A games room is one of the few home spaces that genuinely benefits from careful design. Whether it is for competitive computer gaming, casual board games with friends, or both, the room’s layout, lighting and storage directly affect how much you enjoy it and how long you will use it. The good news is that a well-designed games room is simpler than most people think.

We have worked on several games room projects in Exmouth and beyond, and the same principles appear each time. The room needs good task lighting, proper air movement, strategic storage that keeps games visible and accessible, and a layout that gives every player comfortable sight lines to the action.

The gaming desk and monitor setup

A good gaming desk is the anchor of the room. It needs enough depth for a keyboard, mouse, multiple monitors if you use them, and some clear space for a drink or a notebook. A depth of at least 60 cm is the practical minimum. If you want room for two people at the desk (a player and a spectator), look for 80 to 100 cm.

Height is crucial. The desk should allow your elbows to sit at roughly 90 degrees when your feet are flat on the floor. An adjustable desk (electric or manual) is worthwhile if you play for more than an hour at a time, because a standing position now and then relieves strain on the neck and wrists.

Cable management starts at the desk. Use a cable tray under the desktop, or run cables inside a fabric sleeve (sometimes called a cable spiral) so they do not drape across the floor where people trip on them. Label cables at both ends so you know which is which when you need to unplug something.

If you run multiple monitors, arrange them so the main screen is at eye level and directly ahead. Secondary displays should sit at an angle, never twisted awkwardly to one side.

Board-game storage that works

Games are expensive and often fragile. Open shelving is appealing but means dust settles on the boxes, and tall stacks are unstable. A few better options:

Closed cabinets with wire or glass doors. This lets you see the game spines (so you can find what you want) while protecting boxes from dust and damage. Shelves should be spaced about 40 cm apart to fit most game boxes standing upright.

Pull-out drawers under a low shelving unit. Heavy games go in drawers, lighter ones on the shelf above, and the space is easy to access during a game.

A tall, narrow bookcase along one wall. Games spine-out, like books, with the tallest games at the bottom. Works best in a game-heavy room where that is not a distraction.

A low sideboard with deep shelves. Games stored horizontally in stacks of three or four. Good if your game collection is small or if you only bring out one or two games per session.

The key is that someone playing at the table should not have to get up to fetch a game from across the room. Keep frequently played games within arm’s reach of the table.

Lighting for playing, not just for seeing

This matters more than it sounds. Computer gaming needs task lighting on the desk (the monitor itself will cause glare if the room is too bright). Board games need even, bright light over the table so everyone can see cards and pieces clearly.

Use two lighting layers:

Ambient lighting: a ceiling fixture or downlights that set a comfortable background level. Aim for 200–300 lux (not so bright that you are squinting, not so dim that you strain to see). A dimmer lets you adjust depending on whether you are playing games or just hanging out.

Task lighting: a desk lamp for the gaming setup, and a pendant or under-shelf light above the board-game table. LED task lights are ideal because they stay cool and use very little power.

Avoid harsh overhead lights that cast shadows over the table. A ceiling light pointing down creates shadows over a player’s hands, which is annoying. Position lights to the sides or use a combination of ambient and task lighting.

Air movement and temperature

A room full of people, computers and warm electronics can get stuffy quickly. You need either a window that opens, or an extractor fan. An extractor is better if the room has no natural ventilation.

A simple duct fan (often called a bathroom extractor) in the wall, vented to the outside, removes hot air and brings in fresh air. Aim for 5 to 6 air changes per hour, which most extractors achieve quietly if they are the right size for your room.

Temperature matters for equipment, too. A gaming PC generates a lot of heat. Make sure the room does not climb above 25°C, or the computer will throttle performance to avoid overheating. Good ventilation and a fan on the gaming desk help.

Storage for everything else

Games come with pieces, cards, tokens, manuals and sometimes a lot of small parts. Use clear plastic boxes (the drawer variety you find in any hardware shop) for cards, tokens and rulebooks. Label each box so you do not have to open it to find what you need.

Dice and small tokens go in small pouches or compartmented boxes. Miniatures and painted pieces deserve protective storage, such as foam-lined boxes or modular trays.

Keep all the small-parts boxes in or near the cabinet where the games live, so you do not have to hunt the room for a lost die.

Cable runs and power distribution

Plan your power needs before you install anything. A gaming desk usually needs at least two power sockets: one for the computer, one for the monitor and peripherals. A board-game table often just needs phone charging, if anything.

Run power cables through conduit or behind the desk if it is against a wall. If the desk sits in the middle of the room, use a floor cable cover to prevent tripping.

Use surge-protected extension boards rather than chaining adaptors. Label the outlets so you know which game or piece of equipment each one serves.

Key points

A gaming desk should be at least 60 cm deep, with height adjustable to allow 90-degree elbows.
Use cable trays or spirals to manage wires neatly and safely.
Store board games in closed cabinets or drawers so they are visible but protected from dust.
Provide task lighting over both the gaming desk and the board-game table, with a dimmer for ambient light.
Ensure good air movement: a window, an extractor fan, or both.
Use clear labelled boxes for cards, tokens and small game pieces.
Run power cables safely, using conduit or floor covers, and label every outlet.

If you are planning a games room in Exmouth or the surrounding area, we can help you design the layout, specify storage solutions, and manage the practical details like lighting and cable runs. Contact us to discuss your ideas.

Designing a games room: gaming desk, board-game storage, lighting and cable runs