If there’s one thing every self-respecting gamer needs, it’s the perfect room in which to enjoy their hobby. Of course, a true gamer can enjoy games no matter what the conditions might be, but there’s nothing quite like what many have called a “man cave” for gaming well into the night. It’s one thing to imagine such a room, though, and quite another to actually put it together. The perfect gaming room will look different from person to person, but there are a few universal things you’re going to need. Here’s how to build the perfect gaming room!
Make sure you can fund it
A gaming room doesn’t come cheap. Although you can make some savings here and there to lower your overall costs – and it certainly doesn’t have to cost you the earth – you’re still going to have to fork over some cash. Taking out personal loans can be a great way to cover these one-time costs assuming you’ve got the money to pay the loans back, but this may also be something you need to save up for or something you can use your existing savings to fund.
Plan it out first
Whatever your perfect gaming room looks like, it’s definitely a good idea to create a plan for it so you’re not flying blind. Sit down with some graph paper and sketch out exactly what you want the room to look like. If you’re not particularly spatially inclined, try recruiting a friend or family member to give you a hand with this step. When you’re done, you should have an idea of the room’s dimensions and what it’s going to contain. Make sure to leave room for changes!
Start looking for furniture
Depending on your gaming habits, you’re going to need furniture to match. If you mainly game on consoles, then buying or assembling shelving to accommodate all of your consoles, your TV, and any audio equipment you might have is an absolute must. If you’re mainly a PC gamer, then it stands to reason that your desk will be the centrepiece of your gaming ensemble. Whatever is going to house your main gaming machine, make sure it’s exactly what you want before you finalise a purchase.
Write your furniture into your plan
While you’re shopping for furniture, make sure you’re writing it into the plan you’re creating. This is why you need to ensure the plan is malleable; it’s going to change based on furniture decisions you’re making, so take careful note of the dimensions of everything you’re buying and make sure it’ll fit into the space. There’s nothing worse than buying the perfect gaming desk, only for it to arrive and for you to realise that there’s no room for it in your gaming haven.
Get good seating
You’re probably going to be spending a lot of time in your gaming room, so a good chair is essential. This goes double if you’re a PC gamer; posture can be a serious problem for extended PC gaming sessions, which is why a high-quality chair is of paramount importance. We’re big fans of the chairs from Secret Lab, but there are plenty of other gaming chair companies out there. Buying a great sofa is also essential if you’re going to play games on consoles. Make sure it’s at an appropriate distance from your TV!
Don’t neglect lighting
Eye strain is easily one of the most common ailments suffered by gamers. The reason for this should be fairly obvious; if you’re staring at a screen all day, your eyes are going to be working overtime to process what they’re seeing. That’s why good lighting is important in your gaming room. It should offset the light being emitted by your TV or your monitors. If you can ensure a healthy supply of natural light, that’s even better, so try to make sure you’ve got windows in your gaming room.
Incorporate some LEDs
What is a gaming room without LEDs, we ask you? No gaming room at all, say we, and that’s why it’s a good idea to get some LEDs in your life. If you’re a PC gamer, you’ve probably already got equipment that’s drowning in RGB lighting, so why not buy some wall pieces or ceiling lighting that complements your PC, keyboard, and mouse? There are plenty of decorative LED solutions out there, so spend some time shopping for the one that works best for you!
Decorate well
No gaming space should ever be barren and free of character. This is your gaming room, so decorate it with all the things you love about gaming. Buy some prints of your favourite characters or games and hang them on the walls. Display some prominent gaming ornaments to show off the kind of games you love to play. By decorating your space, you’ll make it feel more personal, and it won’t just be a place you go to play games; it’ll be your own dedicated hangout spot as well.
Make room for more than just you
Gaming is, by its nature, a communal hobby. While it can, of course, be enjoyed perfectly well on your own, there’s something magical about recruiting a friend, family member, or loved one to enjoy gaming by your side, and that’s why your gaming room needs to have “room” (ahem) for more than just one person. Make sure to buy extra seating in case other people come round to enjoy gaming with you. Why not buy a few beanbag chairs? They’re easy to store and comfortable!