Making an ideal games room is highly dependent on what type of gaming you are into. Maybe you like all of them at different times, and so need space for that, but often people have their own niches. People who like video games, for example, while likely focus on comfy chairs and sweet electronics set-ups. People who like board games and RPGs, on the other hand, would probably appreciate space for a table, and room for more people. What someone uses a room for is important when it comes to designing it.
Size
The size of your room is the important thing. Unless you can turn your house into a smart home which lets you somehow change the shape of the rooms, you need to have a decent sized room. Make sure that the room can accommodate everything, whether that is a crowd of people every week, or just you. If it just going to be you, you can afford to have quite a small room. Make sure that the room has easy access to electricity and internet. It wouldn’t be much of a gaming room if it didn’t have that.
Screens
Screens can be for computers, for consoles, or just for watching movies. It doesn’t matter – what matters is that the screen suits the room. Make sure the screens are in the best position for use, and easily accessed. Some people might use TV lifts of some kind to hide the TV when not in use. Electric actuators from Actuator Zone are a good way of increasing space in your gaming room. This is particularly useful if you game in multiple ways.
Sound
Whether for gaming or for movies – or if you want sound effects for your RPGs, sound needs to be on-point. Sound can be optimized in various ways, by using speakers, or some other method. Speakers can be placed around the room for the authentic cinema sound. They can be put around the screen to keep things neat. It all depends on what you want, and how things work out for you. Having sound where you want it is an integral part of the process.
Additionally, if you are using the sound a lot, soundproofing might be the way to go. It is not always necessary, particularly if you live in a detached house. But if you don’t, or if you do but have neighbors close by, then you might think about it as a matter of courtesy. Soundproofing can cover a multitude of evils when it comes to gaming.
Cables
Many gamers have a lot of cables, from screens, speakers, keyboards, you name it. The ideal gaming room will, therefore, have a way of dealing with all the cables, and keeping them straight. Having some form of organizer to keep cables together and away from feet and wheels is a good thing. A cable organizer also keeps things neat, which means that you can enjoy your room more.
Storage
Storage space is very important. Where are you going to put all your games\CDs\DVDs and more? Is it going to be traditional storage, or something a bit different? There are a number of ways to store things – it all depends on your budget and your preferred methods. Storage can be anything from CD towers, to under the couch in boxes. What matters is that it suits you.
Table
Your table will be more or less important depending on your gaming, but having one is good. It can be a small one to hold your snacks or a large one to accommodate board games or larger groups of players. The important thing is that it suits you.
Also, remember that tables can be more than just the basics. They can extensions, they can have storage space, they can have built-in chairs…There are as many types of table as there are types of gamer. There is also a specific type of table known as a gaming table, which more hard-core gamers might consider.
Lights
Lights are very important. You don’t want to strain your eyes when gaming, or watching movies. But you also want ambiance. Trying to find a happy medium can be difficult. Try and get some lights which can be put on for gaming, and off for movie watching – a dimmer switch might be appropriate. Lights can also be used to create focal points, which can lead into decoration. If you have something which is particularly special, then it makes sense to use light to highlight it.
Personalisation
No gamers room is complete without décor. This décor is highly dependent on your own personal tastes, and so you should consult no one but yourself. Lightsabers, movie posters, gaming tokens – everything goes, so long as there is space for it. Do you want space for your collectibles? Fine, have it. Do you want your lightsabers to light the path to the computer? Do that. The room is for your own entertainment – decorate it however you want.
So what do you think? What is your gamers room like? Share with us in the comments below!