The Cozy Gaming Setup I Wish I’d Had Sooner

When I first started working from home just over six years ago, my desk was purely functional. I'd never even had a desk at home, so I didn't really know what I needed if I'm honest.

I had a laptop, a monitor, and a mug of chai, and a boring black keyboard I'd bought off Amazon. It did what it needed to, but it never felt like mine. That corner of the house seemed to belong to work, and I would avoid going anywhere near it on my days off.

Over time, I realised I could create a setup that supported both sides of my life: data analyst by day, cozy gamer by night.

Shop my desk setup!

Now, my desk is my favourite place in the house. A tiny sanctuary that blends work and play, and it didn't really take too much effort to get there.

Work by Day, Play by Night

During office hours, my desk hums with practicality: dual monitors for dashboards and slides, an ergonomic chair from Musso, and my trusty mechanical keyboard.

But as soon as I finish work, the space transforms.

I turn on my Nanoleaf hexagon lights, which wash the wall in warm amber tones, and switch from spreadsheets to Stardew. My Amazon Echo starts playing Lofi Girl or a YouTube ambience video - sometimes café sounds, soft rain.

It’s the same desk, but it becomes a completely different world.

Building a Cozy Setup That Feels Like You

You don’t need an expensive gaming rig to make your space feel special. The key is personal touches; things that make you smile when you sit down and look at your desk.

Here’s what I chose to bring mine to life:

• An IKEA pegboard on the wall next to my desk, covered in photos, postcards, and for displaying my keyboard collection. Tiny plants spill from hanging pots - it's cheerful chaos.

• Shelves above my desk that hold more plants, framed cozy artwork, and my favourite plushies to keep me company through long workdays.

• A neon light of a cat. It’s whimsical, comforting, and a cat - it's my favourite part of the setup.

• PC wallpapers that match the season - usually featuring cats. My favourites are by artist Viktoja Borison. Every few weeks, I switch them up to keep things fresh.

Together, these things make my space feel cozy and comforting, like I’m in my own little world rather than just another home office.

Small Comforts, Big Impact

A cozy setup is as much about feeling as it is about design.

• Soft ambient lighting makes a huge difference (Nanoleaf lights are magic for this).
• Gentle soundscapes through my Echo help me focus or relax, depending on the moment.
• And yes - the right mug, blanket, and plant can turn even a Monday morning into something a lot better.

The Power of a Space That Supports You

Creating this dual-purpose desk has changed how I work and how I play. My workspace helps me focus during deep work hours and unwind when it’s time to chill out.

If you spend your days working from home, or you’re rediscovering gaming after 40, think of your setup as more than just functionality for work. It’s your creative environment, your mood-setter, and your little daily luxury.

And honestly - I wish I’d done it sooner.