Remember the days of gamers toiling away in dark and dingy rooms, making do with furniture that doesn’t quite meet the task and relying on those red and black colour schemes to make a space their own? Well, those days are well gone.
In just a few years the gaming set up has entered a new era, one of sophistication, design and functionality. Gamers are spending more time and energy on their gaming set ups and can you blame them? There’s a lot at stake.
Get your gaming set up right, and you’ll create the perfect space where you can immerse yourself. A space that’s designed to be functional and beautiful, where you can feel comfortable enough to lose yourself in the alternate realities that games build.
Get your gaming set up wrong and it can sap the fun from of your experience, making the space feel like a temporary home for your console or PC. It’s a mistake you’ll eventually have to spend more time, energy and money resolving.
So how can you create the ultimate gaming set up? We’ll take you through the steps to create the ultimate console or gaming PC set up, give you some gaming set up ideas and show you exactly how you can create the ideal space.
Step one: choosing your gaming set up unit
While gamers have a whole lot in common there’s one big rivalry that cuts the community straight done the middle: PC or console?
Okay so it might not be the rivalry of the century but depending on your choice of gaming equipment, you’ll need to tailor your set up to meet your needs. For example …
If you’re building a PC gaming set up
If you’re a table-top PC gamer then you’re be used to using a desk. Often cramped, rarely glamourous and usually housing other papers or miscellaneous items that don’t add anything to your gaming set up, these traditional desks just don’t cut it.
Thankfully, due to the home-working revolution, home office furniture has made huge leaps forward. You now have a wide array of desks available, ones that will happily play host to your powerful PC. From an understated low-profile desk that has ample space for your PC and audio set up to a larger statement piece with even more storage, the choice really is yours.
If you’re creating a console gaming set up
From hunching over a small TV screen trying to button bash your way to the next level to travelling through sweeping landscapes in search of your next mission, the console has become dependent on the high-definition TV and so the TV unit has become the choice gaming set up for console lovers. So how can you choose the right unit for you?
First, decide if you’re wall mounting your TV or if it’s freestanding. This will dictate the size and construction of your unit. If you’re wall mounting your TV then you may want a unit that surrounds your screen, building a natural frame. If you’re gaming on a free-standing TV – or if you have less space – you may prefer a simple unit with a lower profile.
Then, think about how you want to house your console and any accessories and games you may have. Do you want it all tucked away in some sleek storage or do you want it to take pride of place?
Top tips for choosing your console or computer set up unit
PC gamers may need a different desk or unit to that of a console gamer but there are a few principles that will always be the same. Here are our universal top tips for choosing your gaming desk or unit:
- Measure twice, buy once: measure the space accurately and decide if you want your desk or shelving unit to fill the space or if you want to leave some room
- You can never have enough storage: always choose more storage than you think you need because you’ll inevitably need it.
- Don’t be afraid to display: whether it’s a bust of your favourite character or a vintage console, make the style specific to you by putting those prized possessions on display.
- Keep it fresh: try keeping your set up fresh by moving things round every so often – it’s why we recommend modular units that allow you to add and takeaway elements.
Step two: Choose the perfect seating for your gaming set up
If you work in an office, or at a desk in your home office, then you know how important seating is and for your gaming it’s no different. Choosing the right chair can be the difference between a sore back or a blissful gaming experience.
Whether you’re building a gaming PC set up or you’re a dedicated console fanatic, there are a few gold star tips you’ll need when choosing a chair for your next gaming set up:
- Make sure it’s fit for purpose: if you’re a PC gamer then you’ll probably want a desk chair, if you’re a console gamer you may just need a sofa, make sure you know the purpose before you go looking for the perfect perch.
- Choose comfort: if you’re going to using the chair for a few hours at a time, make sure you’re comfortable and have enough support for your back.
- Don’t forget aesthetic: you want your seat to reflect the rest of your gaming set up.
- Don’t be afraid to pay: your comfort and posture is a priority and so you shouldn’t be afraid to pay a little more to make sure you get it right.
Step three: Putting the finishing touches to your gaming set up
Now you have your chair and your shelving or desk unit, you’re almost there. But there are a few other things you’ll want to consider before you put the headset on and get back into the zone.
- Lighting: make sure your room is well lit but atmospheric. Solutions like strip lighting can be easily attached to your units or shelves and create a perfect ambience.
- Curtains: to keep the glare of the sunlight off your screen and your attention firmly on the game, try blackout curtains or blinds.
- Artworks: feature your favourite characters or embrace the gaming tradition with some neon signage.
- Plants: plants are a great way to create atmosphere and bring a calming energy to those stressful missions.
- Make it yours: whatever you choose to add to your gaming set up remember, it’s your space so make it that way.
Ready player one?
When it comes to building your perfect gaming set up there’s a lot of decisions to be made, but hopefully you can now see that it doesn’t have to be stressful. By following a few simple steps, your console or computer set up can be both stylish and functional
If you need your help designing your gaming set up, finding your perfect desk or harnessing the power of modular furniture, just get in touch.
