What should I look for in a gaming desk for PC gaming?
Published
Short answer: For PC gaming look for a desk wide and deep enough for your monitor, keyboard and a mouse with room to move, plus a ventilated place for the tower, either on an open shelf or on the floor beside the desk. Cable routing and storage keep the setup tidy.
PC setups usually have the most kit: a tower, monitors, speakers, a microphone and lots of cables. That changes what you need from a desk.
Working out the desk size you need
Desk width is driven by your screens and peripherals. Measure the width of each monitor including its stand, add space for speakers or a microphone arm, and allow room for a mouse to move freely. Depth matters too: a deeper desktop keeps a large monitor at a comfortable distance and leaves space for a keyboard in front of it. Always compare these with the desktop width and depth on the product page rather than the overall footprint, which can include shelves or legs.
Set the desk up for comfortable play
The UK Health and Safety Executive's guidance for display screen work is a useful starting point for gamers too. Sit so your forearms are roughly level with the desk and your shoulders are relaxed, keep your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest, and position the screen about an arm's length away with the top of the screen at or slightly below eye level. A raised monitor shelf can help with screen height, and a desk that is deep enough lets you keep the keyboard and mouse in front of you rather than reaching.
Leave space for consoles and PCs to breathe
Consoles and gaming PCs produce heat and need air to circulate. Follow the manufacturer's guidance on clearance around vents, avoid shutting them inside a closed cupboard while they are running, and do not put them on soft surfaces such as a mattress or duvet. On a high sleeper with a desk underneath, keep the console or PC on the desk or a shelf with open sides rather than tucked into a tight corner.
Products to look at
These are in stock in the Bed Kingdom range at the time of writing; see each product page for the live price, full specifications and delivery time.
- Alphason San Diego Computer Workstation – Material: Multiple Density Particleboard (size guide)
- Parisot SetUp Midi Gaming Desk – Dimensions: 92cm x 154cm x 67cm (size guide)
- Parisot SetUp Walter Gaming Desk in Black – Dimensions: H 89cm x W 120cm x D 63cm (size guide)
- Parisot Setup Gaming Desk with Drawers & LED Lights – Dimensions: 92cm x 180cm x 67cm; Storage: Drawer, cupboard and open shelving units (size guide)
- Alphason Aries Gaming Desk – Material: Metal (size guide)
Browse more: Gaming desks, Gaming furniture, Gaming furniture sale.
Frequently asked questions
What should I look for in a gaming desk for PC gaming?
For PC gaming look for a desk wide and deep enough for your monitor, keyboard and a mouse with room to move, plus a ventilated place for the tower, either on an open shelf or on the floor beside the desk. Cable routing and storage keep the setup tidy.
How do I work out what width of desk I need?
Add up the width of your monitors and stands, then allow space for speakers, a microphone and free mouse movement, and compare with the desktop width on the product page.
What is the right screen position at a gaming desk?
About an arm's length away with the top of the screen at or slightly below eye level, following HSE display screen guidance.
Can I put a console in a cupboard?
Not while it is running unless the cupboard is open and well ventilated. Follow the console maker's guidance on clearance around vents.
Who can I ask for help choosing gaming furniture?
Bed Kingdom customer service on 01924 950108 or support@bedkingdom.co.uk.