Board Game Table – How to Choose the Best One For You

Choosing the best board game table for your family or group might sound easy at first. In reality though, there are numerous models and sizes on the market, especially if you count tables designed specifically for playing board games. There are many things to consider here. The size of your group, how advanced they are, what games you play the most and many other factors. Let us walk you through questions you should ask yourself before buying and help you with making the best choice. Today we will focus on a table by the Geeknson board game table crafting company.

1. What Type of Board Games Do You Play the Most?

The question that you need to ask first is probably this one. Depending on the game preferences in your group, you might need a completely different kind of table. Lighter games like Carcassonne or Settlers of Catan, that many board gamers begin with, are usually not that much of table space hoarders. If you play smaller euros and simpler games, a regular sized table might be enough. You can also go for the coffee-table size like the smallest Megan table by Geeknson or others with similar dimensions.

When your group is leaning towards more complex games, these may need much more table space to be played comfortably. Scythe or Terra Mystica will feel more fun when you don’t need to fight for each square inch to place your tokens, minis and meeples. In this case, tables like the large version of Megan, Denis or Henry will probably work great. 

2. Do You Play Other Types of Games?

Party games also benefit from larger tables, especially when they’re played with more people. Here the tables mentioned above might be great but it’s also worth checking out the modular ones (e.g. Megan, Bristol). These types can be equipped with as many glass (or wine glass) holders as you need, which makes them a great choice for parties.

RPGs have quite different requirements when it comes to space and accessories. Some board game tables have features that cater to role players. A good example would be the Bristol Board Game Table known from Kickstarter. The designers have created a dedicated GM Station made to help game masters with their job. The station has magnets for attaching accessories like dice towers or screens and enough space to host and hide all stuff needed for your adventure. Virgo is another popular choice for D&D. According to the info we have from its creators, many video game studios are ordering these for their offices.

3. What Will You Use It For, Apart From Gaming?

When buying something as big as a dedicated board game table, you must also consider what you will use it for apart from gaming. 

First of all, keep in mind that many of these tables are also designed for dining. Models like Megan, Bristol, Adam or Henry have playing vaults that can be covered with wooden leaves that allow eating while the game is still “saved below”. The leaves also feature a so-called Keep Dry System so your games won’t get dirty even if you spill a bottle of wine on the surface above. Modular tables also allow for attaching cup holders should you need them. When choosing a table, think if you will use it to dine, how many people usually eat with you and what do they prefer.

Other than gaming and dining, these types of tables also work great for playing with everything: from toys and crafts to building blocks. If you have kids you can consider tables like the coffee sized Adam or a larger sized Megan, thanks to how you can play different games on it using the divider accessory.

4. How Much Customization Do You Need?

Next factor you should take into account is how much you want to customize your board game table. First come the models like Virgo, Henry or Adam. They’re full of great features and don’t need many things to be added to them. Stil if you want high customization we’d suggest picking something modular like the Megan table that can get new accessories attached to its outer rails. The Bristol line is also fantastic here as it has a brand new system of magnetic accessories that can adjust your table to each game you’re playing.

Alternatively, you can also build your own table using the creator tool. This way you can customize it to your needs before the company ships it to you. Just pick a model, size variant, inset and stain colors, additional features (like LED lights, USB chargers etc.) and (optionally) some chairs. 

5. What Kind of Interior Do You Have?

The interior of the place where you want your table to be placed in is also quite vital. You don’t want it to clash with your furniture and home decorations. Luckily, board game tables from companies like Geeknson come in a variety of shapes. For example Virgo is stylish and will fit perfectly in a room filled with classic or antique-style furniture. Meanwhile tables like Megan, Bristol or Adam tend to be minimalistic and fit more modern interiors.

Also: ask yourself how much space is in the room where you want your table to be. A huge 8 person table might be too much for some interiors. Better check that before buying!

6. How Many People Will Be Playing?

The amount of players is key when picking a perfect table for board games. Do you usually play with your significant other or a group of 5 friends? Maybe you host game nights often or have a dedicated D&D group? 

Sure, there are many questions here, but try to think who will play on it the most. A majority of tables designed for games come in many shapes and sizes. The Megan line for example can be hex-shaped, square, rectangular for 6 / 8 players or even tiny, in the form of a coffee table. Thanks to all the options you can easily determine what size would be the best for you.

7. Do You Want the Table To Evolve?

Equipping your table with various add-ons is becoming more and more popular among gaming furniture creators and people who buy tables for themselves. What nice upgrades should you consider when getting for your table?

First: the LED lighting system. Many tables offer this one now and it works wonders when you want to add more immersion to your game. Wireless (or USB) chargers are another popular choice, especially nowadays when everyone wants to have their phone near them all the time. Engine powered inner vault elevator is also extra comfortable and allows controlling the level of your table’s inner part via remote. Check out the review by Rodney from Watch It Played if you want to see how this type of solution works.

The Bottom Line

If you’ve considered all of the above including determining the size of your group, the amount of space in the room, the games you usually play, the amount of add-ons you plan on getting and other mentioned factors – you can finally start choosing your perfect table. And if you’d prefer to personalize every little thing, just try to use the customization tool present on the creator’s website.

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