Setting up a Gaming Workspace

May 6, 2021

If you're into video games, you're not alone. The worldwide video game market is estimated to reach over $200 billion by 2023. In the United States alone, there were nearly 175 million digital gamers in 2020, and this figure is only expected to grow to over 182 million by 2024.

No matter the size of your space, you can take the steps necessary to set up a gaming workspace that makes playing your favorite games even better. In this article, you'll learn exactly how to set up your gaming space in a way that not only looks amazing but also gives it functionality.

Decide Where You Want a Dedicated Gaming Space

Before you can work on your gaming setup, try to figure out where you want to play video games. Depending on your living space, you'll have a few options:

  • Game room
  • Bedroom
  • Home office
  • Basement or climate-controlled garage
  • Living room

No matter which area you choose, try to make sure you're comfortable leaving your permanent setup there since moving a gaming station takes some effort - especially if you have several monitors.

Each space has its pros and cons to consider. For example, the living room is easily accessible but may only leave you a small space for gaming and can get noisy if other people are watching TV or hanging out. Meanwhile, a dedicated gaming room can allow you to focus on conquering the next boss but could be taking up the space you need for other purposes. Setting up your gaming workspace in your bedroom makes gaming convenient but the lights and noise may disturb other people's sleep if you share the space. You may have to climb down some stairs to get to your gaming workspace in the basement, but the lack of natural light can help you see your monitors better.

5 Tips to Make the Most of Your Gaming Space


The right gear can drastically improve your gaming experience. Here are some things you'll need to create an ergonomic yet aesthetically pleasing gaming room setup where you can comfortably enjoy your gaming sessions.

Get the Right Hardware

If you're a PC gamer, you've most likely experienced laggy gameplay due to subpar hardware. We've all been there. No gaming setup is complete without a high-quality gaming desktop. If you don't have that much space, though, consider investing in a PC tower, which sits upright. You can also customize the hardware, including adding more storage and processing power.

However, if you think you'll be moving around more often, a gaming laptop might be a wiser investment than a desktop. Several brands create amazing laptops perfect for PC gaming. They include:

If you have an existing gaming computer that isn't quite strong enough, you can also upgrade your graphics card instead of purchasing a new PC.

A powerful computer isn't complete without quality accessories, though. You should also look into getting a gaming keyboard. Here's what you can expect from getting a high-quality gaming keyboard:

  • Programmable keys for repeat actions in your favorite games
  • RGB keys to make your gaming space look amazing
  • More responsive keys if you select a mechanical keyboard

You may also want to invest in a gaming mouse, especially if you play games that require responsive movements like first-person shooters or multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBAs).

Invest in Quality Monitors

So, you've got a great PC - awesome. But without a quality gaming computer monitor, you won't be able to see what your gaming PC is truly capable of!

Depending on the types of games you play, a good monitor can make the difference between winning and ranking higher or constantly falling short of what you're actually capable of doing. That's because monitors with lower refresh rates won't give you enough time to react, especially if your opponents have monitors with higher refresh rates.

Of course, this matters most if you're playing fast-paced games. Otherwise, consider investing in a better resolution, like a 4K monitor. You can also purchase an ultrawide monitor, especially if you enjoy playing games with impressive landscapes or want to see more of your space in 2D games.

Make the Most of Your Audio

Half of the gameplay experience comes through amazing audio, especially when game developers put a ton of effort into the sound design of their games. It would be a shame to build a battlestation without great audio.

By adding surround sound speakers in your gaming space, you'll increase the immersive factor of the video gaming experience. If you live with other people and have a small setup in the living room or another public living area, you can also get a gaming headset with noise cancellation.

What if you can't contain your excitement when beating a level you've struggled with for a while, though? You definitely don't want to disturb those in your household - or people living nearby. If you expect to make a lot of noise while gaming, it might be a good idea to consider soundproofing the room. You can either install the soundproofing boards yourself or have a professional do it for you. Your family members and neighbors will be sure to thank you.

Prioritize Comfortable Furniture

If you intend on playing video games for long periods of time, you'll also want to invest in the right furniture.

First, try to find your perfect gaming desk. Your computer desk should fit your needs. For instance, if you're considering a multi-monitor setup, you should get a desk large enough for that. Your computer desk should be large enough if it will also be used for your home office.

Then, find a gaming chair that you won't mind spending a ton of time in. Try to find a chair that is adjustable for an ergonomic fit that won't leave you uncomfortable after longer video gaming sessions. Good lumbar support can go a long way in gaming.

Purchase Equipment That Will Keep Your Space Organized

Building the coolest entertainment center can mean accumulating a lot of stuff. You can benefit from purchasing equipment to help you stay neat and tidy.

If you have collectibles to display or several hard copies of your favorite video games, you can purchase shelving to install around your gaming area. Consider cable management too since all wires can easily get tangled together and cause issues. Additionally, if you have multiple gaming consoles, such as an Xbox and a PlayStation, you may want shelving or cubbies to store those.

Here's a good rule of thumb: Everything in your gaming setup should have its own space so that you can avoid building up clutter.

Design Ideas for Your Gaming Space


There are plenty of video game room ideas online, but don't forget to consider your personality in your room design so it suits your tastes. One element that will determine the look and feel of your space is the type of ambient lighting you choose. For example, you can use LED strips to complement the LED lighting generated from your equipment.

If you prefer a more minimalist style, forego the LED lights and opt for clean lighting. If you're looking for a more retro style, consider neon signs and collectibles like old consoles or joysticks. Even your favorite games can be placed on display to give your space some style.

Create the Gaming Room of Your Dreams

With the right equipment to organize your space and create the best gaming experience, you can become the gamer you've always dreamed of being. From hardware to storage solutions, there's so much on the market to help you customize your space so it's functional and it fits your style.

About the Author

Charlene Boutin is a freelance writer and game designer. When not writing, she can be found spending time with her son, gaming online with her friends, or playing on her Nintendo Switch.

All content provided herein is for educational purposes only. It is provided "as is," and neither the author nor Office Depot warrants the accuracy of the information provided, nor do they assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein.

[The contents of this article are for information purposes only. The information does not constitute a medical consultation and cannot replace medical advice. Any information should never be used as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other health care provider. There are many possible causes for physical discomfort. If you are experiencing persistent symptoms or symptoms that are severe enough to interfere with your job or personal activities, consider seeking medical assistance.]