Make Your Gaming Complete With Desk, Chair, & Ambiance

As a “serious” gamer, and perhaps online game streamer, you’ve invested in a lot of equipment that can only be described as essential to your “gaming tasks.”

But why stop short? To make your gaming experiences truly complete, a well designed desk for gaming, gaming chair, and gaming room are as necessary as your PC, console, and controllers.

After all, it only makes sense to invest the time, effort, and money to make yourself as comfortable as possible when gaming, given how many hours a week (or day) and how many consecutive hours you spend doing it.

Choosing the Perfect Gaming Desk

Wondering if you should add a gaming desk to your setup? Maybe you’re just using a table right now or you’re not satisfied with your current desk. Or maybe your old desk served you well but it’s “seen its day.”

Why not make your next desk a true gaming desk? Here are some of the top desk features to look for that will make your play more comfortable:

• Just the right height – or better, adjustable height. Stretching to reach things on your desk while gaming is both an annoyance and a cause of back pain.
• Sufficient desktop space. If you have a multi-monitor setup, two PC towers, a keyboard, a mouse, desk lamps, and more on your desk, things can get crowded fast. You need plenty of desktop space (and a sturdy build) to hold it all!
• Plenty of storage space. Some gamers store their equipment and game cases elsewhere, but many like to store them in drawers and compartments built into their gaming desk.
• Good cable management. “Grommets,” plastic-lined strategically located holes, are extremely important for gamers. They let you run your numerous cords by the most direct path and without creating a constant tripping hazard.
• Good air movement. To reduce the risk of your equipment overheating, a good gaming desk should offer excellent air flow. This means backless cubby holes, ventilation under your PCs, and built in locations to ideally place multiple fans.

As to design and material, there are many good options for gamers. Wood is very durable, while glass is eminently “classy.” PVC and other artificial materials are often the most lightweight for easy portability.

A simple rectangular desk works well for many, but L desks are great space-savers in a corner and U shaped desks are perfect for complex setups – if you have the space for a big U in the middle of your gaming room.

Choosing a gaming desk is part preference and part common sense. But it does take some serious thought, comparison shopping, and reading of online reviews to find your optimal desk.

What to Look for in a Gaming Chair

Few factors affect your gaming comfort like your gaming chair will. In general, look for durable materials (this chair is going to take a lot of wear!), a lot of padding for optimal comfort, and a size, shape, and style that suits you well.

What types of gaming chairs are there? Here are your main options:

• Rocker style. This legless chair sits on the floor and is shaped like an L so it can easily rock when you decide it’s time to lean back or lean forward. Many rocker chairs come with stereo speakers and other electronics built right in.
• Pedestal chairs. These are just like rocker chairs except they stand on a short platform so you’re a bit higher off the ground and can swivel.
• PC gaming chair. This is like an ordinary office chair except you normally get extra padding, more durable material, better arm rests, and the ability to tile and swivel more freely.
• Racer chair. These chairs are designed specifically for racing games and may even come with steering wheel, pedals, and other race car features built in.

You also need to consider how your gaming chair will fit in with your gaming desk. You’ll probably want some kind of PC gaming chair for your desk, but be sure its dimensions, height, style, and range of motion are a good match for your gaming desk.

Two final thoughts on gaming chairs: you may need one PC gaming chair for your desk and another ground level gaming chair for your gaming console. But on the other hand, if you get a stand-up gaming desk, you don’t need any gaming chair at all! And while some dislike always standing to game, it can get you extra exercise and is an engaging way to play. Moreover, some gaming desks can “transform” between stand-up and sit-down modes.

Creating Game Room Ambiance

The first step to creating your ideal gaming room is simply choosing a room with adequate space for the desk, chair, storage cases and shelves, a couch against the wall, and anything else you want to include – without making it feel cramped.

The second key issue is having enough strategically placed outlets, extension cords, and cord management devices. Run cords behind furniture, under the carpet, or anywhere that hides them and avoids a tripping hazard.

A third consideration is soundproofing your gaming room via soundproof insulation, extra framing on ceiling and walls, thick carpeting, thick curtains and blinds, and wall-mounted acoustic paneling.

Once you’ve controlled the sound coming in and going out, so you don’t disturb others and are not disturbed yourself – now it’s time to optimize the sound system. Add in some high quality speakers, and consider using wireless speakers to avoid running “one more” cord!

Finally, add LED or fluorescent lights with eminently stylish fixtures. You’ll probably want a flat screen TV on one wall: don’t locate any lights on the opposite wall. Outfitting the room with dimmable, multi-colored lights allows you control and adjust the ambiance to fit the occasion or even to fit the particular game you’re playing at the time.

To be fully in your element when you do your gaming, a gaming desk, gaming chair, and a custom designed gaming room are essential. And you’ll likely find your game play improves when you’re in a more comfortable environment.

[Image via: Google Images]