Whether you’re a seasoned darts player or a weekend hobbyist looking to bring mates together for friendly competition, transforming your home into a proper darts arena is a brilliant investment in fun and entertainment. With the right setup, anyone can recreate that pub-like atmosphere in their own space—without needing much room or a huge budget.
Let’s explore how you can build a top-tier darts setup that looks great, plays even better, and keeps everyone coming back for more.
Choose the Right Room or Space
You don’t need a spare games room or massive garage to enjoy darts at home. A hallway, living room, or even undercover alfresco area can do the trick as long as it meets key requirements:
- Throwing distance: You need at least 2.37 metres from oche (throw line) to board.
- Ceiling height: Ensure there’s enough headroom for standing comfortably.
- Wall clearance: Make sure no windows, breakables, or doors are in the dartboard’s line of fire.
Measure carefully and mark the space with painter’s tape to visualise your future arena.
Invest in a Quality Dartboard
The heart of any great home darts setup is the dartboard—and going with a high-performance, pro-style board makes a noticeable difference.
A Winmau dartboard is the gold standard. Known for their durability and tournament-quality design, Winmau boards are made from self-healing sisal fibres, which maintain their shape even with heavy use.
Features to look for:
- Thin wiring to reduce bounce-outs
- Easy-to-read number rings
- Rotatable outer ring to spread wear evenly
- Bristle construction for long life
Avoid plastic or cork boards for serious play—they wear out quickly and don’t give the same feel.
Get the Height and Distance Right
For your home darts setup to feel authentic, it must be regulation:
- Board height: 1.73m from the floor to the bullseye
- Throwing distance: 2.37m from the front of the board to the throw line
Use a proper oche (darts mat) or a simple floor sticker to mark the line. Laser oches are also an excellent touch for tech-savvy players.
Light It Like a Pro
Good lighting is crucial, especially when playing in the evening or indoors. Shadows can disrupt accuracy and strain your eyes.
Lighting tips:
- Use a ring light mounted around the dartboard
- Avoid overhead lights directly behind the thrower
- Soft white LEDs provide clean visibility without harsh glare
If you’re building a full arena-style room, adding ambient coloured lights or LED strips can take the vibe to the next level.
Consider Surround Protection
Even the best players miss sometimes. Protect your walls (and relationships) with some clever additions:
- Dartboard cabinets: Add style and shield your walls
- Foam surrounds: These fit around the board and absorb stray darts
- Cork or felt backing boards: Great DIY option for larger protection areas
These not only save your plaster but can also enhance the aesthetic of your space.
Add Scoring Tools and Extras
To elevate your home arena experience:
- Use a chalkboard or dry erase board for scoring
- Digital scorers are great for fast-paced games
- Mount a shelf nearby for drinks, darts accessories, or trophies
- Include a dart holder or case to keep gear organised
Adding your own unique touches—team banners, framed dart shirts, or pub signs—can also make your space feel like a legit venue.
My Opinion
I set up my home darts area during lockdown, thinking it’d be a temporary hobby—but it’s now the most used space in the house. I started small with a basic board but quickly upgraded to a Winmau and noticed a huge difference in quality. With proper lighting, a dart surround, and even a scoreboard app on my tablet, it now feels like a mini pub league arena.
What surprised me most was how often friends and family got involved. Darts has this brilliant ability to bring people together without needing to be overly competitive. If you’re even thinking about it, I say go for it. You’ll get your money’s worth in laughs alone.
FAQs
What is the best dartboard for home use?
A Winmau bristle dartboard is ideal due to its durability, professional feel, and reduced bounce-outs. It’s perfect for both casual and competitive play.
How much space do I need for a home darts setup?
You’ll need at least 2.37m from the throw line to the board, plus room behind for standing and movement. A space roughly 3m x 1.5m works well.
Do I need a special floor mat for darts?
Not necessarily, but darts mats with built-in oches help mark the correct distance and protect flooring. They also add a pro look to your setup.
