DIY Pool Table Light

I shopped around local retail and web based billiard supply shops for a hanging lamp for my pool table. However I was disappointed with the quality and pricing of many lamps. So as a hobbyist I decided to build my own. After shopping around for components I ended up with:

• 3 x Portfolio hanging antique brass pendant


• 1 x Expanding aluminum drapery rod (2" x 72-144")


• 2 x Decorative aluminum/glass finials


• Misc hardware: threaded pipe, ceiling hooks, ceiling cover plate, ...

I spent a few hours assembling, installing, and leveling the new lamp. In order to center the lamp over the table I had to create a bit of a "cat's cradle", due to the table being between ceiling joists. The proper method would have been to installed a cross joist in the attic above the table. However due to the combination of regular & vaulted ceilings in my house, it's a major pain to navigate to the section above my game room. For now I just wanted to get the light installed and wired in. This spring I will haul my tools and lumber there and put in the cross joist. For now maybe I'll hang some brewery flags or some other decorations to mask the hardware.

I'm very satisfied with my home made billiard lamp. I saved some money, and have a much better lamp then if I purchased a retail one. In the future I may make some further modifications to improve its look. Possibly some decorative curled metal on top between the lamps like this.

Billiard Room: Check!

I've been an avid pool player for many years and consider my abilities to be modestly above average. I have to give credit to "Auntie Ann" for coaching my abilities early on, and my cousin for spending so much time playing against me. I've had a few cheap pool tables over the years, but nothing worth mentioning. Although bumper pool is always a fun alternative.

I've wanted a professional tournament quality table for years. However I really haven't had the space to allocate to one. Now that I have a new house of my own I have plenty of room for any size table, and I'm settled permanently enough to justify owning one. Last week we decided to buy a table. I don't have the patience or time right now to buy a used table, make any repairs, and set it up. So we decided to purchased a new table from Golden West Billiards. I ended up with a standard 4x8 (44" x 88" playfield) "Kaman" model with black leather pockets, and charcoal grey felt. Golden West provided next day deliver, setup, and leveling! Great Service! I know I'll enjoy this table for years and hope to spend hours increasing my skills!