Board Game Coffee Table Buyers Guide

So you're on the hunt for the ultimate gaming coffee table, huh? Well, before you dive into the vast world of options, let's take a step back and figure out exactly what it is you need. This can help you make the right decision and find the board game coffee table of your dreams without any extra hassle.

In this guide, we'll walk you through what you should consider before investing in a new table, as well as some additional upgrades you could opt for to make your game nights all the more memorable.

Knowing What You Need

Before you can decide on the perfect gaming coffee table, you'll need to know exactly what you want and need out of your new piece of furniture. Generally, it's important to think about things like what kind of games you like to play, the overall versatility of the piece, your budget, and how much space you have in your home.

Preferences

Firstly, you'll want to think about your gaming preferences, since this can affect the kind of table you need. A gaming coffee table is great for casual board games, but for tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons, you may need a little extra room to seat your entire party.

Ideally, you'll want to consider the types of games you play most often. Are you into lighter, more casual games like Settlers of Catan? Or do you prefer more complex strategy games like Terra Mystica?

Ultimately, the types of games you enjoy will determine the size and features you need in a table to accommodate your sessions comfortably. And remember, if you're hosting board game nights every week, you may want to think about the number of people playing, too!

Versatility

You'll also need to think beyond just gaming when you're considering your needs for a board game table. Usually, these tables serve more than one purpose and can turn into working or dining spaces. For that reason, you need to consider how you're going to use it when you're not busy gaming.

If you need your board gaming table to double up as a dining room table or coffee table, you'll need to factor in any additional use you want to get out of it. At the end of the day, your table should meet all of your needs - unless you have the space for an extra table in your living room, that is.

A great example of a two-in-one gaming table is The Dresden Gaming Dining Table, which can also be used as a gorgeous dining table when you're not campaigning or having a little family fun (and reducing screen time) with the kids.

Budget

Your budget always plays a huge role in determining what kind of gaming tables you're looking for. While it's super important to invest in a board gaming table that will last, you should always consider affordability. After all, it's not always practical to spend bucketloads of cash on heirloom quality wooden furniture.

Luckily, there are plenty of affordable gaming tables out there. And if you know how to mix and match furniture in your living spaces, you can make any table look ultra chic when you're not using it.

It's important to remember that although some board gaming tables can be pricey, they're essentially two pieces of furniture in one. They're a coffee table and a board game table. So, although the upfront cost may be high, it can also pay off in the long run. Just make sure you can afford the initial expense before making an investment!

Space

Whether you're living in a home or an apartment with a living and dining room combo, space is an incredibly important thing to consider before you buy a new table. You'll always want to measure the space where you want the table to go and ensure that it fits comfortably without taking up too much space.

Some additional factors that you'll want to think about when assessing your space include:

• Room layout

• Furniture placement

• Traffic flow (or the space where you would want to walk through)

Generally, you always want to opt for a table that allows enough space for gaming while still letting you walk around freely. Fortunately, most gaming tables are categorized as space-saving furniture, since they can be used for multiple purposes. That means you won't have several pieces of furniture lying around and taking up the room!

 

Essential Features: Game-Changers

Okay, now that you know what you need to incorporate your new table into your home, it's time to think about what additional features could level up your gaming experience. And while some gaming tables have generic features like extra storage options or a hidden compartment, we've picked out some of our top features that we simply can't live without!

Construction

If you have the budget for it, choose a game table that has immaculate construction. Our top choice? A solid hardwood body. Hardwood tables usually offer great stability and durability, which will ensure that your table lasts for years to come without warping or damage - no matter how competitive (or intense) you get when you're playing board games.

Additionally, hardwood construction offers a certain elegant aesthetic that can add to the overall ambiance of your gaming space. Some of the best wooden options include high-quality hardwoods like maple, oak, walnut, or cherry.

Practicality

We're all for features that add to the practicality of your new table. For example, integrated cupholders can be really handy. Say goodbye to drinks and cans taking up space in the middle of your game table! And forget about those accidental spills when you're trying to reach around food and drinks just to move your car a little further down the road in The Game of Life.

Speaking of spills, let's talk about something else that can contribute to the practicality of your table: The material! This can determine how difficult or easy your game table is to clean and how well it can repel moisture if there is a spill. Our recommendation is to always go for a moisture-resistant table surface, so you can play without any worries of ruining your gaming table.

Another great feature we can't get enough of is drawers. Yup, as simple as it seems, they can enhance your overall gaming experience. You can use extra drawers for rulebooks, game components, and other accessories when you're playing - and when you're not! This will help to keep your gaming table clear and clutter-free.

Functionality

If you want to make your game nights that much more enjoyable, why not pick a gaming table with some unusual (but really beneficial) features?

For instance, you can pick out a table that has soft-close sides or brass handles - or both - for a more aesthetically pleasing and noiseless coffee table. The soft-close sides are particularly handy since they stop drawers from slamming shut and reduce the risk of damaging any delicate game pieces.

FAQs

What makes a board game coffee table different from a regular coffee table?

A board game table is specifically designed with features like inset playing areas, storage compartments, and sometimes even built-in game accessories. This makes them perfect for board game nights and keeping everything organized.

Regular coffee tables, on the other hand, are designed as a functional and aesthetically-pleasing surface within a living room to hold books, decor, and - of course - cups of coffee.

Are board game coffee tables suitable for other activities besides gaming?

Absolutely! Board game tables are made to be versatile furniture options for your home, and can be used for various activities besides gaming. They can serve as coffee tables for everyday use, dining tables for casual dining in the living room, and even as workspaces.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it! With all these factors in mind, you're well on your way to finding the gaming coffee table of your dreams. Just remember: Think about your gaming preferences, versatility, budget, and the space that you have for a new table, and you'll be golden. Epic board game nights, here we come!