The Complete Guide to Creating a Comfortable Gaming Space You’ll Never Want to Leave

Hello World!  Welcome Friends!  Did you know that nearly 70% of Americans play video games in one form or another? Older generations can relive the nostalgia of yesteryear with retro games from The Old School Game Vault, while newer generations seem content on downloading their games or paying a subscription-based fee for access to gaming. Gaming is a huge pastime for plenty of people and also comes with a surprising amount of benefits that many people are unaware of.

Did you ever hear the old adage from your parents that reading in dim light or sitting too close to the TV would ruin your eyes? Well, think again! Studies have shown that gaming can actually improve–not strain–your vision. This is due to a greater ability to discern different shades of grey. Players also showed marked improvement in “lazier” eyes after a 10-week stint of playing video games with a focus on using their weaker eye.

Gaming also has other interesting benefits, like slowing the aging process due to their “puzzle-like” effect on the brain, and they can also produce a natural analgesic effect for those suffering from chronic illness. This is because distraction plays a massive role in pain-relief, and gaming is a great way to get that distraction!

However, time and again, one of the most significant benefits that are seen from gaming is the forming of a community. There is often a stigma against gaming and a view that gamers are isolated from the rest of the world, but that actually isn’t true. The growing popularity of multiplayer gaming experiences has meant that many players actually form strong bonds of friendship with other gamers–often people they’ve never even met. Multiplayer games can help teach people to work together to solve problems and to connect with people vastly different from themselves. In short, gaming helps build community.

Community gives us a sense of belonging that we, as human beings, all need. It allows us to be around people who share the same attributes and passions as us and to feel connected on a deeper level.

The gaming community doesn’t just happen online, though. Plenty of gamers enjoy inviting friends over to compete side-by-side or to enjoy the multiplayer experience with friends on multiple consoles. They can discuss strategies, compare diablo 2 character builds, and trade items to improve their game.

Creating a Gaming Space

No matter how much or how little space you have to game in, creating a space to enjoy your gaming time comfortably is key. Not only does having a dedicated gaming space let you focus more and play better, but it’s also a way to make the space healthier and more ergonomic, give you a spot to play with your friends, and allows you to enjoy your hobby without taking the living room away from your family.  Take a look at the EZ Desk range of gaming desks. They have a wide selection of fixed and height-adjustable desks.

Here are some of our top tips for creating the perfect gaming space:

1. Consider How Much Room you Have

When you’re establishing a game room, size does matter. You don’t want a huge, cavernous space that will feel empty and echoing when you’re in it. You want a medium sized space that will allow you to have ample room for your gaming setup–whether that’s a desk or a TV and console–some extra space for hanging out, and room for your couch or chair.

2. Make a Theme

Your gaming room should feel fun and welcoming, which is why we recommend coming up with a theme for your room. To decorate your space, so it feels cohesive, lay out a decorating plan before you start setting up the room.

First, decide on what your theme will be based around. Whether this is classic Mario Kart, a specific game like Red Dead Redemption, or a broader theme like Xbox, having a theme in place first will allow you to decide on critical things like colors, layout, and decor.

3. Choose your Gaming Chair Wisely

You’re going to spend a reasonable amount of time in your gaming chair, which is why it’s vital to choose a gaming chair that doesn’t just look good but will be good for you as well. The first thing to look for is the chair’s ergonomic capacity. Comfort is going to be your number one priority when choosing a chair. Find something that supports your spine and make sure to adjust it to your body so that your feet are flat on the floor, your back is supported, and your forearms are at the right height.

You also want to make sure that whatever chair you’re purchasing fits your gaming system. Some styles of chairs are best suited for PC gaming, while others are better for console gaming.

4. Have Extra Seating

Having extra seating options for visiting guests or for when you want to relax with a drink is an excellent addition to your gaming room. Get a comfy couch or some huge bean bag chair to chill out during a gaming break. We like the bean bags since they’re more relaxed, take up less space, and are easier to shift around.

5. Have Different Types of Lighting

When you’re designing lighting for your gaming room, you’ll want three types: ambiance, task, and accent lighting. This will make your room the most versatile and welcoming.

For your ambient lighting (this is your overall lighting), we love Phillips Hue bulbs whose colors can be altered to match the tone or the room, what game you’re playing, or even match the lighting levels to the sun.

For your task lighting, you’ll want direct illumination that we recommend for the extra seating area and at your gaming desk (if you’re a PC gamer). This will let you read or perform detailed work. We like some of the more industrial desk lamps that are around now that add an interesting element to your space.

Finally, your accent lighting should be fun and unique. The affectionately nicknamed “Death Star Light” from IKEA or strip LED lighting are both great options for illuminating certain areas or highlighting posters or artwork.

6. Get a Mural

If you’re creative, now is the time to show off! Paint a mural on one of your walls showcasing your favorite game, cut scene, or character. Not the best with a paintbrush? You can have wallpaper custom made that will really highlight your room. Keep in mind your color palette when creating this and whether or not you want other artwork in the room so that it doesn’t clash or look odd.

7. Soundproofing

Whether you live in an apartment or a house, soundproofing your gaming room will prevent any potential issues with people who have to share your walls. When you’re immersed in a game, it can be hard to gauge just how loud it’s getting. The last thing you want is to feel you can’t use your gaming room anymore unless you annoy people. Even if you wear headphones, that doesn’t mean you’re not going to yell in victory or rage a couple of times a session. Avoid this by installing some attractive, noise-deadening panels and also making use of thick curtains or rugs to help absorb sound.

8. TV or Projector

Your gaming room doesn’t just have to be for gaming! Make it your hangout space too where you can get away after a long day. Install a flat-screen TV mounted to the wall or paint a wall white and install a projector so that you can watch movies or have your games played on the big screen.

If you don’t have a lot of wall space to work with, a projector may be a better option. Since the projector is ceiling-mounted, it doesn’t take up a lot of space, and the white wall can be used for other furniture when you’re not using the projector. You can get a decent projector for around $400.

9. Clever Cord Management

You’re going to have a lot of electrical cords running through your gaming room. Having piles of cables snaking around the floor or clustered under a desk is going to make your room look cluttered and unkempt (as well as being a tripping hazard). Instead, get smart with your cord management by keeping all the cords taped to the floor under the rug, or by attaching them to the wall in a circuit pattern for visual interest and convenience. If you want it to look even cooler, add some LED strip lighting along the cords to give the appearance of TRON-inspired circuitry.

10. Keep your Consoles Tidy

While some gamers are console-loyal and won’t even have another option in their gaming room, most of us switch between different consoles to play different games. When you walk in and have a hankering to play a different console, you don’t want to have to dig around in a bin or in the top of a closet to dig out a console and hook it up. Instead, use an industrial-inspired, open shelving system like the IKEA ENETRI shelving system to store your consoles and games all in one convenient, accessible spot.

Finally…

The main focus when it comes to your gaming room is to create a space that speaks to you. Look up ideas online and get inspired by other gamers. Set up a space that welcomes you and your friends and add whatever little luxury will make your day even better. Whether that’s a mini-fridge stocked with drinks and snacks, or posters of your favorite movies and games, make the space your own.

Click the links below for any posts you have missed:

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