Hey all,
I’ve been wanting to host game nights at my place, and was hoping to use an old folding table I have since it fits nearly under my couch (I have a small apartment) and, is cheaper than buying a whole new table.
Of course, I can use the table as-is (it’s just a standard folding table after all) but I was hoping I could get some ideas on ways to have it better suit tabletop gaming.
Right now my only idea is to get a neoprene mat for the top, but I don’t have any good ideas on how to non-destructively adhere it to the top of the table.
Large neoprene mats are heavy enough stay in place on a table, and I’d just roll it up when you’re done. Large mats get expensive, so you might look into just covering a board with felt, it may be cheaper if you have the tools and are handy.
What about modifying the underside of the top? If it’s thin, you might be able to put magnets underneath and attach magnets to the mat for fasteners.
Not sure how well that would work but magnets were the first thing I thought of. I’m interested in seeing what other people say too.
It really depends on the types of game-nights you host.
If its poker, blackjack etc. it might be a good idea to put some felt over the table with prints of where to put the chips, the cards, the dealer etc.
If you are also into old-school chess and checkers you might want to consider interchangeable tops (just cut out a piece of the table where you can put in the boards, kind of lile you can see in the picture)
hope that helps!
I use an Ikea NORDEN gateleg table that’s kind of this idea but even more compact and more practical for the typical boardgame. Fully unfolded it gives a 60"x31.5" (152cm x 80cm) and it can be folded down to just 10" (25.5cm) wide for storage. As a bonus it has a bunch of drawers that are perfect for small box games (like Tiny Epic stuff) or accessories. I got it for about $200 a couple of years ago but it looks like Ikea has made some crazy price increases on wooden furniture over the summer so probably not the best time to buy.
What if you cut out a piece of the table, make it so that you could rotate it? or even just holes to put in drinks.
Are tools something you have access to? or how much modification are you willing to go through?
heres an example of what I meant
I used to do this. Depending on the game and size of the table it can be a good idea to have some additional side-table space available to offload some components to. Ideally it should be a similar height.
