Considering we spend so much time at our setups, creating a space that reflects your style and lets you hone in on your tasks can be one of the most satisfying interior projects to complete. Whether you're a casual gamer or a dedicated enthusiast, the right theme can make a huge difference.
In this post, we'll go over 10 different gaming setup theme ideas, giving you all the inspiration you need to create your dream space. Ranging from sleek, futuristic designs to cosy, immersive setups, there are so many different routes you can take when creating your gaming sanctuary.
Note: The images showcased in this post were created by Midjourney AI for the purpose of providing inspiration. Their main goal is to showcase various colour schemes that can help you make informed decisions about designing your space.
Rustic Wooden
Image Created by Midjourney
Emphasizing wooden elements in your gaming setup can create one of the most warm, inviting spaces for you to spend time in. For a more airy space, going for a lighter wood species will be better than a dark species, whereas the darker wood can lead to a warmer, chilled setup.
To make sure that your setup isn't full of wood, break things up with some black, grey, or white paint to create variation, whilst keeping the wooden tones at the forefront of your design. Adding some soft colours through decorative pieces in your space can also work in things like cushions, along with some soft ambient lighting to complete the setup.
Minimalist Monochrome
Image Created by Midjourney
For a clean, sophisticated gaming setup, going for a minimalist monochrome theme will never fail to give you that. Embracing a black and white colour palette with hints of lighter and darker shades throughout can create a sleek, timeless aesthetic. Pairing the colours with yellow lighting can create warmth, whilst adding to the modernism.
Choose furniture and accessories with clean lines and minimalist designs, along with materials with matte finishes, tempered glass, and sleek acrylics that will take your setup to the next level. Lighting is a key element in this theme, so opting for soft, ambient lighting to create a calming atmosphere for both gaming and work is definitely the way to.
Purple Futurism Minimalism
Image Created by Midjourney
To create a futuristic, cutting-edge setup, drawing inspiration from the cyberpunk style is the perfect route to take. Characterised by neon purple LED lights, sleek metallic accents, and edgy design elements, there are many different ways to build a setup around the cyberpunk style.
When it comes to the colour scheme, focusing on a purple theme against a dark grey or white backdrop can perfectly capture the futuristic, high-tech feel. Having LED lighting behind your desk to illuminate your walls in whatever colours you like can also bring that feel to the forefront of your setup, transporting you to a dystopian future.
Retro Arcade-Inspired Revival Setup
Image Created by Midjourney
If you like the sound of creating a nostalgia-filled gaming space to transport you back to the 80's and 90's, capturing the retro arcade aesthetic can help you pay homage to classic gaming eras. Incorporating bold and vibrant colours such as bright reds, electric blues, and neon yellows throughout is the best way to achieve this.
Adding arcade-style elements like joystick controllers, vintage game posters and pixel art decorations creates the ultimate nostalgia feel along with retro gaming consoles for decor. The more retro pieces you can incorporate, the better.
Nature-Inspired Oasis
Image Created by Midjourney
Creating a space inspired by nature is always a great choice, especially for immersion-dedicated areas such as your setup. Choosing earthy colours such as forest greens, rustic browns, and serene blues can create the perfect nature-inspired retreat.
Pairing these colours with materials like wood, stone, and woven textures for accents throughout your setup can further relate your setup to the outdoors, along with foliage to add a touch of freshness and tranquillity. Also consider ambient lighting that mimics, natural sunlight, providing a relaxing and inviting atmosphere.
High-Contrast Industrial Gaming Setup
Image Created by Midjourney
For a bold, edgy gaming setup, embrace the industrial-inspired theme. Combining dark tones like charcoal grey and deep navy blue with striking accents of red or yellow can create a stripped-back yet comfy setup. Incorporating materials like exposed brick, concrete, and metal in the surroundings of your setup can help to amplify the industrial feel.
When it comes to your furniture and decor pieces for your setup, choosing raw and rugged designs like a metal-framed desk or a grey chair can add to the warm simplicity of the feel. Illuminate your space with industrial-style lighting fixtures, like exposed filament bulbs or cage pendants, to complete the industrial aesthetic.
Warm Fantasy Realm
Image Created by Midjourney
If you want to step into a world of magic and fantasy, creating a setup by mythical realms can completely transform your gaming setup. Choose a colour that reflects the atmosphere of your favourite fantasy world, such as emerald greens and deep blues. Incorporating foliage will also always work in this theme of setup.
Along with foliage, including medieval-themed artwork and mythical symbols throughout is another super effective way to capture the mystic tone. Some more elements to consider are having tapestries in your space, paired with warm, dimmable lighting to create an otherworldly ambience.
High Tech eSports Arena
Image Created by Midjourney
Embrace the high-energy atmosphere of eSports tournaments with a gaming setup built with an edge of competitiveness. Use a sleek black or red colour scheme paired with white to replicate the arenas, along with a focus on comfortability.
Opt for a modern, ergonomic gaming chair with an adjustable desk for increased functionality. If you're able to, install multiple monitors or a large ultra-wide screen to immerse yourself fully in the gaming experience. Always remember your cable management!
Zen-Inspired Serenity
Image Created by Midjourney
For the most peaceful gaming setup possible, creating a zen-inspired gaming oasis where tranquillity and focus are at the forefront is the way to go. Using a calming colour palette featuring soft neutrals like beige, light green, pale blue, and off-whites can put you at ease instantly.
Choose furniture with clean lines and natural materials such as bamboo or light wood for an increased zen feel, adding in elements like bonsai trees and other nature-inspired decor pieces to top it off. Consider soft, diffused lighting and blackout curtains to control the ambience and minimise distractions.
Space-Themed Minimalism
Image Created by Midjourney
When most people think of a space-themed setup, they instantly go to an overfilled galaxy of colour that looks a little childish. However, drawing inspiration from the countless aesthetics of space can provide you with an ideal theme for a gaming setup up.
Selecting one primary colour to base your setup around, like a deep blue or cosmic purple and pairing it with a grey or white can provide you with the cosmic feel without overbearing your space. Another great option is to keep it monochrome, with black and white space-themed decor carefully placed throughout your setup to emulate the night sky, along with a retro exploration feel.
Designing your gaming setup is the perfect opportunity to create a personal space full of unique creativity, tailored to your gaming preferences. Basing your setup on a specific theme can be super beneficial for the end result of your space, becoming one of the most aesthetic areas in your home.
Whether you prefer a futuristic vibe, retro nostalgia or calming neutrals, designing a gaming setup that reflects your personality can make your sessions so much more enjoyable, being surrounded by colours and tones that you can sink into for hours on end.
Of course, every gaming setup can benefit from some wall art in the style of the setup's design. There are tonnes of places to find pieces for your space, including Etsy, Displate, FyShop and more.
FAQ's:
What things should I include in my gaming setup?
The main components of any gaming setup include a gaming PC or console, monitor, keyboard, mouse, headset, controllers and other accessories like a gaming chair and desk. Making sure that the elements of the setup blend together visually is something to keep near the top of your list.
How do I make my gaming setup look nicer?
Being sure to keep things visually consistent will benefit your setup more than anything, creating a cohesive space. Choose a colour scheme/theme, and stick to it. Cable management is another key element of a clean-looking setup, reducing the clutter under your desk. Keeping everything clean will also help.
What lighting should I include in my setup?
Using LED lighting strips is the most common and effective lighting style for you to use in a setup, especially RGB strips. Being able to choose what colour you want your setup to be, they're the most versatile choice. As well, wall fixtures can create a perfect amount of ambient lighting in your space to create a relaxing, soothing atmosphere. Ambient lighting should always be the focus.
How much is a full gaming setup?
It completely depends of how much you want to include in your setup, but for a basic full gaming setup, you can expect to spend around $2000 for everything, with prices climbing when you choose a more expensive PC, keyboard, mouse etc. You don't need to spend thousands and thousands on a setup, but you can obviously expect your setup to look and perform better the more you spend.
We hope that you found the inspiration you needed to start tackling your gaming setup build!