Whether you’re a professional esports player or a casual gamer, space restrictions can really hamper the possibilities of your gaming set-up. Gaming furniture is historically bulky in order to provide maximum comfort. Luckily, tiny-space gaming has become an emerging trend in the world of interior design. If space is at a premium in your bedroom or apartment, maximizing your space with inventive furniture solutions is a must. Let’s see how to do it.
Compact gaming gear
Let’s start with the most important part: the game console itself. When designing a games room in a tight space, the smallest possible game console is obviously the best option. However, your size options really depend on the type of games you like to play. If you’re into playing open-world games on your PC, opting for a small games console may not be the best option.
However, if you like vintage, 8-bit games, you don’t need a screen that is as big. In fact, you could easily convert an old tablet into a games console and download an app such as RetroArch to play vintage games. These games are designed to be played on a small screen and suit a tablet’s scale. You could also buy a vintage-looking controller with Bluetooth connectivity to complete the set-up.
A tablet-turned games console is not only good for playing vintage games. You could use it for streaming purposes and watch your favorite movies and TV shows from the comfort of your tiny room. You could also use it to create a virtual casino in your small apartment by signing up for one of the alternatives to Stake casino as suggested by Jonathan Askew. These platforms are mobile-friendly, meaning you can easily use them on your tablet. Plus, they come with a range of gaming options, including poker, slots, and lottery games.
Overall, if it’s possible to use a tablet for gaming, it is definitely the most versatile solution for maximizing your space limitations. Alternatively, you should consider portable gaming options such as a Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck.
Practical hardware and peripherals
To match your compact console solution, make sure your chosen peripherals are equally as small and convenient. If you require a keyboard for your gaming, be sure to opt for a 60% keyboard to maximize your gaming space. The mechanical keyboard market is growing at an exponential rate thanks, in part, to the number of people creating tiny space gaming solutions. The market is expected to reach $2.45 billion by 2028.
You should also shop for a small gaming mouse, headset, and other peripherals that don’t take up too much space. It would be a good idea to invest in wireless peripherals to avoid cable mess. Having several loose wires can be annoying in any gaming setup, particularly in tiny-space gaming corners.
Furniture options
Once you’ve selected your tiny space games console and gear, it’s time to start considering your furniture options. Obviously, given your limited space, your furniture needs to optimize floor space while also providing a comfortable gaming experience. The best option for maximizing your tiny space is a compact desk. This could refer to a wall-mounted desk or a corner desk. Alternatively, you could invest in multipurpose furniture that can be folded away or used for storage purposes when not in gaming use.
A fold-out work desk would not only be practical for gaming but also a great option for working. When you’re not using it, all you have to do is fold it into the wall and your room will suddenly feel a lot bigger. If a fold-out desk is not possible, make sure your desk of choice comes with plenty of internal and combined storage solutions to provide you with a place to keep your gaming accessories.
A storage ottoman is another practical and versatile furniture piece for maximizing tiny-spaces and one that gamers should consider. It can be used as a seat, footrest, and a great place to store your gaming equipment.
There are currently loads of other compact furniture solutions now available at most major furniture stores thanks to the rise in interest in tiny house living. According to a recent survey, 56% of US citizens would live in a tiny house. The increase in interest in this accommodation option has driven innovation in terms of compact furniture design.
Seating
Besides your desk, you also need to consider what the most practical seating solution is for your gaming space. An ergonomic gaming chair – such as the Hinomi X1 – should always be your first option, as it provides you with maximum comfort and back support. However, if you don’t have enough space for a proper gaming chair, you could instead invest in a premium gaming bean bag or rocking chair. These seating solutions are suitable for small gaming areas and don’t sacrifice comfort or support.
Vertical solutions
If you need help maximizing floor space, you need to take full advantage of your wall space. Wall-mounted shelving is a great way to keep your gaming accessories out of the way and organized while also making your room look stylish and well-thought-out. Alternatively, another way you could optimize your wall space would be to invest in a projector. This way, you could play games that require a wide screen without sacrificing much physical space.
Lighting
It can be difficult to create a good gaming ambiance in a small space but not impossible. LED light strips or a compact desk lamp can provide you with sufficient lighting for gaming. It’s a good idea to design your gaming nook next to a window to take advantage of as much natural light as possible. You could also strategically place mirrors to extend this natural light and make your gaming corner appear bigger than it is.
Final thoughts
You don’t need to be an interior design expert to create a practical gaming corner in a limited space. All you need to do is sacrifice bigger consoles for smaller alternatives and invest in compact furniture solutions. By selecting versatile and foldaway furniture, you can create a gaming nook that is creative and practical.
