simple rules and relaxed vibes. Because it's a great accompaniment to drinks, it's unsurprising to find pool tables in many pubs and clubs,
Undeniably stylish and oozing class, a pool table by its mere size elevates the mood and style of the place. And it's no different in a home setting, where it offers an excellent source of entertainment in the comfort of one's living space.
If you enjoy hosting friends for dinner, a pool table offers post-dining fun at your doorstep, where you create new experiences and build memories. For families, pool also encourages hands-on play, teamwork and social interaction in an age where play is increasingly centered on the digital and individuals.
Of course, a immediate objection of having a pool table at home is that it's impractical. Common (and totally understandable) concerns include not having space for it, and being out of place against the home interior style.
Advantages: More than Just a Pool Table
One great workaround these challenges is the concept of a dining pool table, which is increasingly popular in modern homes and offices.
Pool billiard tables are multifunctional, 2-in-1 pool tables that come with a table top and are easily convertible to dining tables or office tables. Versatile, they offer the best of both worlds of play and dine, and help mitigate some of the challenges stated above.
Here, we share the key advantages and challenges of owning one to help you decide if it's worth considering for your space.
1. Space-saving
The most visible advantage of a convertible dining pool table is its transformable design, and its flexible range of sizes.
- A 2-in-1 helps save space in smaller spaces like homes by doubling up as a dining or study table, since the latter usually takes up substantial space in the house. And it doesn't just save space - busy folks will appreciate the time-saving aspect as it easily switches functions in seconds by simply removing the top cover (in 3-4 pieces for easy lifting).
- And if you aren't looking for competition sized (9ft) tables, you’ll be glad to know that dining pool tables also come in form-fitting alternatives such as 5ft - 8ft or even custom sizes.
2. Dedicated Dining Design
While space-saving is great, the biggest benefit of dining pool tables lies in their intentional dual-use design.
- With table height being a key factor, they are adjusted to lower acceptable ranges (about 75cm) for comfort during meals.
- Standard pool tables are typically built with thick cabinets and wide legs, resulting in narrower leg space for seated guests. But because billiard dining tables are designed with thinner frames with legs are tucked at the corners, most of our tables offer comfortable leg space and fit a minimum of 6 - 8 people.
3. Aesthetics
You’ll be glad to know that most dining pool tables are aesthetically flexible, especially if you enjoy creating a home with a consistent theme.
- With various designs to match contemporary interiors such as Industrial or Scandinavian themes, they helping to conceal the true identity, looking just like any other table when covered.
- But seamless blending in doesn’t mean dining pool tables can’t look outstanding. Most come in excellent finishes using quality materials such as Oak, Aspen, or steel, making them a head-turning centerpiece.
- And you still can’t find what you like, custom designs with a myriad of finish options are available to match the interior of your homes.
4. Protection
Unlike standard pool tables, dining pool tables come with a removable table top, which offers natural protection from damage and dust!
- Physical Protection: The table top acts as a barrier between the pool table surface and potential damage. It prevents scratches, spills, and other forms of physical damage that can occur when the table is being used for dining or other activities. Say goodbye to tears, dents in the surface, rails and cloth (especially if you have children or pets)!
- Prevents Dust and Debris: When not in use, dust, dirt, and other debris can settle on the playing surface. The table top keeps these contaminants away, reducing the need for frequent cleaning and maintenance.
- Maintains Playing Surface: Covering the table with a table top when not in use helps maintain the quality and condition of the playing surface. This prolongs the life and investment value of your pool table and ensures that it remains in optimal playing condition for longer periods.
Challenges
That said, although such 2-in-1 dining billiard tables are great for homes, they may come with some slight downsides depending on your playing habits and style.
1. Playing vs Dining Height
Most 2-in-1 pool tables have a playing height that's adjusted downwards for dining. However, the need for a certain vertical distance for play is unavoidable, where it may still be slightly high for having a meal.
The good news is that some models come with legs with height adjusters for easy adjustment to your desired height.
Another workaround is to opt for accompanying benches or higher chairs, although this alternative might be more suitable for adults than kids.
2. Thrills and (unfortunately) Spills
Secondly, while the cover acts as a form of protection as mentioned, a dual-use dine and play billiard table means spills might occur and possibly reach the playing surface between the gaps in the table top.
There are however ways to protect your dining billiard table - these include using the supplied dust cover as an added protective layer, as well as choosing Slate tables given their non-porous properties.
Check out our guide to learn more tips on how to take care of your pool table.
Conclusion
With their practical (space-saving, dedicated dining design) and stylish features, dining pool tables are increasingly popular. Through technological advancements, they offer play qualities similar to standard tables without any compromises on style, which clearly favour their use within homes.
That said, standard pool tables nonetheless remain popular amongst players. At the end of the day, deciding on either is dependent on your playing purpose and available space.
Besides functionality, other factors like size and style can also influence pool table purchasing decisions - learn more in our pool table buyer guide for beginners.
Where can I buy a Dining Pool Table?
Explore Dining Pool Tables at Singapore's largest pool table showroom, with over 15 tables on display! With various sizes across 6ft - 9ft and a wide variety of modern finishes, be spoilt for choice with our range of 2-in-1 convertible billiard tables.
Make a trip down to experience them for yourself, including some of the best multifunction pool tables from top brands like Aramith, Cornilleau and Brunswick, as well as our locally designed models.
And if you prefer standard, non-dining designs with classic look and feel, we offer plenty of options to choose from, too.
