10 Ideas For Setting Up an Ideal Gamer’s Room

updated Apr 14, 2020
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(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

An ideal room set up for gamers should balance comfort with an assortment of technologies to make playing a casual game or longer sessions equally satisfying. But most areas of the house set aside for gaming are usually cobbled together without actual planning. What if you could arrange a room optimally specifically for gaming right from the start? Here are 10 items we think every avid gamer’s room should have…

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

An Adjustable and Configurable TV Stand – EXPEDIT TV Stand + Uppleva Wall Bracket – IKEA
First and foremost, the video game console(s) and television need a central piece of furniture to keep everything organized, yet accessible. IKEA has many home entertainment consoles, but the budget minded gamer will appreciate what the popular EXPEDIT line offers. Not only is there a mount to raise a flat screen to an optimal viewing level, but the storage units are perfect for displaying consoles, game boxes, and other decorative items.

Cable Organizer – CableBox – Bluelounge
Cords are an unfortunate reality of modern technology, but in the last few years several organization solutions have appeared to helped those helplessly drown in cable clutter. One of our longtime favorites is the stylish Bluelounge CableBox, a clever answer to many who want to focus on the game rather than stray wires. If the CableBox is either too big / too small, Bluelounge has a wide range to fit any homeowners requirements, with IKEA’s FIXA cable management ideal for tying up any loose ends to bundle bunches together.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Gamer’s Wireless Router – Gaming Router AC1300 – D-Link
Online gamers have all faced a situation at one time or another when a lapse in their broadband connection results in lag, adversely affecting gameplay. D-Link recently released their ‘Gaming Router’ which features StreamBoost, an intelligent system that prioritizes which devices get more and consistent broadband. In short, this gamer optimized router can deliver the internet to the devices which you believe should get it over others in the household.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Multimedia Remote – Beacon – Belkin
There’s enough hardware to deal with in a home entertainment setup, so why not reduce remote clutter? The Belkin Beacon takes the form of a small black ornament that sits on the coffee table (or somewhere that’s within IR range of the TV) and works like an all-in-one remote for the TV, sound system, DVD / Blu-ray player, Apple TV, and more. The only way to communicate with it is through an iPad, iPhone, or Android app using Bluetooth.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Coffee Table with Drawers – Bosco Coffee Table – Wayfair
It’s difficult to imagine a living room or game room without a table, so the question is what’s the ideal table? The Bosco Coffee Table from Safavieh comes in three colors, has a pleasing classic design, and has two narrow drawers which are perfect for spare charging cables, audio/video cables, accessories or peripherals, game guides, and other such objects that are difficult to find homes for.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

DVD / CD Storage – DVD / CD Album – Case Logic
Unlike many hardcore gamers, I prefer to hide game boxes, and like to the downloadable versions of titles rather than a physical disc. As for all the discs I do have, I like to keep it in a space efficient and simple disc album. I believe it’s smart to do this even if you like to display your collection because the convenience of keeping all your games in one spot, easily browsable versus combing through disc cases and boxes.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Control Charge Station – PS3 / XBox 360 / Wii U / Wii – Nyko
Video game controllers no longer have to be attached to the system itself, however they do require consistent charging. A multi-unit solutions like the Nykos line of charge stations for the PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U and Wii can keep multiple controllers on standby and top up their batteries without the messy cables while also keeping them neatly stored away.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Sound Bar – HT-CT260 Sound Bar – Sony
It’s easy to see why sound bars are replacing larger home theater audio systems. They’re cheaper, require less cables, can fit into almost any size room, and easily adapt to a wide range of hardware like tablets and smartphones thanks to Bluetooth connectivity. When it comes to quality, price, (and style) Sony’s HT-CT260 is one of the best in its class and the model I recommend.

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Surge Protector – Essentials 500 – Monster Products
Power regulation is extremely important, especially when dealing with some of the most expensive hardware in your living room. The Monster Essentials 500 can protect against sudden power surges or outages that may damage your consoles or television by offering a wide range of surge protectors. The Essentials 500 automatically disconnects connected equipment during such an event. There are many other surge protector models of various prices and capacity worth considering listed here.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Light / Decoration – Triforce Lamp – Plasmatorium
Although not essential, this Legend of Zelda-inspired Triforce lamp offers a source of light, works as decoration, and us undoubtedly a conversation starter amongst gamers and non-gamers alike. The idea marathon run of Wind Waker or Pikmin 3 seems that much more inviting with idea of playing by the glow of the Triforce’s celestial light on a side table!