How to Create a Gaming Space

First, pick a room or corner where you can set up your gaming station. For a typical game setup, a small to medium-sized room will be sufficient. However, if you have a larger space available, this might be preferred – it will depend largely on the size of your gaming system and how you typically play. In any case, make sure it's a place where you can spend long hours without interruptions.

Start by measuring your room and planning your layout. Where do you want to place your desk, shelving, seating and lighting?
Consider window locations, reflections and glare. Take a look at what will be visible in the background.
Make sure there’s enough space for you to move around. Measure power cords and plan to place your setup where it can easily reach an outlet. Take any power strips you might need into account. Be sure cords will not be placed in hazardous positions around the room.

Sketch out your plan or use a room planning app to visualize the setup.

Start laying the groundwork for your space design. Begin with major projects, like paint and paneling to set the tone for your space.

Paint: More muted shades are considered a good choice for gaming rooms – greys, blues – to promote a calming atmosphere and as a good contrast for bright LED lights. Take into account how much natural light the room normally gets. In a space where there is little natural light, bright colors promote better energy. Also, if time is not a factor, consider painting a decorative mural in your design.

Wall panels: Decorative wall panels are an aesthetic choice. They provide visual interest to your environment. However, some can also have functional purposes:

• Provides some sound dampening
• Some 3D designs have channels. Use these to hide cords and cables

There are a few things to consider as you build up the base of your game room:

• Test a few paint colors before you commit.
• Consider the room’s acoustics for optimal sound quality.
• Opt for some acoustical panels on the door if external sound is an issue. A rug can also help with sound management.
• Decorative wall panels can be used as a design element in one or two spots rather than over the whole wall.

Your desk is central to your gaming setup. It should be sturdy, spacious and functional. Look for a desk that fits your room size but also provides ample space for your monitor, keyboard, mouse and other peripherals.

Adjustable height desks are a great option, as they allow you to switch between sitting and standing positions. This is helpful to prevent stiffness during long gaming sessions. If you broadcast or film your gaming sessions, this also provides you a wider variety of filming positions.

Recommended Features:

• Enough surface area for dual monitors/camera setup, if needed.
• Adjustable height for ergonomic comfort.
• Built-in cable management to keep things tidy.

Position your monitor at eye level to prevent neck strain. Set up your keyboard, mouse and any other accessories. Ensure that cables are managed neatly using cable ties or organizers.

When it comes to seating, support is key. Opt for an ergonomic chair with good lumbar support. A chair that supports your back and encourages good posture can help prevent back pain.

Look for chairs with adjustable heights and armrests. Ensure the weight rating is adequate for your needs. Multi-position reclining features are great for marathon gaming sessions. Many brands offer chairs specifically designed for gamers.

If you have space, provide comfortable seating for guests. A small loveseat or cushioned futon, second game chair or cushioned large chair are all good options.

What to Look For:

• Adjustable height and armrests.
• Lumbar support for your lower back.
• Breathable material to keep you cool.
• Adequate weight rating.

Immersive audio can elevate your gaming experience to new levels. Whether you prefer a surround sound system or high-quality headphones, make sure your sound setup is top-notch. If you film or broadcast your games, test to be sure your sound equipment works well with the filming setup you use.

Options to Consider:

• Surround sound speakers for a cinematic experience.
• Noise-cancelling headphones for focus and immersion.
• A quality microphone if you’re into streaming or multiplayer games.

Keep your gaming area organized with effective storage solutions. Shelving units and storage options like drawers or cabinets can help keep your games, controllers and other accessories protected. Arrange your gaming equipment in an organized manner. Use labels if necessary to keep track of everything.

Adding floating shelves are a great way to display collectibles. Your figures and other items can become part of the wall decor without taking up floor space.

Storage Must-Haves:

• Floating shelves for displaying collectibles.
• Drawer units for storing games and gadgets.
• Cable organizers to keep wires from becoming a tangled mess.
• Pegboards are inexpensive ways to store and display in the same space.

Good lighting can transform your gaming experience. Mix colors and white lights to match your mood or game theme. Experiment with different lighting setups to find what enhances your gaming experience.

Smart lighting options can be controlled via an app or voice commands, allowing you to customize the colors and brightness to your liking. Consider products like smart bulbs or LED strips. These can be placed around your desk, behind your monitor, or on the ceiling to create an immersive lighting effect.

Lighting Ideas:

• RGB LED strips behind your monitor.
• Smart bulbs that change color based on your game’s action.
• Desk lamps with adjustable brightness.

Personalize your gaming space by adding unique touches. Decor makes the space feel like home.

Incorporate decor that reflects your personality and interests. Posters, wall art and figures of favorite game characters can make the space uniquely yours. Consider adding a few low-light plants to bring a bit of nature into your space and improve air quality.

Decoration Tips:

• Find wall art featuring your favorite games or characters.
• Gaming rugs can add some flair and are available in many styles.
• Low-maintenance plants provide a touch of nature and better air quality.

Long gaming sessions call for easy access to snacks and drinks. Incorporate a mini-fridge or snack drawer into your setup to keep everything you need within arm’s reach.

Snack Storage Ideas:

• A mini-fridge for drinks and perishable snacks.
• Snack trays or drawers for easy access.
• A coffee maker or electric kettle for late nights or early mornings.

Time to kick back and enjoy your new gaming space! Plug in your favorite controller, grab a snack and relax with your favorite video game. Invite some friends for a tournament, or livestream to viewers and let them see how your design and build work paid off.