How to Design a Slick & Functional Game Room

If you have room for a game room, it’s easy to feel a sense of relief. After all, gaming has become one of the cornerstones of the modern entertainment industry. Almost everyone games today, even if it’s just a casual mobile title. The reality is that game rooms, with all the gaming hype, have become difficult to organize and design.

Much of this falls back to the wide range of hardware that gamers use. If you live with a console gamer, then expect an Xbox or a PlayStation setup. If they’re a PC gamer, then you’ll need to account for table space and peripherals like a mouse and keyboard. Then there are also VR headsets, handhelds like the Steam Deck, multi-functional handhelds like the Nintendo Switch, and even tablet games for mobile gamers.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Casino gaming, though categorized separately from traditional video games, is also hugely popular. Around the world, millions of players rely on virtual platforms to access their favorite games. If you have a roulette player in your life, for example, then they will also want to spin the virtual wheel in the game room. But they need access to a virtual platform to do so, whether on a tablet, PC, or even mobile device.

The same is true for simulation players, including racing fans and even piloting fans. Similar to casino gaming, popular simulation platforms like iRacing and Microsoft Flight Simulator require specialized downloads and, oftentimes, specialized equipment. With accessories like steering wheels and throttle quadrants, you need to invest time and care into creating a functional game room.

Don’t worry—there are a few tried-and-true tricks that you can use to craft an excellent and functional game room. Let’s start from the very top.

The Basics: A Good Layout

It’s tempting to create a multi-functional game room that doubles as an office or a guest room—but it’s best to resist. As outlined by the sheer number of gaming hardware above, you’ll need space. To get started off on the right foot, use as little furniture as possible in your game room. If you’ve got a VR setup involved, then make sure that there’s plenty of space in the center of the room.

Divide Between PCs & Other Games

PC gamers need a desk to do their thing—but if you don’t live with a PC gamer, then forego the desk entirely. You can instead focus on the other types of games that your roomies enjoy. For the most part, the attention will be on the main screen. But if you have handheld gamers and tablet gamers, then you’ll also need to create a functional nook where they can curl up with their favorite titles.

Go Wireless—Even the Screen

When it comes to playing console games and hybrid handhelds like the Nintendo Switch (which can hook up to a big screen), most gamers focus on large TVs, from new OLED releases to flatscreens. But if space is an issue, then we suggest entirely foregoing the big screen.

Today, it’s incredibly easy to find affordable projectors. Many are ready to support gaming hookups, and, best of all, they offer screen sizes that are way bigger than any OLED on the market.

Seating Matters

Above, we touched on the importance of seating. If you’ve been following closely, then your game room probably includes a small desk for PC gamers (or no desk at all), a projector for console gamers, and an area for tablet/handheld gamers. But you’ll need a couch and, if you plan on playing any board games, a coffee table. There are plenty of imaginative ways to design game rooms, but don’t forget that seating is really important. Make sure couches and chairs are ergonomic and focused on maintaining back and neck alignment.

Cubic Storage & Shelving

Lastly, make sure to take advantage of vertical space in order to maximize the free space you have access to. Not everyone can afford to go wireless in terms of chargers and controllers if you can’t, then consider using cubic containers and shelves to keep the clutter to a minimum.