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Creating Your Dream Gaming Room

A gaming room could provide the perfect space for getting in the zone. Just like an entertainment room or a workshop, it gives you an entire room to dedicate to your passion. This room could be anything from a spare bedroom to a converted shed.

How you set up your gaming room is completely up to you. Below are just a few ideas and practical tips you may want to consider.

Getting connected

Having enough power and enough internet connection (if you play online) are the two basic things to consider first.

If you’re converting a shed or loft into a gaming room, make sure that there are enough sockets. You don’t want to be using chains of extension cables as this could pose a fire hazard. Consider whether you need to hire an electrician to add extra outlets.

As for internet connection, consider whether you need a wi-fi extender or a new router. This could be particularly something to consider if your gaming room is in the loft or at the bottom of your garden in a separate outhouse.

Choosing a monitor/TV

The screen is an essential part of your gaming setup. This should be the first thing to consider when furnishing your gaming room.

If you’re a PC gamer, start by considering the monitor. Some of the best PC monitors have a 4k resolution and 4ms response time. This gaming monitor guide offers a great range of gaming monitors. The most expensive monitors are over £1000, however you can still pick up a decent 4k monitor for less than £400. Some people opt for multiple monitors for a wider view or so that they can view stats and other information while gaming (but this will cost you a lot more).

If you’re a console gamer, you’ll need to look into TVs. The best TVs have 4k resolution, an input lag of 10ms and a direct LED backlight. If you’re going to mount the TV on a wall, you’ll want to opt for something lighter. Prices for decent gaming TVs can vary anywhere between £800 and £2500. You can save money by shopping during the sales or looking into used TVs.

How big should you go?

Bigger isn’t always better. You should consider how far away you are to the screen. PC gamers generally don’t need anything bigger than 32 inches (27 inches is considered the optimal size). If you’ve got a small room and you’re no more than 6ft away from the TV, you similarly don’t want anything more than 32 inches, otherwise you won’t be able to take in the whole screen. 50 inch screens are better for if you’re positioned 10ft or more away, while 65+ inch screens shouldn’t be used for distances lower than 14ft.

Choosing a desk/TV stand

When gaming on a PC, the desk is important to consider. You need something that fits the room, that offers enough legroom and that can support your monitor and computer. A custom desk might be an option to consider for small and awkwardly shaped rooms, although these desks can be expensive to buy. There are mass produced designs out there for corner desks and small desks that could be worth looking into if you’re shopping for a desk for a small room on a tiny budget.

As for TV stands, you need to be able to support the TV at the right height. Space underneath for storing your console/s could also be important to consider. You can shop around for TV stands online.

Some people may prefer to mount their TV, in which case you may only need a storage unit for your console. Make sure that any TV brackets are strong enough to support the weight of the TV (as mentioned in the section about choosing a TV, lighter TVs can often be better suited to mounting).

Choosing a gaming chair

Your average gamer plays from an armchair or an office chair. If you take gaming more seriously, you may want to consider a gaming chair. These are built for optimum comfort - looking a bit like a cross between a racing seat and an office chair.

Gaming chairs can vary in price from £50 to £500. You can often grab discounts on these chairs by shopping in the sales or by looking for voucher codes at sites like NetVoucherCodes.co.uk. Always read reviews to get a good idea of the comfort level before buying as the price is not always the best indicator (some chairs are just built to look nice). Determine which style is right for you - some gamers may prefer something simple, while others may prefer something wacky.

Gaming with other people

For gaming with other people, it may be worth buying a second chair or a couch. You can even use bean bags for a ‘gaming den’ feel.

If you play with other people more than you play solo, you may not even see the point in having a solo gaming chair, in which case you may just want to stick with a couch.

Getting the sound right

Another part of your gaming setup to consider is the sound. If you’re deaf or you play on mute this may not matter. However, if you like to immerse yourself in the sounds of the game, talk with other players or play music while you game, then sound is likely to be an important aspect.

There are lots of different speaker options to look into. A few options include:

• Sound bar: This is a speaker that sits below your TV or monitor. It works by bouncing sound around the room. They’re cheaper than surround speakers, easier to set up and don’t take up as much space.
• Surround sound speakers: For a truly immersive sound experience, surround sound speakers are the way to go. Although they can be trickier to set up and more expensive than a sound bar, these speakers will produce the best sound. Wireless speakers tend to be the best option as you won’t have to trail cables around the room.
• Headphones/headset: Some people may be happy with a headset or headphones. When looking into headsets with microphones, looking into mic quality could be important too.

Getting the lighting right

Bright light sources can create screen glare. This is why most gamers play in the dark. Consider a dark paint scheme in the room and blackout curtains or blinds to minimize any glare.

Of course, playing in a pitch black room isn’t for everyone. Adding some ambient lighting could help to provide a warm glow that could make the room a little more relaxing without providing any screen glare. You could even consider neon lighting for giving the room a sci-fi gamer room feel (if you’re into that). You can explore ambient lighting options online at sites like YLighting.com.

Decorating your room

Decor is likely to be a matter of personal taste. You may want to consider a theme for the room or you could keep it pretty neutral.

If you’ve got lots of physical games, consider whether you need shelving or a storage unit within the room. Shelves could even be used simply for putting ornaments on so that the room doesn’t feel so empty.

A gaming room could be a place to show off your gaming memorabilia. This could include posters, themed ornaments or rare collectibles. You could consider adding shelves or cabinets for these.