How to Create the Ultimate Gaming Setup
Learn how to make a gaming room for PC or console gaming.
The gaming setup – the entertainment center at which video games are played – is the heart of any gaming room. Below, we go over how to make a gaming room to help you put together all the necessary gaming components (plus accessories) to create your optimal gaming setup, whether you're playing on a PC or a video game console. However, before you begin decorating, read more about the essentials for your gaming setup. If you just want to get to the decorating ideas, click the section in our Table of Contents and check out our gaming setup on TikTok for more inspo.
How to Create a PC Gaming Setup
How to Create a Console Gaming Setup
How to Decorate a Gaming Room
How to Create a PC Gaming Setup
(Shop this image: L-shaped gaming desks, LED strip lighting, red gaming chairs, and neon signs.)
At its core, a PC gaming setup, also called a battle station, consists of a gaming chair, a gaming desk, a keyboard and mouse, one or more monitors, and the PC itself. Once you have the basics in place, you can accessorize to elevate and personalize your gaming setup. Keep reading for a closer look at how to choose the best PC gaming components for your gaming setup.
1. Choose a PC Gaming Chair
Because you'll be spending a lot of time sitting in your gaming chair, it's important to choose a chair that is well-suited to your specifications and comfort needs. It can be tempting to opt for a less expensive desk chair for your gaming setup, but sacrificing comfort is never ideal – investing in a higher-cost, good-quality gaming chair is investing in the overall comfort and quality of your gaming setup.
Find the perfect gaming chair for you by reading our guide on How to Choose a Gaming Chair.
2. Pick a PC Gaming Desk
You can be a little less particular when choosing a gaming desk. Ultimately, what matters most when deciding on a desk size and shape are your space requirements and the size of your gaming chair.
You'll want to choose a desk with a broad, flat surface that can comfortably accommodate your monitors, keyboard, mouse, and other accessories. It is also helpful to choose a gaming desk with storage shelves or drawers beneath so you can store your games, controllers, and other accessories. Some even come with a shelf that can keep your PC off of the floor and properly ventilated or cup holders that help minimize the likelihood of disastrous spills.
If you have a lot of open space against one wall, you can go with a simple rectangular gaming desk. If you need to fit a gaming desk in a corner or if you need more surface area, choose an L-shaped gaming desk. Before you buy, ensure that the desk is tall enough for your legs to fit beneath it when you're sitting comfortably in your chair.
Tip!
If you want to read more about how to choose the perfect desk for your gaming setup, read our guide on How to Choose the Best Gaming Desk for Your Gaming Setup.
3. Set up Your PC Gaming Monitors
It is essential for your PC gaming setup to comfortably accommodate your monitor or monitors. Minimizing neck strain is crucial – just like choosing a gaming chair, comfort is key when configuring your gaming monitors. It's also important to make sure your gaming setup isn't haphazard – the last thing you'd want in the middle of a game is your monitor crashing down on you.
In order to avoid neck strain, elevate your monitors slightly above eye level. To do so, you can fix your monitors onto sturdy monitor mounts. These sit on your desk or attach firmly to your wall. If you'd like more freedom of monitor position, opt for a height-adjustable mount, an articulating mount, or a full-motion mount. If you'd like to set up more than one monitor, go with a multi-monitor mount.
4. Add Fun PC Gaming Accessories
Ensure that your keyboard stays put and your mouse has proper traction by placing a combination keyboard and mouse pad beneath them. If you're equipping your gaming setup with a set of speakers, mount them on desktop or floor speaker stands to improve sound quality and minimize desk clutter. Keep cables under control with cable management solutions.
If you're planning on spending hours at a time gaming, hydration and nutrition can be important considerations for you. Think about setting yourself up with a mini fridge that can hold cold water and snacks so you don't forget to take care of yourself during long gaming sessions.
(Shop this image: LED strip lighting, black entertainment centers, and movie & TV decorative objects.)
Whether you're playing on an Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch, your console gaming setup requires a few essentials. Make sure you're able to enjoy your games to their full potential by building a fully equipped console gaming setup that emphasizes comfort and function. Here's how to make a gaming room fit for console gaming.
1. Choose a Console Gaming Chair
While many PC gamers prefer playing close to eye level with their monitor or monitors, most console gaming setups include a floor gaming chair paired with an elevated TV. This promotes the more comfortable, relaxed gameplay made possible by smaller, handheld controllers.
Console gaming chairs are available in two styles: rocker and floor. Rocker chairs are sturdy, L-shaped chairs that rock freely from front to back and can be reclined at the gamer's convenience, while floor chairs mostly take the form of large, soft cushions or bean bag chairs. Because of their structure, rocker gaming chairs provide slightly more support than floor chairs, while floor chairs tend to be more comfortable.
Similar to choosing a PC gaming chair, it's important to keep in mind material, life stage, and size when choosing a console gaming chair.
2. Set up Your Console Gaming TV & Entertainment Center
Most console gaming setups include an entertainment center, TV stand, or TV mount that elevates the TV above eye level. Ideally, a TV stand or entertainment center will also include ample storage space for multiple consoles, controllers, chargers, headsets, and other accessories.
For a thorough look at how to choose a TV stand or entertainment center, check out our TV Stand Dimensions guide. If you'd like to mount your TV directly to your wall or ceiling, our How to Mount a TV guide will help you get your TV situated properly.
(Shop this image: LED strip lighting, movie & TV decorative objects, abstract area rugs, and white gaming chairs.)
Once you determine how to make your gaming room and gather the essentials, it's time for the finishing touches: video gaming decor! Keep reading to learn how to decorate your gaming setup.
Blackout Curtains: Minimize glare on your screens by installing blackout curtains over your windows.
LED Strip Lighting: No gaming setup is complete without futuristic, customizable LED strip lighting. Combat the darkness created by your blackout curtains by placing LED strip lighting along your ceiling or under the rim of your desk or shelving units. Some options even come with a remote that allows you to change the strip's color, brightness, and strobe effect.
Neon Lighting & Lighted Signs: Take your game room decor to the next level by highlighting it with a novelty neon sign.
Floating Shelves: Put your collectibles on display on floating shelves that will look cool and modern staggered at different places on your wall.
Graphic Prints & Posters: Personalize your gaming setup by plastering the walls with graphic prints and posters that represent you.
Artificial Succulents: Though your gaming room may not receive a lot of natural light, you can still decorate with artificial plants. Adorn your desk with trendy artificial succulents to freshen up the space without the need for a green thumb.
Tip!
Make your gaming room quieter for other members of your household by installing soundproof wall paneling.
