Billiard & Game Room Decorating Tips: Color Choice No-No's

Choosing a new theme for your billiard or game room is more than a one step process. Many details are involved, from what color tiles you want on the floor to where you hang that last neon sign. However, perhaps the most important detail you will be faced with is choosing the most appropriate color combination for the billiard or game room in question.

Now this does not mean that there exists a standard, default color scheme for every particular situation. Instead, think of it from your own personal standpoint. Although you generally want your colors to match (or at least complement each other), it does not mean that you cannot have the colors and shades that you desire. Listed below are eight general guidelines to follow when tackling a color scheme or color choice for your home billiard room.

1.      Don't Paint First
Paint can be bought in just about every color imaginable, and should usually be done last. Before painting, make some other major choices first, such as carpet or tile, major furniture fabric color schemes, and so on. Painting is one of the easiest things to do when redecorating a room, and deciding to change the color scheme on your walls is much easier than ripping up carpet or refelting a pool table.

2.      Don't Decide on Colors at the Hardware Store
It is a good idea, even though you will be excited, to hold off buying things on your first store visit. Simply get sample swatches of paint, flooring and furniture fabric on your first visit.  Take them home and see how they look in your future rec room.  Be sure to examine them out in both natural light and in the evening with lamps. If you happen to own a billiard lamp, check the swatches under that, as much of your billiard room's light comes from here.

3.      Don't Use a Paint Chip
A tiny paint chip sample might look good in the hardware store's fluorescent lighting, but might be a bit darker or overpowering in your basement. Once you have decided on a color or color scheme, buy a quart of those colors and cover a small portion of your game room to see how your color choice looks in the room.  If you do not like the color, simply paint over it with your next choice. And if you do change your mind, following this step will save you a ton of money and frustration.

4.      Don't Choose Your Favorite Color for the Main Color
Unless you have a specific theme already in mind, your favorite color will likely be one of the first choices that pops into your head. However, choosing your favorite color can, after time, become somewhat overbearing, making you feel tired of the same old same old. Just because you love green does not mean you have to paint your walls that color.  Instead, perhaps make a complementary color choice or use a more subtle shade to provide a background that will allow items containing your favorite color to really stand out.

5.      Don't Settle for Bland If You Want Bright
Most of the time, no matter what color you choose, you will end up paying the same price. After all, a gallon is a gallon, so don't settle for something bland if you want something vibrant. Even if you just opt for a little brightness or vivacity, using bright overtones in an otherwise dully-colored room will definitely add character, diversity, and mood! If you love color, find a way to use your favorite colors in your home. Choose colors that express your personality and coordinate with things you love.

6.      Don't Force a Particular Color Scheme or Color Choice
Don't force things to match.  Just because you have blue and yellow bar stools and a gold-felted billiard table doesn't necessarily mean that they will look good next to a dark blue or bright yellow wall.  Choose your color family, identify the major pieces in your game room containing that color scheme, and base your color choices around the existing furniture. And don't hesitate to remove items from the room if they don't match or fit into your plan.

7.      Don't Neglect Color Scheme Undertones
The color spectrum has a myriad of colors within it. Offsetting your primary, or main color, in your billiard room can easily be accomplished by using a different hue or shade of the main color choice.  Just remember that not all whites are the same white, not all reds are the same red, etc. Explore deep into each color you are considering by examining a hue's brightness, crispness, etc. to see if they are what you want to go with. Deciding on a color combination that uses different shades of the same color may look better than you think.

8.      Don't Forget About the Psychology of Colors
Remember that different colors have different meanings. For example, brighter colors, or hot colors (red, orange, yellow), scream excitement and fast-paced action, while cooler and darker colors, like green, blue, and purple, emit more feelings of casualness and a laid back atmosphere.   Choose a color scheme to help create the atmosphere you want to portray in the room.