Whether you’re into hosting big game nights with tons of people or prefer the handful of close friends for a card game or round of Settlers of Catan, there’s one thing that will elevate your game nights like none other: a board game table. Many of these unique pieces of furniture offer distinctive premium features that mean you can save your games for another time, store playing pieces easily, play without fear of spills, have a built-in smooth-playing game mat without extra storage or set-up, and come with all the accessories needed for an enhanced gaming experience.
And if you’re anything like us at The Board Game Collection, you’ll be thrilled to learn that these fantastic upgrades to your game night come in a range of styles and features to meet your precise board gaming needs and budget.
Benefits of a Game Table
A game table is more than just a piece of furniture; it’s a gateway to countless hours of fun, bonding, and mental stimulation. Here are some of the key benefits of having a game table in your home:
Encourages Social Interaction and Bonding: A game table provides a dedicated space for people to gather, play, and interact with each other. Whether it’s a family game night or a gathering of friends, a game table fosters social connections and creates lasting memories.
Enhances Gaming Experience: Designed with gamers in mind, a game table offers features like cup holders, storage for games and accessories, and a smooth, flat playing surface. These elements combine to provide a comfortable and immersive gaming experience.
Promotes Cognitive Development: Playing board games and other tabletop activities on a game table can help improve cognitive skills such as problem-solving, strategy, and critical thinking. It’s a fun way to keep your mind sharp.
Adds Value to Your Home: A high-quality game table can be a beautiful and functional piece of furniture that adds value to your home. It’s an investment that pays off in both enjoyment and aesthetics.
What to Consider As You Choose a Board Game Table
Tons of features can catch the eye as you shop for board game tables, tempting a fast purchase for immediate gratification. But before we dive into the list of the 10 best board games tables, let’s take a look at some things you should consider before you buy.
First off, ask yourself some questions to start narrowing down the list.
What style of table do you want? Convertible dining table? Convertible coffee table? Poker table? Multi-game table? Puzzle and game table? Consider the types of games you play most often (or want to) and focus on the best style for these games.
Where will the table go? Do you have a great place to store a folding table that will still be accessible? Do you want to replace existing furniture to condense your space? Or are you creating a dedicated games and entertainment space in your home?
What’s your budget? Do you need to go with the low-end? Do you want a premium option? Decide on your desires and reasonable budget for yourself before you start shopping – else you might fall in love with something you can’t afford. (You can, of course, opt to save up and get the ideal table down the road, too, if you can’t afford it right now.)
For the most versatility, a convertible dining or coffee table is your best bet. For space-saving needs, choose a folding table. You’ll find both types of tables come in at a reasonable budget-price or high-end options, depending on your needs.
At the end of the day, your best gaming table is going to be one that fits in your space, allows for the right kind of gaming, comes in an aesthetic you’ll enjoy, and meets your budget goals. Remember, one size does not fit all, so consider customizable sizing options to ensure the size fits your specific needs.
Table Size and Shape
Choosing the right size and shape for your board game table is crucial to ensure it fits comfortably in your home and meets your gaming needs. Here are some factors to consider:
Space Constraints: Measure the room where the table will be placed to ensure it fits comfortably, leaving enough space for players to move around. A game table should enhance your space, not overcrowd it.
Number of Players: Consider the number of players who will be using the table regularly. Choose a size that can accommodate everyone comfortably, whether it’s a large group for board games or a smaller gathering for card games.
Game Type: Different games require different table sizes and shapes. For example, a large, rectangular table may be ideal for playing board games, while a smaller, round table may be better suited for card games. Think about the types of games you play most often and choose accordingly.
Materials and Craftsmanship
Investing in a game table means looking for quality materials and craftsmanship that ensure durability and a great gaming experience. Here are some factors to consider:
Solid Wood: A game table made from solid wood is a great choice. It’s durable, long-lasting, and can be stained or painted to match your home decor. Solid wood tables also offer a classic, timeless look.
Heirloom Quality: Look for a game table that is built to last, with high-quality materials and craftsmanship that will withstand years of use. An heirloom-quality table can be passed down through generations, making it a valuable addition to your home.
Attention to Detail: A well-crafted game table will have attention to detail, such as smooth finishes, sturdy legs, and secure storage compartments. These elements not only enhance the table’s appearance but also its functionality and durability.
Storage and Organization
A game table with ample storage and organization features can help keep your games, accessories, and other items tidy and within reach. Here are some features to look for:
Cup Holders: Built-in cup holders can keep drinks secure and within reach, reducing the risk of spills and messes. This feature is especially useful during intense gaming sessions.
Storage Compartments: Look for a game table with storage compartments, such as shelves, drawers, or cabinets, to keep games, accessories, and other items organized and out of the way. This helps maintain a clutter-free gaming area.
Accessory Trays: A game table with accessory trays can provide a convenient place to store small items, such as dice, cards, and game pieces. These trays keep everything organized and easily accessible during gameplay.
The Ten Best Board Game Tables on the Market
Brimhart Convertible Dining/Game Table
Since most of us don’t have a dedicated gaming space, the ideal game table is a convertible game-to-dining table. And that’s where Brimhart’s gorgeous table comes in. This beautiful table – at a fairly affordable price – has a recessed gaming space (4 feet 9 inches x 2 feet 9 inches) for immersive play for up to 6 players. Atop the game space, the beautiful 4-piece wooden topper merges to give the illusion of table leaves. The table is crafted from solid Malaysian Oak, and weighs 135 pounds, meaning this beauty is also a beast. It will handle anything you throw at it on game night or that turkey dinner loaded down with all the fixings.
The table includes a leatherette mat insert for the game space for smooth playing and 4 detachable sliding cup holders for protection of your game boards, cards, and the table itself. The heavy table, measuring 62.5” x 38.5” x 30.3”, comes in two boxes, with the table pre-assembled – you only need to attach the legs with the provided screws (tools supplied).
Super Premium: Custom Built AllPlay Game Table
For the absolute ultimate, premium gaming experience, invest in the Custom Built AllPlay Game Table. The beautiful table is specifically crafted to the highest standards, made of gorgeous, solid wood, and high-end felt for not just a top-notch gaming experience, but a beautiful one to boot. You design your game table with the AllPlay custom configurer, choosing the exact size, design, and features you want for your convertible gaming-dining table.
Choose your table (one of four designs), then choose your dining table toppers, which are always easy to remove and resist spills and leaking from the top down into the gaming compartment, thanks to special grooving. Then, choose your features: drink holders – either fixed or repositionable – drawers for storage – with USB cable outlets for charging phones built-in – and other amazing options for the ultimate board game table.
Project Ironside Game Table
For high-end gaming experiences, check out the Project Ironside game tables. These beauties have been carefully crafted by board gamers who wanted the ultimate game night play. The tables have a recessed play surface to prevent pieces from rolling away, extra large cup holders to protect precious game boards and cards, and small bit trays for hidden objects and organization during play.
The table topper is made of a textured, scratch-resistant surface for a luxurious, easy-to-play-on experience, ideal for neoprene playmats or as-is play. The table itself is made of solid steel construction for durability and sturdiness, allows for adjusting the height by 2 inches, and is easy to assemble when it arrives. Be sure to check out the add-ons, as well, like the real wood topper to insert over the recessed game surface so you can save your game for later any time.
Budget-Friendly: Yellow Mountain Folding Round Game Table
The Yellow Mountain folding round game table was built to last while remaining affordable for just about any gaming group. The topper for the table is made from high-quality synthetic wool felt, which means it won’t unravel or fray. It helps to protect the tabletop from damage and makes gameplay smoother and quieter. This makes it ideal for just about any kind of gaming, from poker to mahjong, board games to card games, and anything in between.
The apron, which hangs 4.3 inches over the edges, fits over the table and is easily removed, as needed. The table measures 48 inches in diameter, with the apron coming in at 49 inches for an easy fit. Note that the apron topper should be cleaned with a soft brush or damp cloth, never machine washed.
Cosimates Convertible Coffee and Game Table
While not technically a game table, the versatile Cosimates Convertible Coffee Table is the perfect option for folks who need a multi-functional table in their living room. Part of what makes this convertible table so perfect for games is not only that the top lifts for gameplay space, but it splits into two heights for different height seats. That means it’s perfect for chairs or couches of varying heights.
Ultimately, the Cosimates Convertible Coffee Tables works as a 3-in-1, with a coffee table height, a split height top, and a level height top, tall enough for dining with standard chairs for up to 8 people. Underneath, plenty of storage exists for keeping your board games and accessories organized and nearby. When you’re ready to play, easily – almost effortlessly – lift the top to whatever height is desired, and play on the easy-to-clean surface that measures 39.4” x 39.4”.
Triton Premium Folding Poker and Game Table
For high-end gaming with compact storage, consider the foldable Triton Premium Folding Poker and Game Table. This large table offers many perks, including a large play surface designed specifically for cards, dice, and other game mechanics. Most tables of this nature don’t fold, either, but this beauty tucks away neatly any time you’re not gaming.
The beautifully crafted table offers a premium multi-spandex fabric rubber surface for easy playing, with faux leather padded armrests for comfort, and built-in cup holders to help prevent spills or moisture from cold, sweating glasses. Plus, interchangeable table tops are available for whatever your game-styling calls for.
Hillsdale Convertible Round Game/Dining Table
For those looking for an elegant, convertible game table option, consider the Hillside Convertible Game/dining Table. This beautiful round table measures 30” tall and 47.25” wide. The table is constructed of solid rubberwood for durability and good looks, with faux black leather upholstery on the reverse top. Dine on the rubberwood surface, then flip the top over for an inlay designed for gaming of all sorts, including poker and other card games, dice games, and board games of all types.
The base provides easy-open for hassle-free flipping, table aprons for an attractive appearance, and easy-to-clean surfaces for quick clean-up and conversion. The table requires some assembly, but most folks easily piece it together using the instructions provided.
PurPeak Folding Game Table
Perfect for smaller spaces and folks who like to keep things neat between game nights, the PurPeak folding game table is ideal. This high-quality game table folds like a traditional table but is designed specifically for domino, poker, and other games with lots of pieces in play. The table measures 38” x 30” x 30”, easily fitting 4 players. The table includes four cup holders, too, to help keep drinks available without spillage.
The high-quality plastic provides a smooth, easy-to-clean surface, while the heavy-duty iron pipe frame and legs give the table stability for even the most energetic of players. As to gameplay, the table offers tabletop compartments for playing pieces, as well as stands for dominos, cards, and similar pieces so that each player can easily track what’s in their hand.
TeakMama Puzzle and Game Table
For gamers who also love puzzles, the TeakMama Puzzle and Game Table is your top pick for game tables. This beautifully designed table made of gorgeous wood provides solid support for your gaming and puzzling habits. Use the table as a coffee table when you’re not gaming or set it up in the living room for everyday casual play. You can even set it up on your double bed or larger for restful puzzling on sick or lazy days. Plus, the table folds up and tucks away when you need extra space.
The top of the table has recessed edges built up for keeping puzzle and game pieces securely on the board, while underneath, four drawers slide in and out for storing extra pieces and play options not currently in use. The total working space is 26.3 inches by 34 inches, suitable for board games of practically any size and puzzles up to 1,500 pieces.
Sterling Games Classic Game Table
For lovers of classic board games, the 3-in-1 wooden Sterling Games Classic Game Table is the ideal game table solution. The table works perfectly for small games like cards and two-person dice games but also comes with built-in boards for those classics we all know: chess, checkers, and backgammon and comes with those checkers, chess, and backgammon pieces.
The top of the table is designed for chess and checkers, with the flip side created for backgammon, and underneath the reversible top, you’ll find storage for your playing pieces. The table comes pre-assembled, save for the legs, which go on easily once you’re ready to set it up.
Customization and Expansion
A game table that can be customized and expanded offers a tailored gaming experience that meets your unique needs and preferences. Here are some features to look for:
Modular Design: A modular game table can be customized with different components, such as table tops, legs, and storage units, to create a unique gaming experience. This flexibility allows you to adapt the table to your specific gaming needs.
Expansion Options: Look for a game table that offers expansion options, such as additional table tops or storage units, to accommodate growing gaming needs. This ensures your table can evolve with your gaming collection.
Personalization: Consider a game table that can be personalized with engravings, custom finishes, or other unique features to make it truly one-of-a-kind. Personalization adds a special touch that reflects your style and personality.
By considering these factors, you can find the perfect game table that enhances your gaming experience and fits seamlessly into your home.
Also Read: The Best Board Game Accessories for Your Game Night Adventures
Conclusion
Whether you have that higher-end budget and opt for a custom-built or pre-built premium table or keep the budget modest, you’ll definitely find a fantastic board game table perfect for your game night needs. We highly recommend versatile tables like the convertible coffee/dining tables or folding tables that help you keep you gaming without taking up extra space around the home.
Board Game Tables FAQ
What are the main types of board game tables?
The main types include convertible dining tables, convertible coffee tables, poker tables, multi-game tables, and puzzle and game tables.
What features should I consider when choosing a board game table?
Consider the table style, where you’ll place it, your budget, the types of games you play most often, and features like recessed playing areas, cup holders, and storage options.
Are there board game tables that can also be used as regular furniture?
Yes, many board game tables are designed to be convertible. For example, some can transform from a dining table to a game table, or from a coffee table to a game surface.
What are some budget-friendly options for board game tables?
Folding tables, like the Yellow Mountain Folding Round Game Table, and multi-function tables, like the Cosimates Convertible Coffee and Game Table, are often more budget-friendly options.
Can I find board game tables with built-in games?
Yes, some board game tables come with built-in games. For example, the Sterling Games Classic Game Table includes chess, checkers, and backgammon boards with playing pieces.