Do you have a spare room at home that you’re unsure what to do with? Why not convert it into a dedicated room for a much-beloved pastime? Just as film enthusiasts might build home movie theaters and fitness buffs personal gyms, many avid gamers will leap at the chance to convert their extra space into a fully decked-out gaming room. Having a room designed exclusively for gaming will make it that much easier to disengage from the many stresses of your everyday life and dive headfirst into one of your favorite hobbies.
A gaming room is one of the best gifts a gaming enthusiast can give themselves for a number of reasons. Not only does it help cut out distractions and provide a more involved experience, but investing in high-quality game room furniture, lighting fixtures, and other essential hardware will also improve your setup’s ergonomics by leaps and bounds. And the comfier you are, the more playtime you’ll be able to enjoy without having to worry about pain, discomfort, or any long-term health risks.
If you’re primarily a console gamer, you’ll definitely want the following items in your gaming room:
Gaming TV
If you play games for hours on end on a screen that’s too small, slow, or low-quality, it’s unlikely that you’re going to enjoy the experience very much. A large, high-resolution TV is the centerpiece of any gaming room and an absolute must for a truly immersive gaming experience. Look for models with high refresh rates, low lag or latency, and multiple video inputs to accommodate your many gaming consoles. Purchasing a smart TV with WiFi and app store access is also a great move if you’d also like to use your TV for other things besides playing games, like streaming series or movies.
TV Stand or Entertainment Center
Of course, it’s a waste to simply park your fancy gaming TV on the bare floor or just any old table. A high-quality display solution will make your room look great, protect your TV, and ensure that it serves you well for as long as possible. Ideally, you’ll also want it to have sufficient storage compartments for your consoles, headsets, controllers, charging cables, and other gaming essentials.
Finding the right dimensions for your TV display can seem tricky, but it’s relatively simple if you know what to look for. Simply follow these three steps, and you’ll be able to choose the perfect entertainment center or TV stand in no time:
- Get your TV’s exact dimensions. You should choose an entertainment center that can hold it comfortably without any overhang at all.
- Determine where your TV stand will be placed inside your gaming room. This will probably depend on the room’s layout, the locations of electrical sockets and ethernet ports, the size and location of your sitting area, and some other factors. As a rule, you’ll want to keep your entertainment center away from any windows, as the natural light from outside will backlight the screen and make it difficult to see.
- Measure your sitting height, which is the distance from the floor to your eyes when you’re sitting on your couch or gaming chair. For the most comfortable viewing experience, align the lower half of the TV with your eyeline when seated.
Comfortable Seating
PC gamers typically play sitting at a desk with their keyboard and mouse close at hand and their monitor or monitors at eye level. Most console gaming setups, on the other hand, will typically let the player sit in a more relaxed position. This is because console players use small handheld controllers rather than keyboards and mice, which allow them more freedom of movement and thus more comfortable seating options.
Many console gamers will use a floor gaming chair placed in front of an elevated TV. Some features to look for in a good gaming chair include the following:
- Well-cushioned seats made of cold foam padding or a similar material
- Adjustable backrest and armrests for better support
- Appropriate size for your body type
- Comfortable, breathable material
Naturally, it makes sense to invest in more than just one quality gaming chair, especially if you’re fond of playing multiplayer games. Incorporate other seating options into your game room, like beanbags and comfy armchairs, so that your loved ones can enjoy the space right alongside you.
Lighting Controls
Low lighting is a must for a game room, as bright ambient light can create an unsightly glare when it hits your screens. Light fixtures with dimmable bulbs are a great way to achieve just the right level of brightness. Covering your windows with thick blackout curtains can also help keep out any natural light.
Speaker System
While most gamers prefer to game with headsets, a good speaker system is still a worthwhile investment for any game room. Quality speakers will only enhance your experience and boost your appreciation for the music and sound design of your favorite games. They’ll also allow any other people in the room with you to enjoy these immersive sounds.
If you and your loved ones are hardcore gamers, then a well-outfitted gaming room is likely to be one of the best additions you can make to your home. With a bit of work and a few smart investments, you’ll end up with a fun and comfortable space in which you can enjoy your hobby to the fullest.
