Whether you’re a seasoned darts player or a weekend hobbyist wanting to bring friends together for friendly competition, turning part of your home into a proper darts arena is a great investment in fun. With the right setup, you can recreate a pub-like atmosphere in a compact space and without a huge budget.
Below is a practical guide to building a darts setup that looks great, plays reliably, and keeps everyone coming back for more.
Choose the Right Room or Space
You don’t need a spare games room or a massive garage to enjoy darts at home. A hallway, living room, or even a covered alfresco area will work if it meets a few basic requirements:
- Throwing distance: Allow at least 2.37 metres from the oche (throw line) to the board.
- Ceiling height: Ensure there’s enough headroom for comfortable standing and throwing.
- Wall clearance: Keep windows, breakables, doors, and heavy traffic out of the board’s line of fire.
Measure carefully and mark the space with painter’s tape to visualise your future arena before committing to permanent fixtures.
Invest in a Quality Dartboard
The dartboard is the heart of any great home setup. A high-performance, tournament-style bristle board provides better play, longevity, and fewer bounce-outs than cheaper plastic or cork alternatives.
A Winmau bristle dartboard is a popular choice among players for its durability and tournament-quality construction. Learn more about their boards here: Winmau.
Key features to look for:
- Thin wiring/halo system to reduce bounce-outs
- Clear, easy-to-read number ring
- Rotatable number ring to spread wear evenly
- Self-healing sisal (bristle) construction for long life
Avoid plastic or thin cork boards for serious play — they wear quickly and don’t offer the same consistent feel as a bristle board.
Get the Height and Distance Right
To make your space feel authentic, follow regulation measurements:
- Board height: Bullseye should be 1.73 m (173 cm) from the floor.
- Throwing distance: 2.37 m (237 cm) from the front of the board to the throw line (oche).
These standards are widely used in competitive play — see an overview of darts rules and measurements here: Darts (Wikipedia). Use a dedicated darts mat or a floor sticker to mark the oche. Laser oches are a neat, portable option for easy setup and precise marking.
Light It Like a Pro
Good lighting is essential. Poor or uneven lighting creates shadows and glare that can hurt accuracy and strain players’ eyes.
Lighting tips:
- Use a ring-style light or dedicated dartboard lamp mounted above the board to provide even illumination.
- Avoid placing bright lights directly behind the thrower, which can cast distracting shadows on the board.
- Choose soft white LEDs (around 3000–4000K) for clean visibility without harsh glare.
If you’re building a full arena-style room, ambient coloured LEDs or light strips can enhance the vibe and create that pub-like atmosphere.
Consider Surround Protection
Even excellent players miss sometimes. Protect your walls—and your home—with a few smart additions:
- Dartboard cabinets: Stylish and protective; many models include a scorekeeper or storage for darts.
- Foam surrounds: Fit around the board to absorb stray darts and reduce wall damage.
- Cork or felt backing boards: A DIY-friendly option that covers a larger area and provides a visual backdrop.
These options not only protect plaster and paint but can also add to the room’s aesthetic.
Add Scoring Tools and Extras
Small extras make the space more functional and fun:
- Chalkboard or dry-erase board for manual scoring
- Digital scorers or scoring apps for faster games and clearer tracking
- A shelf or small table nearby for drinks, darts accessories, and trophies
- A wall-mounted dart holder or cases to keep spare darts and flights organised
Personal touches—team banners, framed shirts, pub-style signs, or a trophy shelf—help make the space feel like a dedicated venue and encourage social play.
My Opinion
I set up a home darts area during lockdown expecting a short-lived hobby. It quickly became the most-used spot in the house. I started with a basic board, then upgraded to a bristle Winmau and noticed an immediate improvement in play and durability. With proper lighting, a surround, and 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 joined in. Darts is great at bringing people together without needing to be overly competitive. If you’re even considering it, go for it—you’ll get your money’s worth in laughs and memorable nights.
FAQs
What is the best dartboard for home use?
A bristle (sisal) dartboard from a reputable manufacturer like Winmau is an excellent home choice due to its durability, professional feel, and reduced bounce-outs. It suits both casual players and those aiming for competitive practice.
How much space do I need for a home darts setup?
At minimum you need 2.37 m from the throw line to the board, plus space behind the thrower for comfortable movement. A footprint of roughly 3 m × 1.5 m (including room for players and a small seating area) works well for most homes.
Do I need a special floor mat for darts?
Not strictly, but a darts mat is highly recommended. Mats mark the oche, protect flooring from dropped darts, and give a professional look. They’re inexpensive and make setup consistent each time you play.
