There comes a time in every serious gamer’s life when they need a space in their home that’s completely dedicated to the noble pursuit. A spare bedroom, loft or basement conversion is ideal: here are a few tips on how to kit it out.
Décor
When painting the walls, go dark. Not too dark – all-black could be a touch oppressive. Think navy blue or purple, and consider adding extra detailing using glow-in-the-dark paint, if that’s your thing. Remember to think about the ceiling and floor as well: swirling, psychedelic carpets or rugs are a nice touch. You’ll want shelves for your cartridges and gaming magazines, but remember to keep space clear if you’re thinking of using a projector or a wall-mounted TV.
Lighting
Your lighting needs to be adjustable. When playing, you’ll want dim, ambient lighting, but you want to be able to make it nice and bright for when you need to make any technical adjustments. An ultraviolet LED tube is a cool idea but make sure to have some normal bulbs as well, as constant ultraviolet light can damage your eyesight. An alternative is lighting that can change colour and brightness according to your moods.
The most important thing is to be able to shut out all-natural light along with the outside world. Blackout curtains or sturdy shutters are perfect, and allow you to get daylight when required. These will create an immersive environment that’s dominated by the action on your screens.
Kitting it out
Now that your room is ready, you’ll need to clear out everything that was once in there so that you can move in your gaming gear. If there are items that you don’t want to get rid off, consider moving them to a storage unit. You can also keep your gaming equipment there until the room is ready. If you live in London, or anywhere else in the UK, it’s easy to search for storage units near me.
You’ll want your gaming station of choice set up on a specialist desk or custom-made set-up, with a minimum of 2-3 monitors. Don’t forget decent speakers and a headphone set as well.
Gaming Chair
In the kingdom of the gaming room, your chair is your throne, so it’s worth spending some time and money getting the right one. Go for a specialist gaming chair that’s ergonomically designed to support your back and give you flexibility of movement. It should fit your body and be 100% comfortable: after all, you’re going to be spending a lot of time in it.
Look for a high backrest, a neck cushion, extra padding and adjustable armrests. A racer design is stylish and practical. Add a beanbag to the room as well, for when you want to get low-down with a console or a mobile device, and at least one spare chair for when you want to play against friends.
Final Touches
Decorate with gaming posters and merchandise, and don’t forget a coffee table for drinks and snacks where they won’t get spilt on your keyboard. Congratulations – your gaming room is ready to go! Now close the door behind you, and get ready to play.
