Only got one spare room—or maybe just a corner of the garage? That’s more than enough space.
You can still have a spot to shoot pool and open a cold one. Building a multi-use game room in a small space takes a few smart decisions, the right gear, and a little bit of flex.
Here’s how to make it happen.
Start With a Real Statement Piece
First things first: you need one feature that instantly tells people this room has a purpose, and it’s not folding laundry. A compact pool table or a multi-game setup (pool, ping-pong, poker, etc.) earns that prime real estate.
Just don’t cheap out on the cues if you go for a pool table. Pool cues on display should look—and play—the part.
A lot of guys are leaning toward carbon fiber models, making them among the best pool cues for professionals in 2025. Carbon fiber cues deliver better balance, and they age way better than the wood cues from your cousin’s basement.
Sneak in a Setup for Focus
Even in a room built for play, you can carve out space for productivity. A wall-mounted desk, a foldaway monitor arm, or a corner laptop setup gives the room some real-world range.
Whether it’s for managing your side hustle, logging into work, or queuing up a poker tutorial, a proper workspace goes a long way.
Lights, Camera, Bragging Rights
Let’s talk Zoom. Your background can either boost your credibility or make you look like you just rolled out of bed.
For work calls, aim the camera at a clean, neutral wall or add a curtain to block out the game setup when it’s not the right time to flex. But during off-hours, let your game room shine.
Clean up the space, throw in some good lighting, and keep the clutter out of frame. Friends will ask about the room, and they should.
Keep It Simple, Not Sterile
This isn’t a showroom. You want the room to feel relaxed without looking half-finished.
A small fridge, decent soundbar, and smart lighting setup go further than trying to make it look like a furniture ad.
Building a multi-use game room in a small space isn’t about stacking random gear in the corner and calling it done. Every piece should feel intentional.
The goal is a space that’s just as ready for a Friday night game as it is for a Monday morning meeting.