Selecting the Right Theme for your Billiard or Rec Room

            If you are yearning to redecorate or build a billiard or rec room, a big decision you will be faced with, if not the biggest, is deciding on a potential theme.  A number of themes ideas exist, and what you base your theme on should be solely up to you. Hopefully, some of the following ideas will help you to travel in the right direction when making this important decision.

            Before I list some theme ideas, remember a few things. First, color coordination is essential for a good looking rec room.  The theme you decide to ultimately go with should be quickly obvious to anyone who enters your new pool room based on the color schemes you have picked.  If your friends know you are an NHL fan and they see red and green everywhere, they should figure out you went with a Minnesota Wild theme.           

            Also, do not limit yourself to particular theme colors just because you think you might not be able to find a matching billiard table felt color or bar top. A myriad of table felt colors are available, including everything from black to white. And with a bar top, anything is possible with a little bit of imagination.

            In order for you to decide which theme might fit you best, you first need to recall your interests and hobbies. What do you enjoy doing that holds your attention for long periods of time?  For me, sports is my passion. My home billiard room is based around a Saint Louis Rams theme, including decor such as bar stools, a dart board, rugs, wall posters, clocks and more.  And even though the colors do not quite match, I have some Saint Louis Cardinals paraphernalia, as well.            

            Choosing a professional sports teams, however, is merely one theme idea. Billiard room themes can revolve around just about anything that comes to mind. Some theme ideas I thought of off the top of my head include:

• Collegiate or Professional Sports
• Automotive Brands (Chevy, Ford, etc.)
  
• Billiard Hall or Pool Room Theme
• Holidays or Specific Time of Year (Christmas, Halloween, winter, etc.)
  
• Beer or Coca Cola Logos (Miller Lite, Budweiser, etc.)
  
• Poker Theme
• Superhero Theme (Spider Man, Batman, X-Men, etc.)
  
• Culture-Based Theme
• Outdoor Theme
• Animal Theme
• Location-Based Theme (Hawaii, Vegas, London, etc.)
• Hollywood and Big Screen
  
• Outer Space
• Zodiac Symbols
• Beach Theme
• National Monuments (Mt. Rushmore, Saint Louis Arch, Washington DC buildings, etc.)
  

            Along with each specific theme idea goes certain items and decor you might want to consider using to liven up your new rec room and add those finishing touches.  First and most important is the billiard table.  If you have a pool table, or you plan on getting one, consider choosing a felt color that goes with your theme, like a white or blue felt color for the Saint Louis Blues, or perhaps green or black felt if you are a Green Lantern superhero fan. Also, another big consideration to remember is the paint color and floor style of your rec room. If you go nuts over the Fourth of July, then go with red, white and blue colors. Or if you fancy the Amazon Rainforest, go with greens and browns, and grow plants in every corner. Along with the more prevelant pieces of furniture in your rec room, you can purchase other smaller items that go with your theme as time goes on to add to your overall ambiance and atmosphere. For instance, if you are shooting for a simple billiard theme, go with a miniature pool ball felt wall clock and an 8-Ball logo Tiffany billiard lamp.  Or if you are always having buddies coming over to watch the big game and have drinks, consider investing in a set of bar stools and a pub table for your new home bar. Again, when talking about themes, the possibilities are next to endless.