Table football
Table football at home: space, rods and safety
Players stand along the long sides of a table football table, so plan about a metre of space behind each side. Choose telescopic rods if children play.
Schematic, not to scale. Check the maker’s overall width including rod handles. Telescopic rods do not stick out of the far side.
Plan and choose
Table football tables: sizes, rods and room space
Plan the room for a table football table, compare telescopic and through rods, and know what to check before buying for a UK home.
GuideMulti-game tables: are 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 tables any good?
Learn where convertible games tables work well, which games they combine, and what compromises to inspect before buying.
GuideA family games room: tables, junior cues and safety
Plan a games room for children and adults: which games suit which ages, junior cue sizes, darts safety, folding tables and storage.
ToolGames room layout planner
Plan a games room with more than one game: check whether a pool table, dartboard, table football, air hockey or table tennis fit together, with a plan.
The room
Converting a garage into a games room
Plan the floor, damp, warmth, light, power and access before putting a games table in a garage, with a step-by-step checklist.
GuideGames-room lighting: pool tables, darts and table tennis
Light a pool or snooker table, a dartboard and a table tennis area evenly, without glare or shadows, with practical mounting guidance.
Quick answers
How much space does a table football table need?
Players stand at the long sides and pull the rods out as they play, so allow at least a metre clear on each long side, plus room to walk round the ends.
Telescopic or through rods?
Through rods stick out on the far side when pushed in. Telescopic rods slide into themselves, which is safer for children and in tight rooms. See our table football guide.
Is table football good for children?
Yes, it is quick to learn and suits all ages. Choose telescopic rods, and a table with counterbalanced figures if older players want to trap the ball.
Key terms
Other games: Pool · Snooker · Darts · Table tennis · Air hockey