A large TV, stellar surround sound, and game consoles can clutter your apartment with cords, controllers, and charge docks. Nobody likes hanging in a messy or downright dirty apartment, so instead revamp your space using clever tips and tricks to make your place more comfortable for you and your friends.
Follow these simple tips to create a sleek gaming setup that all of your friends will envy.
Set a Budget
Before you do anything drastic, set a budget for the setup that you want. Anyone can make a list of the best of everything, and add up the cost, but it takes creativity to live within your means. While you might have everything you dream of when you are done, you’ll be thankful you didn’t go into debt just to get a bunch of technology that will be outdated within a few years.
Flat Screen and Mount
Flat screen TVs have plummeted in cost over the past three years, and unless you want a 4K screen, you can get one for a reasonable price. Name brands like Sony, Samsung, and LG all have mid-range priced flat screen TVs, and once you mount a TV to your wall, it takes up the bare minimum of space in your apartment. With the right mount, your TV can be pulled from the wall and set at an angle so that no matter where you want to sit, you’ll have a great view of the screen.
Best Gaming Router
A typical router from a premier Internet provider should be all that you need. However, most Internet providers charge a monthly rental fee for routers. Save money in the long run and buy your own. The RT-AC88U is pricey, but it’s widely acknowledged as one of the best gaming routers on the market. If you want a router that is a little more budget friendly, TP-Link’s Archer C7 is a solid option and under $100.
You can buy your own here.
While you’ll be somewhat confined to where you can store your router due to where the Internet cable enters your apartment, you can disguise your router with an old book cover. It’s a simple, yet elegant approach if you want to keep your apartment clean and aesthetically pleasing.
Games and Consoles
For your games and consoles, get creative. An old apothecary cabinet is great for game storage, with a hip and simple aesthetic. For your consoles, buy some vintage suitcases and cut holes in the back for the cords. Etsy has many of these gems for a reasonable price. When you’re done playing a specific console, close the lid of the suitcase and stack your consoles.
A media cabinet is another more conventional option. While more expensive, a sturdy, well-made media cabinet can save you a ton of room, as most have a plethora of drawers and shelving for games and consoles. If you’re not sold on a wall mount for your TV, you can also use a media cabinet as a TV stand.
