What is the difference between a gaming desk and a normal desk?
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Short answer: A gaming desk is usually wider, has features like a raised monitor shelf, headset or cable storage and sometimes LED lighting, and has a more gaming-inspired look. A normal desk can work perfectly well if it has the width, depth and sturdiness your setup needs.
There is no technical definition of a gaming desk, so the difference comes down to features and styling. Looking past the name to the actual dimensions and storage tells you which one suits you.
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.
Keeping cables and kit tidy
A gaming corner quickly fills with power leads, chargers and controllers. Plan where the nearest sockets are before you place the desk or bed, use a surge-protected extension lead rather than chaining adaptors, and run cables along the back of the desk or frame so they are not across the floor or ladder. Desks with drawers, cupboards or shelves give consoles, headsets and games a home, and storage under a bed is handy for things that are not used every day.
LED lighting: what to look for
LED strips are a big part of the gaming look and many gaming beds and desks include them. When comparing products, check the lighting line on the product page: whether the lights are built in, how they are controlled (for example by remote) and how they are powered, so you know whether you need a socket or USB port nearby. Softer, warmer settings are kinder in the hour before sleep, and being able to switch the lights off completely is worth having in a bedroom.
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 is the difference between a gaming desk and a normal desk?
A gaming desk is usually wider, has features like a raised monitor shelf, headset or cable storage and sometimes LED lighting, and has a more gaming-inspired look. A normal desk can work perfectly well if it has the width, depth and sturdiness your setup needs.
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.
How do I keep gaming cables safe?
Use a surge-protected extension lead, avoid chaining adaptors and route cables along the back of the desk or frame so they are not across the floor or ladder.
Do gaming beds with LED lights need a socket?
It depends on the product; check the lighting details on the product page to see how the LEDs are powered and controlled.
Who can I ask for help choosing gaming furniture?
Bed Kingdom customer service on 01924 950108 or support@bedkingdom.co.uk.