Pool table felt colours can greatly impact the look and feel of your game room. The right colour choice adds style and sets the mood for exciting matches.
The best pool table felt colours are often green, blue, red, or grey, but personal preference plays a key role. Some players like classic green for its traditional look. Others prefer bold reds or blues to make a statement. Grey is a trendy option that fits well in modern spaces.
Which Color Billiards Felt Should You Choose?
Billiards Forum recently ran a poll, asking its users which colour felt they preferred. An overwhelming majority settled on green and blue. Combined, these colours accounted for 99% of responses.
And rightfully so.
For ages, tables have sported royal green felts. Only in the last few years has Blue gained traction in halls and tournaments.
Both green and blue are believed to strain the eyes less than louder colours like red. True or not, the colour you choose should come down to preference—things like material and installation matter more to gameplay and durability.
Remember that the felt laid is never permanent. Most tables need resurfacing after a while. Nevertheless, you can preserve your felt by brushing and cloaking it regularly.
Factors When Choosing Billiards Felt
Reflectivity
The colour of a billiard table changes its sheen. Dark colours tend to downplay shadows, but they also reduce visibility and affect our ability to visualize angles. Light colours promise the best balance—soft, even lighting. Arguably, gray beats out all other colours regarding such criteria.
Thickness
The thickness of the felt affects how the ball rolls. The thicker the felt, the less the slate impacts speed and directness. For expensive concrete slate tables, thin felts are best. Similarly, the coarseness of the fabric determines the maximum rolling distance. Thick, sticky felt absorbs too much momentum.
Coordination
Although some colours are more popular than others, not every colour will jive with your décor. Before picking a felt, consider the primary colours of your home. Neutrals not only promise the greatest visibility, but they complement most paints and furniture.
When picking a felt colour, think about the room’s decor and lighting. The felt should blend with the space while still standing out as a focal point. In the end, the best colour is one that makes you happy and eager to play.
Understanding Pool Table Felt
Pool table felt is a key part of the game. It affects how balls move and how players perform. The right felt can make a big difference in gameplay.
Material and Quality
Pool table felt is often made from wool. Worsted wool is a top choice. It’s smooth and lets balls roll fast. Merino wool is another good option. It’s soft and durable.
High-quality felt lasts longer. It keeps its colour and shape well. Better felt means fewer wrinkles and less pilling. This helps balls move more smoothly.
Some felt blends include nylon. This can make the felt stronger. But it may change how the balls move. Pure wool is still the go-to for serious players.
Importance of Colour Selection
Felt colour affects more than looks. It can change how players see the balls. Some colours make it easier to spot balls. Others might be harder on the eyes.
Green is a classic choice. It’s easy on the eyes for long games. Blue is popular too. It can make the balls stand out more.
Darker colours like navy or burgundy look nice. But they might make it harder to see the balls. Bright colours can be fun but may be distracting.
The right colour can make players feel more at ease. This can lead to better play.
Popular Felt Colours in Billiards
Green and blue are the most common felt colours. They’re used in many tournaments. The Championship Tour Edition often uses a bright blue felt.
Here’s a list of popular felt colours:
- Tournament Blue
- Electric Blue
- Forest Green
- Championship Green
- Burgundy
- Camel
- Grey
Some players prefer specific colours. Red felt is eye-catching but less common. Black felt looks sharp but can make play harder.
Light colours show chalk marks more. Dark colours can hide dirt better. The choice often comes down to personal taste and how the table will be used.
Aesthetics and Room Decor
Pool table felt colour plays a big role in setting the mood and style of a game room. The right choice can tie the whole space together and make a strong visual impact.
Complementing Room Ambiance
Green felt is a classic choice that suits many spaces. It brings a traditional billiards hall feel to any room. For a modern look, grey or blue felt works well with sleek decor.
Dark colours like navy or burgundy create a rich, upscale vibe. They pair nicely with wood tones and leather furniture.
Light colours such as tan or cream brighten up dim rooms. They give a fresh, airy feel to the space.
Consider the room’s lighting when picking felt colour. Some shades may look different under various light types.
Expressing Personal Style with Felt
Bold felt colours let you show off your unique taste. Bright red or purple make eye-catching statements.
Sports fans might choose felt that matches their team colours. This creates a fun theme for the game room.
Nature lovers could opt for colours that mimic the outdoors. Sky blue or forest green bring a calming touch.
Think about how the felt colour fits with your other decor items. Art, rugs, and furniture should all work together.
Classic Versus Contemporary Themes
Green and red felt give a timeless look. They suit rooms with antique furniture or traditional styling.
For modern spaces, try sleek black or white felt. These create a clean, minimalist aesthetic.
Grey felt offers a nice middle ground. It works in both classic and contemporary settings.
Mixing old and new can be fun too. A bold felt colour can add flair to an otherwise traditional room.
Remember that felt colour affects gameplay too. Some players find certain colours easier to see the balls against.
Performance and Playability
The colour of the pool table felt affects both gameplay and visibility. Certain shades can impact a player’s ability to see balls clearly and judge shots accurately.
Impact of Colour on Gameplay
Dark green and blue felts are popular choices for their classic look and smooth playing surface. These colours provide good contrast with white cue balls and coloured object balls. Red felt can make it harder to see red balls, while black felt may cause eye strain during long games.
Light colours like tan or grey can make it tougher to judge ball speed and spin. However, they often show fewer chalk marks, keeping the table looking cleaner. Some players find lighter felts help them focus better on ball position and angles.
Visibility and Contrast Considerations
The best felt colour balances visibility and eye comfort. Electric blue offers high contrast and is easy on the eyes. Forest green provides a neutral backdrop that doesn’t compete with ball colours. Burgundy can add warmth while still allowing good ball visibility.
Good lighting is key for any felt colour. Bright, even light reduces shadows and glare. This helps players see clearly across the entire table surface. Some venues use slightly textured felt to cut down on glare from overhead lights.
For home tables, it’s smart to consider the room’s decor and lighting when picking felt colour. The goal is a pleasant playing experience that doesn’t strain eyes or distract from the game.
Colour Selection Based on Lighting
The right felt colour for your pool table depends greatly on the lighting in your room. Proper colour choices can boost visibility and enhance your playing experience.
Influence of Lighting Conditions
Lighting plays a big role in how the pool table felt looks. Bright rooms need different colours than dim spaces. Natural sunlight changes how felt appears during the day.
In sunny rooms, light colours like tan or light blue work well. They don’t fade as much in strong light. Darker rooms benefit from brighter felt shades. Vibrant greens or blues can make the table pop.
Some felt colours change under different lights. A felt that looks great in daylight might seem dull under artificial lighting. It’s smart to test felt samples in your room at different times of day.
Optimal Felt Colours for Various Lighting
Here’s a quick guide to felt colours for different lighting:
- Bright rooms: Light blue, tan, grey
- Dim rooms: Bright green, royal blue, red
- Rooms with lots of windows: Forest green, navy blue
- Rooms with warm lighting: Burgundy, dark green
For the best contrast, pick a felt colour that stands out from your balls. This makes it easier to see shots. Green is popular because it contrasts well with most ball colours.
In rooms with changing light, medium shades often work best. They look good in both bright and dim settings. Avoid very dark colours in poorly lit rooms, as they can make play harder.
Maintenance and Durability Considerations
Pool table felt colour affects both upkeep and lifespan. Some hues need more care, while others stay fresh longer. Proper maintenance keeps any felt looking great.
Ease of Cleaning Different Colours
Light felt shows dirt and chalk marks easily. It needs frequent brushing and vacuuming. Dark colours like navy or green hide stains better. They don’t need cleaning as often.
Red and other bright shades may fade if cleaned too harshly. Gentle brushing works best for these. Neutral tones like grey or tan are forgiving. They tolerate regular cleaning without losing their look.
All felt needs care to avoid wear. Use a soft brush and low suction when vacuuming. Spot clean spills right away with a damp cloth. Don’t use harsh chemicals on any colour.
Longevity of Vibrant Versus Neutral Tones
Neutral colours like green and blue last longer. They don’t show fading as much over time. Bright reds and yellows may lose their pop faster. Sun exposure speeds up this process for all hues.
Dark felt can look worn sooner. It shows lint and dust more than light shades. But it hides ball marks better, which helps it look new longer.
Felt quality matters more than colour for durability. Good felt lasts years with proper care. Cheap felt wears out fast, no matter the hue. Pick a trusted brand for the best results.
Popular and Traditional Colour Choices
Pool table felt comes in many shades. Some colours have stood the test of time, while others are making a splash in modern game rooms. Let’s look at the top choices for pool table felt.
Trending Pool Table Felt Colours
Red felt is gaining fans in home game rooms. It adds a bold pop of colour and stands out from the crowd. Electric blue is another eye-catching choice that’s on the rise. It gives tables a modern, cool vibe.
Bright colours are becoming more common for home use. They can match room decor or show off the owner’s style. Some trendy options include:
- Burgundy
- Royal purple
- Burnt orange
- Sunny yellow
These fun shades can make a pool table the centre of attention at parties.
Time-Honoured Classics in Pool Table Felt
Green has been the top pick for pool tables for ages. It comes in different shades to suit all tastes. Classic green is a rich, deep tone that many players love. Tournament green is a bit brighter and is often used in competitions.
Dark green is another timeless option. It has a classy look that fits well in many settings. For a slightly different take on tradition, some prefer tournament blue. This colour is easy on the eyes during long games.
Snooker tables often sport a forest green felt. This shade has been used for over a century in professional play.
Customization Options
Pool table felt offers many ways to personalize your table. Players can add unique flair and style through custom designs and themes.
Personalized and Theme-Based Designs
Custom pool table felt allows players to create one-of-a-kind tables. Sports team logos are a popular choice, letting fans show their spirit. Some opt for favourite colours or patterns to match their game room decor.
Family crests or personal symbols can be added for a touch of class. Nature scenes like mountains or beaches bring the outdoors in. For a fun twist, cartoon characters or movie themes liven up the playing surface.
High-quality digital printing makes complex designs possible. The felt can feature realistic images or abstract art. Some companies even offer glow-in-the-dark options for a cool night-time effect.
Custom felt isn’t just about looks. Players can choose different materials for improved gameplay. Worsted wool offers fast, smooth roll. Nylon blends provide durability for heavy use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pool table felt colours can impact gameplay and aesthetics. The right choice depends on personal preference and playing needs.
What is the most popular colour for pool table felt?
Green is the most popular colour for pool table felt. It’s a classic choice seen in many pool halls and home game rooms. Green felt gives tables a traditional look that many players enjoy.
Which colour of pool table felt is considered the best for visibility?
Blue felt is often seen as the best for ball visibility. It creates a good contrast with coloured balls, making them easy to see. This can help players line up shots more accurately.
How does one choose the right pool table felt colour?
Picking a felt colour depends on a few factors. Think about the room’s lighting and decor. Consider how often you’ll use the table. Your playing skill level matters too. Test different colours if possible before deciding.
What are the advantages of Tournament Blue felt for pool tables?
Tournament Blue offers good ball visibility. It reduces glare from overhead lights. This colour is often used in professional tournaments. It can make your home table feel more official.
What type of felt do professional pool players prefer?
Many pros like Simonis 860 cloth in Tournament Blue or green. This felt is known for its smooth, fast play. It’s durable and maintains its colour well over time. Some pros may have personal preferences for other colours too.
Are there any recommendations for pool table felt colours that reduce eyestrain?
Softer colours like light blue or grey can help reduce eyestrain. These hues are easier on the eyes during long playing sessions. They also work well in rooms with different lighting conditions.
