From video games to VR, to board games, an expert guide to creating a home gaming set-up that offers something for everyone

Remember, when it comes to a gaming room, size isn't necessarily everything. You don’t need a huge space to fit in everything you need.

A really simple way to maximise space is to swap a screen for a projector like the Xgimi Horizon Home Projector.

“Projectors these days are compact, versatile and easy to use,” Alisa says.

“It’s a great option to have up your sleeve if you want a big-screen gaming experience, but don’t have enough space to introduce an entertainment cabinet and physical screen in your dedicated nook.”

Another great way get lost in your gaming space and explore other worlds is to get your hands on a VR set. An immersive headset like the Oculus Quest 2 - Advanced All-in-One Virtual Reality Headset makes you feel like you’re part of the game, with a screen and viewing mechanism you wear, rather than needing to store and setup like a screen. With a VR headset and controls, all you need is a small space that allows you to move your arms and the handheld controllers as you physically engage with game experiences and new virtual worlds.

“VR is the next big thing for family games night,” says Lysandra. “The coolest thing about VR is that you can completely transport yourself into another world – without having to leave your four walls!”

Photo by Amazon Australia

Neon or LED lighting is a great way to transform any corner of your home into a gamers’ haven, and can help you achieve either a retro or futuristic gaming aesthetic.

“A neon sign gives the space a fun, cool vibe instantly,” says Alisa. “Whether it’s for a weekly games night, or you’re creating a space for your gamers in the house to chill out with their console, this simple feature sets the tone that gaming time is “now open!” from the get-go.”

“The LED Game Neon Gamepad uses low voltage LED tubes, making it a safe and energy-saving option for neon styling,” Lysandra explains.

Soft, contrasting lights in a gaming space create an experience that’s more comfortable for intense play-sessions, but also kinder on your eyes in the long term. Using lights like the Philips Hue White and Colour Smart Bulb Starter Kit, for example, allow you to play with 16 million colours and sync your lights with music, movies or games for a completely immersive experience.

“Contrasting lights with screens create more warmth and softness in a gaming space, rather than a focus glare of a TV screen against a dark room,” advises Lysandra.

For those keen to mix-up the screen time with some old-school fun, stock up on a few board games too. You can have fun with creative card games such as Throw Throw Burrito by Exploding Kittens; test your brain prowess with Articulate; or stick to the classics with a few rounds of Jenga.

“No gaming nook is complete without a few boardgames thrown into the mix,” says Lysandra. “I love the way board games help folks connect, collaborate and even get a bit spicy as players compete to win!”

“Board games are also a great way to style your space, as you can have these neatly stacked on a shelf or displayed across your coffee table. By keeping the space neatly styled with the items that bring you joy, you’ll be much more likely to want to spend time in it.”
pace nice and tidy, you’ll be much more likely to want to spend time in it.”

Photo by Amazon Australia

While the way you style your gaming den will set the mood, you need to consider comfort too. You can give your gaming space an inviting and lived-in feel with classic, comfy bean bags. The Ambient Lounge Acoustic Sofa Designer Bean Bag has the perfect balance of cushy comfort and support, with a range of designs and colours to suit any space.

“The beauty of using a bean bag is that you can easily change the colour,” says Alisa. “A great way to really shake things up is to pair multiple different colours together and then rotate your arrangement every season to keep the space feeling fresh.”

For those that take their gaming a little more seriously, try the FGT Lite Cockpit racing chair. It offers a distinct retro arcade feel and the ultimate racing experience. Pair it with a professional-looking racer wheel like the Thrust Ferrari 458 Spider Racing Wheel to make your gaming room feel like the real deal.

Photo by Amazon Australia

As the years go by, it’s important to keep the fun in order and avoid clutter with clever storage solutions as your games collection grows.

“With so many board games, video consoles, and extra attachments in the mix, it’s worth having a cupboard or shelving unit keep these items in order, ensuring you find what you need easily both when you’re kicking off a session, or clearing away your essentials after a gaming session,” Lysandra explains.

Another great option to manage cords, controllers and accessories is storage boxes, such as the Bestonzon Woven Storage Cube. These handwoven baskets are a fusion of style and practicality, providing the perfect way to keep the clutter at bay.