Explore this article:
- Designing gaming rooms for different gamers
- Gaming rooms for teen gamers
- Gaming rooms for adult gamers and retro collectors
- Immersive battle stations: the ultimate modern gaming setup
- Retro gaming lounges: celebrating nostalgia and vintage collections
- Hybrid gamers: balancing modern gaming with stylish interior design
- Streamers and content creators: designing your perfect on-camera gaming space
- Gaming rooms for gaming girls: beyond pink and sparkles
- Wallpapering the gaming room: accent or full immersion?
- Setting the mood: the psychology of colour in gaming rooms
- Gaming room essentials: practical design considerations
- Keeping your gaming room fresh: maintenance tips for longevity
- Conclusions
If you are old enough, you most probably remember when gaming meant crowding around a tiny TV in the living room or (if you were lucky) in your bedroom, tangled cables everywhere, trying not to spill soda on your homework. Back then, gaming meant connecting your Atari VCS or your SNES to the aerial, blow on the cartridge when it was not loading and then spending countless hours lost in the labyrinthine worlds of Super Mario or challenging your friends in fierce Mario Kart races. Nowadays, gaming has turned into a lifestyle, a form of self-expression, and for some, even a full-time career.
Gaming rooms have shifted from being an afterthought to becoming a common feature in many homes, a space to proudly design, share, and showcase. Influential streamers and content creators present gaming as an aspirational lifestyle, with millions of followers tuning in daily on Twitch - not only for gameplay but also for inspiration. These visually appealing gaming rooms, carefully designed with camera-ready backdrops in mind, set trends and inspire gamers the world over. Gaming rooms have become spaces gamers actively dream about, plan meticulously, and proudly share online on countless TikToks or Reels.
Whether you're a parent looking to create the perfect gaming bedroom for your teen, an adult gamer building your own dream battle station, or a streamer worried about having the perfect backdrop for your audience, decorating your gaming room with wallpaper offers a surprising number of possibilities.
Designing gaming rooms for different gamers
Obviously not all gaming rooms are the same as these days different groups are each looking to create their own specific space for gaming:
Gaming rooms for teen gamers
When designing a gaming space for your son or daughter, the first thing to consider is that, in most cases, teens’ bedrooms need to serve multiple purposes, blending gaming setups with desks for studying and a cosy area for hanging out with friends. Your goal should be to create clearly separated zones without compromising the overall unity and comfort of the room.
Define a clear gaming zone
Position the gaming setup opposite or perpendicular to the study area, clearly dividing the functions. A well-placed rug can further reinforce these distinct zones.
Use wallpaper to define the gaming space
The right wallpaper can a very effective and budget-friendly tool to visually enforce this separation, as a bold accent wall behind the gaming setup can instantly highlight the gaming area. Involve your teen in the choice and focus on gaming-related patterns such as pixel art, geometric shapes, or abstract neon prints that resonate with teens' popular gaming aesthetics. As teenagers grow fast and their gaming tastes evolve, opting for a peel and stick wallpaper will make it easier to redesign their room at a later date. When your teen is transitioning from a vibrant Minecraft-inspired pixel art pattern to a sleek design based on their Fortnite character, a removable wallpaper model will provide you with a hassle-free solution.
Invest in multi-purpose furniture
Go for a stylish yet practical desk that comfortably accommodates schoolwork and gaming peripherals. Consider furniture with built-in cable management solutions to keep the area tidy and visually appealing.
Allow for social seating
While it’s true that these days most of gaming takes place online, adding compact, casual seating options, like beanbags, poufs, or a foldable sofa will give your teen space to hang out with friends.
Organisational solutions
Include stylish shelves or pegboards next to the gaming area to display collectibles, controllers, or headphones.
Safety and practical considerations
It’s essential to choose wallpaper that is non-toxic, eco-friendly, and easy to clean - especially in teens’ rooms. Check the wallpaper characteristics in the product page, paying extra attention to wallpaper symbols. Choose models with low VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and certified safe materials. As we are talking about teenagers, it’s a good idea to go for washable or scrubbable wallpaper options that withstand occasional spills, snack stains, and everyday teenage life.
Note for small rooms: tall, slim storage shelves, floating desks, and mounted monitors free up precious floor space, while a strategically placed, light-coloured wallpaper with simple geometric patterns or subtle textures can visually enlarge the room. You could also create a clever “gaming corner” within a small niche or closet.
Gaming rooms for adult gamers and retro collectors
With gaming having gone mainstream, adult gamers no longer have to squeeze their hobby into a corner of the living room or the spare bedroom. Whether collecting retro memorabilia from the golden age of computer games, competing in the online gaming space or mixing their hobby with their lifestyle choices, more and more grown-ups are dedicating entire rooms to their passion, creating personalised spaces that reflect their gaming style, interests, and collections.
Immersive battle stations: the ultimate modern gaming setup
For many adults, coming back from a long day at work means unwinding in the world of online gaming. Whether they are navigating the chaos of a new Call of Duty map, or perfecting their aim in Counterstrike, they take their hobby seriously.
Designing a modern gaming battle station, often built around a powerful PC setup with multiple monitors or ultrawide screens, means creating a focal point, a statement piece that sets the tone for the entire space.
Define your gaming command centre
To maintain clarity and functionality, position the gaming desk centrally or along a main wall, providing sufficient space for peripheral devices and accessories. Adjustable-height desks can further improve comfort, allowing seamless transitions between sitting and standing positions.
Choose the right wallpaper for maximum immersion
Wallpaper can play a fundamental role in setting the mood and visual identity of your gaming space. Lean toward dark, atmospheric wallpapers that enhance immersion, reduce screen glare, and provide a sleek, sophisticated look. Select bold, dark, moody colours like deep charcoal, navy, or matte black. Futuristic motifs, geometric designs, or subtle industrial textures like concrete and metallic finishes provide a polished yet dynamic backdrop. To emphasise your gaming zone, consider creating a wallpapered accent wall directly behind your monitors, adding focus and depth to the gaming area.
Create a synergy between wallpaper and lighting
Choose wallpapers that interact effectively with the lighting; matte finishes absorb ambient lights, enhancing visual comfort during gameplay. Textured wallpapers also absorb some light, reducing glare from screens. Dark wallpapers, e.g. in charcoal or navy, can instead make RGB lighting pop and create dramatic contrasts.
Retro gaming lounges: celebrating nostalgia and vintage collections
Let’s face it, adulting can be hard. It’s therefore not surprising that many adults are keen to relive the carefree age of 8- and 16-Bit gaming of their childhood, a time where everything seemed just right. If you’ve spent years (and probably a small fortune) curating your treasure trove of vintage consoles, cartridges, and memorabilia, it’s only fair that you want to give that collection the spotlight it deserves. Guess what? You are not alone! Social media are awash with incredibly skilfully designed retro gaming lounges. Let’s look at how to create a space where you can relive the glory days of “Street Fighter II”, and “Zelda: Ocarina of Time” while showing off your prized possessions like the curator of your very own gaming museum.
Define and organise your retro space
Arrange classic consoles and arcade machines in a defined gaming zone, with comfortable seating directly facing CRT or vintage monitors. Position display cabinets, shelves, or dedicated wall units separately to display vintage games, controllers, and collectibles without interfering with gameplay areas.
Pick a wallpaper that complements the vibe you are going for
As the golden age of arcade and home console games stretches back to the 80s, selecting wallpaper featuring iconic motifs of that era, like geometric patterns, bold stripes, and warm colour palettes (mustard yellow, burnt orange, avocado green, deep teal, or soft pastels) will reinforce the retro authenticity. You can also choose a subtle approach and opt for textures that conjure up that nostalgic feeling, like fabric-effect or vintage woodgrain designs evoking the authentic feel of classic arcades.
Select the right furniture and retro décor
Use open shelves or glass-front cabinets to clearly display vintage consoles, rare cartridges and boxed games. Consider creating small thematic display zones dedicated to particular franchises or genres (e.g., Nintendo corner, Sega collection, arcade classics shelf). Include vintage or retro-inspired seating like classic beanbags, mid-century armchairs, or low-profile lounge chairs and arrange seating areas to encourage social gaming experiences, recreating the camaraderie of arcade gatherings or couch-based multiplayer sessions. If you are the proud owner of an arcade machine, whether it’s an original “Donkey Kong” or a “MAME” cabinet, add vintage-inspired barstools that evoke classic arcade vibes.
Hybrid gamers: balancing modern gaming with stylish interior design
Designing a gaming space that satisfies a dedicated adult gamer while maintaining harmony with your better half can feel like a tricky balancing act. Here are some ideas on how to achieve that perfect equilibrium by blending modern gaming technology with tasteful, contemporary décor:
A thoughtful layout
Start by selecting a corner or wall in your living room, home office, or guest room, clearly designating it as the gaming zone without isolating it entirely from the shared living area. Position the gaming desk so that monitors and gaming accessories are discreetly visible but not dominating the overall room aesthetic.
Integrate it with the furniture
Opt for stylish, modern desks that blend seamlessly with contemporary furnishings, minimalist lines, matte finishes, or light-coloured woods to keep the setup sophisticated rather than purely tech-focused. Choose an ergonomic chair with subtle design features rather than typical gamer-style chairs to maintain a refined appearance. Your partner will be much more amenable to a sophisticated designer piece rather than a loud classic red gaming unit.
Carefully choose a wallpaper to bridge the style gap
Picking the right model is key to balancing the aesthetic of your gaming space with the overall design of your abode. You could go for a Mid-Century Modern wall décor or for Scandinavian patterns with geometric shapes, subtle line art, or minimalist textures. These patterns are visually interesting yet neutral enough to blend effortlessly with modern interiors. If your apartment features a more industrial look, you could opt for wallpaper designs with exposed brick or concrete textures, or soft metallic finishes, providing a more contemporary feel. Remember to keep the rest of the room in complementary, neutral tones to unify the entire space visually.
Use lighting as a harmonising element
Instead of bold RGB strips, integrate subtle, adjustable smart lighting behind shelves, cabinets, or monitors. Use warm whites or soft pastels rather than intense, saturated colours, offering ambiance without appearing too “gamer-focused”.
Choose closed storage and invest in cable management solutions
Incorporate furniture pieces with hidden compartments, closed drawers, or cabinets to conceal gaming equipment like controllers, headphones, and cables when not in use. Invest in desks and furniture with integrated cable management systems to hide unsightly cords, maintaining a tidy appearance in shared spaces.
Streamers and content creators: designing your perfect on-camera gaming space
When talking about gaming rooms it’s impossible not to mention the rise of streaming, a phenomenon that’s turned gaming into a global spectacle and streamers like Ninja and Shroud into household names. With millions of viewers tuning in daily, streaming has become a full-blown career for many. If you are an aspiring content creator, your on-camera gaming setup isn’t just a backdrop, it’s a stage. It’s where your personality shines, your brand comes to life, and your audience feels connected to you. Whether you’re going for sleek and modern, cosy and inviting, or full-on neon-lit extravagance, your space needs to reflect YOU. Let’s break down how to design a streaming space that’s functional, unique and camera-ready.
Define your on-camera zone
Arrange your gaming setup so the camera captures a clearly defined and visually appealing background. Position your desk to ensure good camera angles and optimal lighting: your setup should feel natural and intentional rather than awkwardly staged. Remember to balance of depth and detail, keeping the area directly behind you visually engaging yet uncluttered.
Use wallpaper as your personal brand backdrop signature
Streamers often become recognisable by their setups, so choose designs that subtly echo your personality or gaming genre. A strategically picked wallpaper, which reflects your personal brand or gaming niche can make all the difference in creating your own unique space on Twitch. While the choice of pattern and motif is up to your sense of style, it’s important to pick camera-friendly wallpaper designs that provide visual interest without being distracting or overpowering on camera. Avoid visual clutter and stay away from wallpapers with overly intricate patterns or reflective finishes that might distort or appear overwhelming on camera. Instead, aim for simpler designs with balanced visual elements.
Check soundproofing and acoustics
Thicker, textured wallpapers can absorb echo and background noise, improving the audio quality for streaming and recording. You can add discreet foam or upholstered acoustic panels placed strategically behind microphones or along opposite walls, keeping the aesthetic clean yet professional.
Invest in smart lighting for professional streaming
Proper lighting is critical for camera quality, so it’s wise to invest in good ring lights, soft boxes, or adjustable LED panels to ensure balanced, professional-quality illumination. Place lighting elements slightly above eye level and angled downwards, minimising harsh shadows. Complement ambient lighting with dimmable desk lamps or indirect lighting fixtures to achieve a polished, flattering on-camera appearance. To add more character, choose smart RGB lighting or gentle accent lighting behind your gaming setup to softly illuminate your wallpaper.
Gaming rooms for gaming girls: beyond pink and sparkles
When designing gaming spaces for girls, it’s time to move past the traditional clichés. While there's nothing wrong with pinks and sparkles if that’s what your daughter truly loves, gaming girls today are as diverse and unique as their favourite games.
They’re conquering digital realms, exploring futuristic galaxies, and diving deep into fantasy worlds, so their spaces should be just as bold as they are.
Choosing wallpaper beyond stereotypes
Wallpapers featuring deep purples, midnight blues, or charcoal greys provide a stylish, grown-up alternative that complements modern gaming aesthetics. These colours create depth and sophistication without feeling overly "girly". As Japanese single-player RPGs and large fantasy worlds are extremely popular with teen girls, moody wallpapers like enchanted forests and mysterious and exotic landscapes offer the perfectly nuanced atmospheric backdrop to their adventures. For girls seeking softer aesthetics, pastel colours can feel fresh and stylish without being overly clichéd. Pastel wallpapers featuring soft blues, lavenders, mint greens, or gentle greys create a cool ambiance that fits décor styles ranging from modern to kawaii.
Pick matching furniture
Sleek furniture with clean lines and soft edges can work with a large variety of wallpaper styles. White or neutral furniture pairs well with pastel themes, while darker woods or metal finishes suit moodier wallpapers. Choose floating shelves or gold-accented wall shelves to display gaming collectibles, books, manga, anime and accessories.
The importance of lighting and décor
Go for smart lights that let you easily modify brightness and colours, perfect for shifting from focused, intense gaming to chilled hangouts with her friends. Think about adding cosy rugs, plush velvet cushions, or fuzzy throws to make her gaming area instantly welcoming.
Wallpapering the gaming room: accent or full immersion?
When it comes to wallpaper placement in your gaming room, you've got two awesome routes to choose from, each providing its own vibe:
Accent walls: big impact, minimal effort
One of the easiest ways to instantly define your gaming area is to create an accent wall. It's simple, affordable, and packs a strong visual punch. Positioning your accent wall behind your gaming monitor or TV ensures your setup instantly becomes the room’s focal point. If you are a streamer and your setup is off-centre or angled, consider the angle your audience sees most often. To maintain harmony, the remaining walls in the room should be more neutral or painted in subtle complementary tones.
Remember: overly intricate or repetitive small-scale patterns can feel busy or be distracting during gameplay, whereas larger patterns often feel more comfortable and visually balanced.
Full-Immersion mode: wallpaper on all four walls of your gaming room
If your gaming room is on the smaller side, don’t be discouraged; rather than trying to fight its size, embrace it! A suitable solution is to go all in and wallpaper all four walls, turning it into a genuinely immersive gaming universe. Wallpapers featuring panoramic or continuous landscapes, like enchanted forests, star-studded galaxies, or digital worlds work exceptionally well, dramatically expanding the sense of space. Rich, dark tones actually work wonders in smaller rooms, visually pushing the walls back.
Remember: Subtle LED downlights on the ceiling can reflect off your wallpaper, enveloping you fully in the gaming atmosphere from every angle.
Setting the mood: the psychology of colour in gaming rooms
The colours we surround ourselves with have a powerful impact, far beyond simple aesthetics. In gaming rooms, this effect becomes even more pronounced, influencing not just the look of a room, but your emotional state, focus, and even performance. Carefully thought-through wallpaper colour choices can evoke specific emotions, sharpen concentration, or help unwind after intense gaming sessions. Understanding the psychology behind colours empowers you to create an environment tailored precisely to the experience you desire.
Dark and moody tones: for total immersion in your gaming space
If you want to be completely absorbed in the virtual world, dark, moody wallpaper is your secret weapon. It minimises distractions, keeps your focus locked on-screen, and dramatically enhances the atmosphere. Choose matte black to reduce glare from monitors and TV screens, making RGB lighting effects stand out. Navy and blue tones create a calming yet visually deep environment, providing an immersive backdrop without overwhelming the eyes. Alternatively, you could opt for dark purples , perfect for fantasy-themed setups or creative gaming environments.
Bright, energetic colours for arcade-style setups and casual fun gaming areas
For gamers looking to create vibrant, energetic and exciting spaces, bright and saturated colours boost reaction times and adrenaline levels during gameplay.Wallpaper models in neon-inspired blues, greens, and pinks are great for futuristic, cyberpunk, or arcade-themed rooms, while high-contrast geometric patterns are perfect for social gaming setups or multi-player competitive spaces.
Neutral and understated tones for hybrid gaming/workspaces or minimalist setups
If your gaming area doubles as a workspace, a guest room, or simply needs to blend seamlessly into your modern home décor, neutral and minimalist wallpaper models create a refined, calming, and versatile atmosphere.Choose grey and soft beige textures to add sophistication without distracting you during gameplay or work, or opt for soft pastel tones and muted shades to reduce eye fatigue.
Gaming room essentials: practical design considerations
Sure, it’s tempting to fill every corner with collectibles, neon lights, and that life-sized Master Chief statue, but restraint and balance are your best option. A well-curated gaming room isn’t just about what you add, it’s about what you leave out.
Less is more: avoid overloading your space
Resist the temptation to overcrowd your room with every gaming accessory, collectible, or piece of décor you own. Select only items that underline the overall theme. Leave some walls bare or painted in neutral colours to balance areas featuring bold wallpapers, as the so-called negative space gives your eyes somewhere to rest, making the room feel more open and relaxing.
Stick to a cohesive theme
To create visual harmony, pick one clear theme or colour palette and follow it through consistently, from wallpaper and furniture to lighting and accessories. Limit yourself to a maximum of two dominant colours (if you're going for a cyberpunk theme, pair deep blues and purples with touches of neon pink or turquoise, rather than multiple unrelated colours).
Master cable management
Cables are an eyesore, and gaming rooms are full of them. To prevent them from ruining your design, choose gaming desks or furniture with integrated cable channels that discreetly route and hide cables. If you are wall-mounting your monitor or TV, use cable covers or channels painted the same colour as your wall or wallpapered over to blend in seamlessly. Don’t forget to use adhesive cable clips under your desk or along furniture edges to gather and secure cords out of sight.
Organise your gaming gear with practical storage solutions
If you are buying new furniture, consider incorporating ottomans or benches with lift-up storage compartments for controllers, headsets, and accessories, keeping the room tidy without sacrificing accessibility.
Keeping your gaming room fresh: maintenance tips for longevity
Let’s face it, gaming rooms are more often akin to battlefields than pristine museums. Whether it’s snack crumbs, soda spills, or accidental coffee splashes - the walls are going to take a beating. Here’s how to keep your gaming room looking sharp:
Choose easy-to-clean wallpaper
Select wallpapers explicitly marked as "washable" or "scrubbable". Washable wallpapers are easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth and gentle detergent. Scrubbable options are even more durable, tolerating more vigorous cleaning without getting damaged. Check the manufacturer's description or the wallpaper symbols on the product page before buying, ensuring your wallpaper can handle everyday messes.
Clean regularly to keep designs crisp
Wallpaper can accumulate dust, especially textured or dark-coloured designs. Regular dusting with a microfiber duster or soft cloth maintains vibrancy and prevents build-up. Remember to deal with stains or spills quickly to avoid permanent damage.
Prep the wall properly to easily replace wallpaper
Teens' interests evolve faster than gaming trends, and before you know it, their room décor needs a total makeover. If you are designing a gaming room for a teenager, prepping your walls correctly before installing wallpaper will save you future headaches (and drywall repairs!). For more information on how to do so, check our detailed instructions: How to prepare the wallpapering surface.
Conclusions
Whether you're navigating the nostalgia of retro gaming, seeking immersion in modern multiplayer titles, or planning your future as a streamer, remember that the best gaming den isn't about following trends, but about making a space uniquely yours, one that excites you every time you step inside!