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Last updated: April 12, 2024
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Specific lighting for a pool table is vital if you plan to play to any decent standard or with a professional feel to your games. If you stick to the lighting in the room you will probably not be playing in suitable conditions, and uneven lighting that probably doesn’t provide enough brightness is far from ideal when you are practicing or playing with others. Finding the right lighting can be tricky as some lights are too narrow or hang either too high or low from your ceiling, making the correct light levels difficult to achieve.
In this guide to the best pool table lighting, we have discussed many of the features that are important for these types of lights. The number and power of lights built into the unit, as well as the dimensions of the lights, how high or low they hang and the warranty offered by the manufacturer. We’ve also looked at brightness and whether the units are dimmable or adjustable.
Our research has been presented as a simple table to let you view the features and strengths of each product at a glance, and we also have in-depth reviews of these models. There is a buying guide included at the end to help you understand the ideal features and the vital considerations for finding the best pool table lighting. We’ve also included some FAQs to answer specific questions you may have regarding lighting up your billiards table.
This is the sort of billiard table light you could imagine in an old western bar. It looks fantastic and is available in three different color schemes to suit your bar or rec room. It is available in red, blue or green color schemes.
3’ of chain on each sign means that this hangs quite low from the ceiling, so be sure to work out whether this is suitable for your table or whether you need some alteration. Don’t forget that the ideas is that the whole table is evenly lit.
This light has four bulbs inbuilt and is big enough to handle a full-sized 8 foot pool table, so you don’t need to worry about whether or not the coverage of the light is big enough for your table.
Installation is a little bit of a tricky job if you don’t know what you are doing, and the product is heavy, but this is a result of the fact it is very well made. If you’re not confident, work with an electrician to get this properly installed. An electrician may also be able to fit a dimmer switch, something that doesn’t come as standard with this pool table light.
All-in-all, in spite of being pretty hefty, the RAM Gameroom Products 44-Inch Billiard Table Light is our editors pick due to its hard-wearing design and multiple color schemes.
Why are we impressed?
Available in three different color schemes to suit your home
Big enough and bright enough to suit even full-size tables
What negatives must you be aware of?
Not easy to install, especially if you are not confident with electronics
The CO-Z pool table light is a three bulb model which has an exceptional stained glass design, meaning it fits in with a classy decor and not just a rec room style. The light has actually been designed as a hanging light to suit either billiards tables or other uses such as hanging over kitchen islands.
In terms of adjustability, this can be made dimmable which is a hugely positive function and lets you alter the level of brightness to suit your table.
Another adjustable function is the chain, which can go up to four feet in length but is able to be shorter and closer to the ceiling if needed.
The UL listed lamps have been specifically designed for safety and quality. Different wattages of lights can also be chosen to suit your energy use needs and the brightness needed. You can also choose tinted lights if you wish to give an extra hint of color.
Unlike some of the other options on this list, the CO-Z light comes with a one year warranty to give an extra level of peace of mind.
Why are we impressed?
Excellent stained glass design
Adjustable height and dimmer switch can allow the lighting to be altered
Consistent level of light provided with a choice of different bulbs if needed
Excellently packaged
Surprisingly easy-to-install considering the size and weight
What negatives must you be aware of?
A couple of reviewers have reported missing parts, though this seems to be very rare
The LALUZ 5-light island is another option which isn’t designed specifically for pool tables, though this is one of the many uses the manufacturers list. Product photos of this sitting above a kitchen table are just as common as those with the lights sitting above a billiards table. However, this is undeniably one of the best billiard lights as it is very adjustable and can work in a variety of different rooms, and with a variety of different ceilings.
The adjustability is definitely far superior to many of the other options on the list. Not only does this let you alter the height in 10 inch degrees between 10” and 40” from the ceiling, you can also hang this on sloped ceilings. Not all of us have the luxury of flat and simple ceilings in our rec room or games room, this level of flexibility is a big selling point.
The light has five different bulbs and is designed to take 5x E26 bulbs with a maximum of 60W power. You can buy tinted bulbs if needed, or install a dimmer for even more control.
The light comes out of the sides as well as the bottom, which can help with the coverage. It also has the added benefit of being lightweight when compared to many other pool table lighting options, and therefore easier to install.
What do we love it for?
Relatively easy to install
Comes with a generous two-year warranty
Good levels of adjustability and works on sloped ceilings
The Wellmet Hanging Pool Table Light Fixture is a great option for your game room for a couple of options. While it may not quite have the same adjustability and versatility as some of the other options to make our list, the design is incredibly cool!
A quick look at the product photos will show you the pool-specific design which has mock pool balls running along the light itself, this is a feature piece to put in your rec room.
The length of the chain when fully extended comes in at 35.4″. This is a fair length, great for many billiard rooms, but if it is not quite perfect there is a buckle attached to the chain which lets you alter the length until it is at the perfect height for your table and the right level of coverage.
The design is also flexible as it is available in four different colors, so you can choose the best to suit the design of your home and fit in with your decor.
Installation is pretty straightforward, and the package ships with everything you need to install including instructions.
The metal material may be a cause for concern for some, but this shouldn’t be the case with the Wellmet, which is treated to avoid rust over time. This can last many years if treated correctly.
What are its best features?
Good value-for-money
Comes with all you need for installation
Corrosion-resistant design to avoid rust over the years
The Baiwaiz pool table light is very lightweight and this makes it a good option for people who don’t want to put a lot of load on their ceiling and also for those looking for a simple install.
In spite of weighing under 12 lbs, this manages to be pretty sturdy in its reinforced design and is designed to work on both flat and sloped ceilings.
Like many of the other options on this list, it isn’t specifically designed for a pool table, and can be used as kitchen lighting or elsewhere in the home.
This is adjustable, but only has around 20 inches of area where it can be moved up and down. Adjustments are made via two rods, and can be set to between 20.9” and 39.4″ below the ceiling level.
The two-year warranty is pretty generous and everything you need to install does come with the product, but the manufacturers suggest getting a professional electrician to do the job for you.
Unfortunately, there is no dimmer option, and as this light hasn’t been designed specifically with pool tables in mind, it can be hard to get the spread right to ensure a full and even coverage on your table.
The Hathaway BG2576 3-Shade Billiard Light is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to provide lighting for pool tables. Though it is fair to describe this as “basic” with no fancy design and not a huge number of features to let you customize the looks or the lighting, if you just need something to install to do a sturdy and reliable job, the Hathaway could be for you.
The three lightbulbs provide a decent spread of light which can work on up to full-sized pool tables.
This light is very cheap compared to some of the fancier designs on the market, however, if simple matte black is the look you want anyway, this can be just as impressive. It is well-made and sturdy, so you don’t have to worry too much about corrosion for a few years at least.
Installation is tricky. The instructions aren’t particularly good and it may well be the case that a professional electrician is needed. Some have also criticized the wires included as being a little small for their needs. It also isn’t adjustable. If you need a product that allows you to choose how high it hangs above the table then you may have to opt for one of the more expensive options.
What are our favorite features?
Sturdy and reliable. Built to last
Great value
Great coverage of the pool table
What could be better?
Not the most adjustable in terms of height
Not easy to install and may need longer wiring
Things to Consider
As well as providing pool table lighting reviews, we’ve also created a buying guide to help you to make the right decisions, and to understand both the importance of quality lighting and how to find a light that is best for your home and your pool table.
Reasons to get top-quality pool table lighting
Good lighting for your pool table is not just about making it look nice. It is about being able to play the game to its full potential and create a suitable playing surface within your own home. A table which sits in darkness, or partial darkness, is going to lead to an unfair game, and have a negative impact on the experience you have when playing.
It can be tempting to skimp on the lighting, especially if you have just had to pay a lot of money for a pool table, but it can have such a negative impact on your experience. Avoid this temptation. You don’t have to spend the earth to get a good light which can fit even a full-size pool table.
Features to consider when choosing lighting for pool tables
The following are the most important features to consider when it comes to pool table lighting, and what might be most suitable for both your table and the space in which you will be fitting them.
Lamp style
The look and style of the lamp are very important. Some of the models on this list are a set of spotlights, perfect for creating an even spread of lights, while some are farmhouse-style lights which could also sit above a kitchen table, for instance.
How do you want your rec room to look? An awesome design can go a long way to creating a feature and giving a certain feel to your room. For instance, the Wellmet Hanging Pool Table Light Fixture has an excellent look to it which is specific to billiards, using a row of dummy pool balls to give a fun feature for your game room.
Number of bulbs and type of bulbs needed
Each of the lights mentioned above uses multiple bulbs. It is rare to find a pool table light which has a strip light or similar method of lighting the whole unit, instead, there are likely to be between three and five bulbs built into one central unit. For instance, the Baiwaiz Wood Pool Table Light has five different bulbs whereas the more affordable Hathaway BG2576 3-Shade Billiard Light has three.
The more bulbs there are, the more even the coverage is likely to be, depending on the shades and how the light is diffused around the table. However, it also means more maintenance overall as lightbulbs may blow and need replacing.
It is a bonus if the lights take eco-friend LED bulbs such as the E26 light bulbs which can be bought from supermarkets and hardware stores with ease, so you can always have a supply. Having such an economical bulb can mean that your energy use doesn’t go up a huge amount when you have a light like this installed, and the fact that most use multiple bulbs should mean you still get enough light coverage.
Ceiling to lamp distance
The ceiling to lamp distance is really important. It is very difficult to get this exactly right if you don’t have an adjustable light. Those which are on a chain usually have some sort of bracket system which allows you to adjust the height from the ceiling up and down. For instance, the LALUZ 5-Light Island Lighting allows you to adjust in 10-inch increments between 10” and 40” from the ceiling.
The importance of getting the right distance from the ceiling is not just because of the fact that you need to ensure it fits, and that your head can fit under the light without getting any annoying bumps, it is also important in terms of ensuring the spread of the light. The higher from the table, the further the light should diffuse. It is advised that an even spread of light covers the whole table.
Overall dimensions
The overall dimensions give you a very good overview of whether the lighting unit is suitable for the space you are working with. It will also allow you to make some mockups and measure exactly whether the unit in question will fit in the space you need it to. Some lights can do just as good a job as lighting for pool tables while covering a smaller space. A big, chunky unit such as the RAM Gameroom Products 44-Inch Billiard Table Light is wonderful, but not the most suitable option if space is a little tight or you are lacking in headroom.
Lamp materials
Considering the materials of the lamp will help you with maintenance. A lot of the lampshades are made out of metal, with anti-corrosion coatings designed to help them last a number of years. Others are made from wood, and may need polishing or even varnishing from time-to-time to keep in good condition.
Installation and adjustability
Installation should always be thought about in advance. A lot of people purchase their pool table lighting and then when it arrives have no idea how to put it in place.
Some options come with very good instructions, but if you don’t know anything about electronics and fitting electrical goods then you should probably still work with a professional electrician to get the unit installed.
Most are hard-wired and need to be fitted as an additional light in your home, rather than being plugged in from a power supply.
The best pool table lights should be adjustable. We’ve already talked about this a little in terms of the height, but some of the top models out there are able to adjust to the slope and angle of your ceiling, too. If you are installing in a room with imperfect ceilings then this can be a real life-saver. If this isn’t the case, some of the options out there are compatible with adapters, that can turn a sloped, angled surface into a flat one which you can then attach your lighting to. This isn’t easy, but it is certainly an option. The LALUZ 5-Light Island Lighting is an example of a light that can work on a sloped ceiling.
Warranty
Some of the products on the list don’t specify any warranty at all, whereas others have up to two years. With any electrical product, there is a chance it could break, and that something within could be faulty. A long warranty is preferred, it will allow you the peace of mind that if something is wrong, you can go back to the manufacturer for a fix or replacement.
Tips on using and installing your pool table lighting
Installation should be done in conjunction with the official standard which is provided by the World Billiard Association. However, it is tough to do this as it needs a light meter. Instead, make sure the table is lit evenly all the way across, including the center of the table all the way to the rails and the pockets. Nothing should be significantly brighter than the rest of the table.
Installing a dimmer switch will give you a lot more control over the light and allow you to customize it to your specific needs.
Never put yourself in danger trying to install if you are not confident doing so. It is always advisable to get the help of an electrician if you are in doubt.
In the vast majority of cases, we recommend installation with an electrician. If you are very competent with DIY and you opt for a simpler light such as the LALUZ 5-Light Island Lighting then you may be able to install this yourself.
The space you leave is not a specific measurement, instead, make sure the whole table is covered with even light and also that the table leaves plenty of headroom when you are moving around to play your shots.
Some of the units, such as the CO-Z Pool Table Light, are dimmable anyway. If not, you will need to replace the actual light switch with a dimmer switch to control the power level of the lighting.
Wrapping It Up
The RAM Gameroom Products 44-Inch Billiard Table Light is our editors pick, and this is a light which it is very hard to find any fault with. We’ve rated it 9.9/10 due to the fact it is durable and sturdy as well as providing plenty of even light and being available in multiple designs, with four different color schemes to choose from.
A close second in the running to be the best lighting for pool tables is the CO-Z Pool Table Light which we’ve rated 9.6. This has the added benefit of a dimmable light. It is also compatible with high-efficiency LED bulbs.
LALUZ 5-Light Island Lighting is our third rated at 9.5/10. The big bonus if you opt for this is the fact that it includes everything you need to install even on sloped or uneven ceilings, and has a high level of adjustability.
That sums up our guide to the best pool table lighting. Whatever your preferences, we hope we’ve helped you to find the best light for your games room!
Good lighting for your 
The look and style of the lamp are very important. Some of the models on this list are a set of spotlights, perfect for creating an even spread of lights, while some are farmhouse-style lights which could also sit above a kitchen table, for instance.
The ceiling to lamp distance is really important. It is very difficult to get this exactly right if you don’t have an adjustable light. Those which are on a chain usually have some sort of bracket system which allows you to adjust the height from the ceiling up and down. For instance, the 
Considering the materials of the lamp will help you with maintenance. A lot of the lampshades are made out of metal, with anti-corrosion coatings designed to help them last a number of years. Others are made from wood, and may need polishing or even varnishing from time-to-time to keep in good condition.
