When purchasing a pool table, people often focus on size, slate quality, and frame design. While those are important considerations, one key detail that shouldn’t be overlooked is the colour of the felt. The felt colour of your pool table affects not only the overall aesthetic of your game room but also your playing experience. In this guide, we’ll examine the best pool table felt colours and what you need to know before you buy a pool table.
Why Felt Colour Matters
Felt colour plays a more critical role than many assume. It impacts:
- Visibility of balls during play
- Eye comfort, especially under artificial lighting
- Room ambiance and decor coordination
- Maintenance and appearance over time
The choice goes beyond style—different colours can affect your ability to focus during a game and how easily chalk dust or lint shows on the surface.
Traditional Colours and Their Appeal
Green: The Classic Standard
Green felt is the most traditional and widely recognized pool table felt colour. Its origins date back to billiards’ early history when tables mimicked grassy lawns.
- Benefits: Easy on the eyes, associated with professionalism
- Ideal For: Formal settings, pool halls, and traditional home décor
Blue: The Competitive Favourite
Tournament blue is becoming increasingly popular, especially in professional settings. This shade provides high contrast against balls, which aids in visibility for players and spectators alike.
- Benefits: Better ball visibility under bright lighting, preferred for televised matches
- Ideal For: Serious players, streamers, or modern game rooms
Modern Felt Colours and Aesthetic Choices
Burgundy
A deep red or burgundy felt adds richness and luxury to a space. It pairs well with dark woods and creates a warm, traditional look.
- Pros: Warm and elegant appearance
- Cons: Shows chalk and lint more easily
- Best For: Classic or vintage-themed rooms
Black
Black felt gives a sleek, modern appearance. It's a bold choice that can complement contemporary furniture and décor.
- Pros: Sophisticated and minimalistic
- Cons: Ball visibility can suffer in low-light settings
- Best For: Urban lofts, modern game rooms
Grey
Grey felt offers a neutral and balanced tone. It doesn’t distract from gameplay and coordinates with most interiors.
- Pros: Blends with various design themes
- Cons: May feel dull to some players
- Best For: Offices, minimalist game spaces
Red
Brighter than burgundy, red felt injects energy into the room. It's a popular choice for recreational environments or casual players.
- Pros: Vibrant and engaging
- Cons: May feel overly intense to some
- Best For: Home bars, entertainment rooms
Tan or Camel
These lighter tones provide a rustic charm and help a room feel more open. They work best in natural or wood-heavy interiors.
- Pros: Lightens the room, soft visual tone
- Cons: Easily shows stains and chalk
- Best For: Country-style or vintage rooms
Functional Considerations Before Choosing Felt Colour
Lighting
Your lighting setup has a major impact on how the felt colour appears. Under bright lights, dark colours like black or navy might reflect poorly and strain the eyes. Lighter or mid-tone felts like blue or grey offer better visibility under such conditions.
Room Size and Wall Colour
In a smaller space, lighter felt colours can make the room feel more open. In contrast, darker colours provide depth in large game rooms but can make tight spaces feel more enclosed.
Try to match or complement your felt with existing wall colours, flooring, and furniture to avoid clashing tones.
Frequency of Use
Pool tables in high-use environments (like bars or clubs) are prone to spills and chalk build-up. Darker colours like green, blue, and burgundy do a better job of hiding wear and tear over time than lighter options.
Felt Performance and Colour Longevity
All felt types will fade over time due to sun exposure and friction, but the impact is more noticeable on certain colours. For example:
- Red and Burgundy: Fade faster under UV light
- Green and Blue: Fade gradually and less noticeably
- Black and Grey: Show lint and chalk but maintain pigment longer
To preserve the felt colour:
- Use a pool table cover when not in use
- Avoid direct sunlight exposure
- Clean the surface regularly with a brush or vacuum
Matching Felt Colour to Table Style
The look of your table also matters. Here are some pairing suggestions:
- Traditional Wood Frames: Pair with green, burgundy, or camel felt
- Black or Metal Frames: Match with black, blue, or grey felt
- Rustic or Reclaimed Wood Frames: Combine with tan, olive green, or burgundy felt
Selecting a felt colour that complements the frame ensures the table looks cohesive and well-integrated into the room.
Psychological Impact of Colour on Gameplay
Believe it or not, the felt colour can influence how players feel and perform. Some observations:
- Green and Blue: Calm tones that promote focus and reduce visual strain
- Red and Black: May increase energy or intensity but could also be distracting
- Grey and Tan: Neutral colours that reduce visual noise and help players concentrate
For serious players, sticking to green or tournament blue might be ideal. For casual games, you have more flexibility to choose based on style preferences.
Custom Felt Colours: Should You Go That Route?
Some manufacturers offer custom felt colours like purple, orange, or even patterned prints. While these offer personalization, consider the trade-offs:
- Unusual colours may reduce ball visibility
- May be harder to resell the table later
- Some colours are not tournament approved
Custom colours are best reserved for private home tables where aesthetics are prioritized over competitive play.
Maintenance Tips for All Felt Colours
No matter which colour you choose, proper care is essential to maintain its look and playability:
- Avoid eating or drinking near the table
- Use designated cues and balls to prevent extra wear
- Brush the felt regularly in one direction to avoid fiber damage
- Cover the table after each use
These steps will help extend the life of any felt colour and keep your table looking its best.
Conclusion: Choose Thoughtfully
When selecting a pool table, don’t overlook the impact of felt colour. Your choice affects not only the appearance of your game room but also your playing experience. Whether you want a traditional feel, a competitive edge, or a modern aesthetic, there’s a colour that fits your needs.
Take time to assess your lighting, décor, and how often the table will be used. And most importantly, choose a felt colour that aligns with both your style and comfort. By considering all these factors, you’ll ensure that your investment brings satisfaction for years to come.
