It’s a new year, and we’re looking at the best gaming setups for 2021. After all, there’s no better time to think about updating your current gaming setup. Whether you’re bored of your old one or just want to mix things up, refreshing your command centre is always something to get excited about.
The problem is – where do you start? Often, this can be the trickiest bit. You’ve saved up all your pennies, you’ve got your expensive PC or next-gen console (if you’ve been lucky enough to get your hands on one), but how do you get the best out of it? From desks to chairs to LED lights to posters, there is positively tonnes to choose from. But thankfully, there’s an equal amount of awesome examples to get your imagination going.
Keeping things original is key. You don’t want to rip off someone else’s setup entirely. And luckily, you don’t have to get that exact desk or colour combination you saw online. Simply take a bit of inspiration from our list and pick what suits your own room best. So, without further ado, here are the top 5 best gaming setups we love for 2021…
#5 – Simple minimalism
It might seem simple, but this minimalist design delivers the cool factor. With no pink LEDs in sight, the clean white aesthetic is sophisticated which makes it perfect for anyone whose gaming setup doubles as a home office. Combine that with the green accent of the desktop wallpaper and PC LEDs, and you’re onto a winner.
Accessory wise, this setup boasts a stylish yet simple mix without being obnoxiously flashy. The compact Mac-style keyboard goes nicely with the mat beneath it. And the contrasting keys mirror the black/white look found elsewhere. The side mounted monitor stand is a great shout, too. It helps the LEDs standout and really boosts the focus on the monitor.
The potted plant in the glass PC case is an awesome and unique touch. Although, I shudder to think how much maintenance that case will require.
#4 – Orange comfort
Orange is an interesting choice, and not one you see too often. It adds a unique colourful touch that’s warm and inviting. Almost like a gamer’s fireplace. What really makes the orange palette are the NANOLEAF lights, with every third panel being white. It adds a nice relief to the fiery orange and compliments the white PC case, desk, and chair.
Speaking of the white accessories, they keep things simple but stylish. If you want to look like a tech-god, white is always a solid choice… As long as you don’t mind the cleaning, that is. The keyboard is a hallmark on this one. Tight and compact but with an incredible ambient glow, it contrasts the wide monitors and desk but looks just right.
Three monitors is a smart choice – two smaller ones linked for PC gaming, and one bigger, wall-mounted TV. It means you can effortlessly swap to a more cinematic experience without skipping a beat.
#3 – One with nature
Fancy a relaxation station? This might just be your thing. Reddit user u/matttwearsahat shared their setup on the r/battlestations subreddit, and it’s hard not to be jealous of their natural style. Anyone could chill here.
The plants might not be for everyone, but they compliment the high-tech kit well. They might seem like a bit of effort, but one raid of IKEA’s plant section should set you up nicely. And it’s a nice change from your usual gamer ornaments, too.
The dark wood varnish on the desk goes well with the black PC and monitors. And it makes everything feel more masculine. Admittedly, this looks like the perfect setup for a vegan gamer. But you can’t deny the appeal of slipping on those headphones and getting stuck in surrounded by nature.
Best gaming setups 2021: #2 – Dream bedroom
Working with limited space? This setup shows what’s possible even when you’re spatially constrained. Thinking back to when I was a kid, this looks like a dream.
Firstly, it looks realistic and attainable thanks to the absence of ultra clean whites and presence of everyday furniture. Secondly, it caters to your every gaming need. Battle station to indulge in a spot of PC gaming? Check. Big TV for movies and cinematic console games? Check. There’s even a sneaky Nintendo Switch stand on the bedside table.
The use of two separate sets of LEDs (each set to a different colour) really helps to partition off the room. This makes it look bigger than it is. And when you’re trying to make the most out of the space you’ve got, it’s a must.
Best gaming setups 2021: #1 – Sophisticated style
It really doesn’t get much nicer than this. Of course, you can go for flashing RGB lights like the Las Vegas strip, or copious branded ornaments as if Sony is paying you a salary. But, ultimately, the goal should always be to look effortlessly cool. And this achieves just that.
Everything looks clean, but not sterile thanks to the wood-finish on the desk. Combine that with the classy industrial lamp, and you’ve got a seriously sophisticated space. Ideal for your home office-come-gaming battle station.
The PC case is the centrepiece, though. The single glass panel showing off the starship-like LED fan gives the whole setup a much needed techy edge. And it’s complimented perfectly by the chair. After all, a gamer needs a comfy chair. And when you’re done playing through Steam’s back catalogue, you can always sit back and gaze out the window. Ideal.
Did you take some inspiration from our list of best gaming setups? What kind of thing are you doing with your space? Let us know in the comment section below and don’t forget to check out our other gaming articles…
