Decide Where You Want a Dedicated Gaming Space
Before you can work on your gaming setup, figure out where you want to play video games. Depending on your living space, you’ll have a few options:
- Game room
- Bedroom
- Home office
- Basement or climate-controlled garage
- Living room
No matter which area you choose, make sure you’re comfortable leaving your permanent setup there since moving a gaming station takes some effort — especially if you have several monitors.
Each space has its pros and cons. For example, the living room is easily accessible but may only leave you a small space for gaming and can get noisy if other people are watching TV or hanging out.
Meanwhile, a dedicated gaming room can allow you to focus on conquering the next boss but could take up the space you need for other purposes. Setting up your gaming workspace in your bedroom makes gaming convenient, but the lights and noise may disturb other people’s sleep if you share the space. You may have to climb down some stairs to get to your gaming workspace in the basement, but the lack of natural light can help you see your monitors better.
5 Tips To Make the Most of Your Gaming Space
The right gear can drastically improve your gaming experience. Here are some things you’ll need to create an ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing gaming room setup where you can comfortably enjoy your gaming sessions.
1. Get the Right Hardware
If you’re a PC gamer, you’ve likely experienced laggy gameplay due to subpar hardware. We’ve all been there. No gaming setup is complete without a high-quality gaming desktop. But if you don’t have that much space, consider investing in an upright computer tower. You can also customize the hardware, including adding more storage and processing power.
However, if you think you’ll be moving around more often, a gaming laptop might be a wiser investment than a desktop. Several brands create amazing laptops perfect for PC gaming. They include:
If you have a gaming computer that isn’t quite strong enough, you could upgrade your graphics card instead of purchasing a new PC.
A powerful computer isn’t complete without quality accessories, though. Consider getting a gaming keyboard. Here’s what you can expect from a high-quality gaming keyboard:
- Programmable keys for repeat actions in your favorite games
- RGB keys to make your gaming space look amazing
- More responsive keys if you select a mechanical keyboard
You may also want to invest in a gaming mouse, especially if you play games that require responsive movements, such as first-person shooters or multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBAs).
2. Invest in Quality Monitors
So, you’ve got a great PC — awesome. But without a quality gaming computer monitor, you won’t be able to see what your gaming PC is truly capable of!
Depending on the types of games you play, a good monitor can make the difference between winning and ranking higher or constantly falling short of what you’re actually capable of doing. That’s because monitors with lower refresh rates won’t give you enough time to react, especially if your opponents have monitors with higher refresh rates.
Of course, this matters most if you’re playing fast-paced games. Otherwise, consider investing in a better resolution, like a 4K monitor. You can also purchase an ultrawide monitor, especially if you enjoy playing games with impressive landscapes or want to see more of your space in 2D games.
3. Make the Most of Your Audio
Amazing audio is half of the gameplay experience, especially when game developers put a lot of effort into the sound design of their games. It would be a shame to build a battle station without great audio.
By adding surround-sound speakers to your gaming space, you’ll increase the immersive factor of the video gaming experience. If you live with other people and have a small setup in the living room or another public living area, you can also get a gaming headset with noise cancellation.
What if you can’t contain your excitement when beating a level you’ve struggled with for a while? You definitely don’t want to disturb those in your household — or your neighbors. If you expect to make a lot of noise while gaming, it might be a good idea to consider soundproofing the room. You can install the soundproofing boards yourself or have a professional do it. Your family members and neighbors will thank you.
4. Prioritize Comfortable Gaming Furniture
If you intend to play video games for long periods, you’ll also want to invest in the right furniture.
First, try to find your perfect gaming desk. Your computer desk should fit your needs. For instance, if you’re considering a multi-monitor setup or will also be using the desk for home office work, you should get a desk that’s large enough for these activities.
Then, find a gaming chair that you won’t mind spending a ton of time in. Try to find a chair that is adjustable for an ergonomic fit that won’t leave you uncomfortable after longer video gaming sessions. Good lumbar support can go a long way in gaming.
5. Keep Your Gaming Space Organized
Building the coolest entertainment center can mean accumulating a lot of stuff. You can benefit from purchasing equipment to help things stay neat.
If you have collectibles to display or several hard copies of your favorite video games, you can purchase shelving to install around your gaming area. Consider cable management, too, since wires can easily get tangled together and cause issues. Additionally, if you have multiple gaming consoles, such as an Xbox and a PlayStation, you may want shelving or cubbies to store those.
Here’s a good rule of thumb: Everything in your gaming setup should have its own space so that you can avoid building up clutter.
Design Ideas for Your Gaming Space
There are plenty of video game room ideas online, but don’t forget to consider your personality in your room design so it suits your tastes. One element that will determine the look and feel of your space is the type of ambient lighting you choose. For example, you can use LED strips to complement the LED lighting generated from your equipment.
If you prefer a more minimalist style, forego the LED lights and opt for task lighting. If you’re looking for a more retro style, consider neon signs and collectibles like old consoles or joysticks. Even your favorite games can be placed on display to give your space some style.
Create the Gaming Room of Your Dreams
With the right equipment to organize your space and create the best gaming experience, you can become the gamer you’ve always dreamed of being. From hardware to storage solutions, there’s so much on the market to help you customize your space so it’s functional and it fits your style.
About the Author:
Charlene Boutin is a freelance writer and game designer. When not writing, she can be found spending time with her son, gaming online with her friends, or playing on her Nintendo Switch.
All content provided herein is for educational purposes only. It is provided “as is,” and neither the author nor Office Depot warrants the accuracy of the information provided, nor do they assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein.
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