For a teenager who spends a lot of time gaming, a gaming bed can be a great way to combine their sleeping area with a dedicated gaming setup. But not all gaming setups are the same.
A PC gamer may need a large desk for monitors, keyboard, mouse and a desktop computer, while a console gamer may be more interested in space for a PlayStation or Xbox, a large monitor or TV, controllers and somewhere to keep accessories.
So, should you choose a PC gaming bed or a console gaming bed?
The answer depends largely on how the bed will be used, what equipment your teenager already has and how much space is available in the bedroom.
What is the difference between a PC gaming bed and a console gaming bed?
The basic idea is the same: both combine a bed with a dedicated gaming area, usually incorporating a desk or workstation.
The main difference is the equipment the gaming area needs to accommodate.
A PC gaming setup generally requires more desk space because the user needs somewhere for a monitor, keyboard, mouse and potentially a desktop PC, speakers and microphone.
A console gaming setup can be more flexible. The console itself is relatively small, but the setup may require a larger screen, controllers and additional storage.
There is some overlap, of course. Many teenagers use both a PC and a console, and a good gaming bed can accommodate either depending on its design.
PC gaming beds
A PC gaming bed is particularly suited to someone who plays games on a desktop computer or laptop.
The desk becomes the heart of the setup, so desk size and depth are two of the most important things to consider.
A typical PC gaming setup might include:
- Gaming monitor
- Gaming PC
- Keyboard
- Gaming mouse
- Headset
- Speakers
- Microphone
- Webcam
- Phone
- Controllers
- Charging equipment
That's a lot of equipment to fit onto a desk.
If your teenager uses two monitors, or is interested in streaming or creating gaming content, desk space becomes even more important.
How much desk space does a PC gamer need?
There isn't a single correct size.
A compact setup with one monitor and a laptop can work perfectly well on a smaller desk.
A more serious gaming PC setup might need substantially more space.
As a rough guide:
Around 120cm: Good for a compact single-monitor setup.
Around 150cm: A useful size for a larger single-monitor or dual-monitor setup.
Around 180cm: Better suited to larger multi-monitor setups, streaming equipment or users who want plenty of workspace.
Don't forget depth either. A desk can be wide enough but still feel cramped if there's insufficient space between the user and the monitor.
What makes a good PC gaming bed?
If you're choosing a gaming bed for a PC gamer, look particularly closely at the desk.
A large desktop
This gives your teenager room to position their monitor, keyboard and mouse without everything feeling cramped.
Monitor positioning
Some gaming beds incorporate raised shelves or dedicated monitor areas. These can help position the screen while leaving more of the main desk available.
Space for the PC tower
Check where the desktop computer will actually go.
A PC tower needs somewhere secure and accessible, with sufficient ventilation. Don't assume that because a bed has a large desk, the PC will automatically fit conveniently underneath or beside it.
Cable management
A gaming setup can generate a surprising number of cables.
Think about where the power sockets are located and how cables will run between the computer, monitor and other equipment.
A comfortable chair
The desk may be built into the bed, but the chair usually isn't.
Make sure there is sufficient space underneath and around the desk for a proper gaming chair.
Console gaming beds
Console gaming is slightly different.
A PlayStation or Xbox doesn't necessarily require the same amount of desk space as a PC, but the screen and viewing position become more important.
A console gaming setup might include:
- PlayStation or Xbox
- TV or gaming monitor
- One or more controllers
- Headset
- Charging dock
- Games
- Speakers
- Accessories
Storage can therefore be particularly useful.
A console gaming bed with shelves can provide somewhere to keep controllers, games and other accessories rather than having them scattered around the bedroom.
Should a console gamer use a TV or monitor?
This is largely a matter of personal preference.
A TV can be useful for a more relaxed console setup, particularly if the teenager likes to sit further away from the screen.
A gaming monitor may be preferable for someone who wants a more traditional gaming-desk setup.
The important thing is to check the dimensions of the screen before choosing the bed.
Don't buy the bed first and then discover that the television or monitor you want to use doesn't fit the available space.
PC vs console: which needs the bigger desk?
Generally, PC gaming requires more desk space.
A console can potentially be positioned on a shelf or underneath the desk, leaving the main surface available for the monitor and controller.
A PC setup may need room for the monitor, keyboard, mouse and other peripherals, while the PC tower itself can also take up considerable space.
However, a serious console gamer can still need a substantial workstation, particularly if they use a large screen and multiple accessories.
The best approach is to measure the equipment you already have.
Before buying, measure:
- Monitor/TV width and height — Will the screen fit comfortably?
- PC tower — Where will it sit?
- Keyboard and mouse — Is there enough usable desktop area?
- Controllers — Is there somewhere convenient to store them?
- Speakers — Will they fit either side of the monitor?
- Headset — Is there somewhere to hang or store it?
- Gaming chair — Can it be pushed underneath the desk?
This takes a few minutes and can prevent a lot of frustration later.
What if your teenager plays both PC and console?
This is becoming increasingly common.
If they use both, don't necessarily choose a bed labelled specifically for one type of gaming.
Instead, look at the actual workstation.
A large desk with useful shelving can often accommodate both a PC and a console.
For example, the PC can occupy one side of the setup while a console is positioned on a shelf or underneath the desk.
If both systems are likely to be used regularly, prioritise:
- Larger desk space
- Good cable management
- Additional shelving
- Storage for controllers
- Multiple power sockets
- Enough space for the preferred monitor or TV
This can make the gaming bed much more future-proof.
PC gaming bed vs console gaming bed for a small bedroom
This is where gaming beds can be particularly useful.
In a small bedroom, a conventional arrangement might require:
Bed + gaming desk + storage
That's three separate pieces of furniture competing for floor space.
A gaming high sleeper can instead put the bed above the workstation.
The result is that the floor underneath the sleeping area can be used for gaming, studying or storage.
For a teenager with a small bedroom, this can make a surprisingly large difference.
A PC gaming high sleeper can be particularly effective because the desk underneath effectively replaces a separate computer workstation.
A console setup can benefit from the same principle, particularly if the bed incorporates shelves or storage.
PC gaming beds aren't just for gaming
One of the advantages of choosing a gaming bed for a teenager is that the desk can serve several purposes.
During the school day it can be a:
- Homework desk
- Study area
- Laptop workstation
- Creative space
And in the evening it becomes a gaming setup.
This is worth considering when choosing the size of the desk.
A teenager may initially only need enough space for one monitor and keyboard, but as they get older they may need room for school books, a laptop and other equipment.
A larger desk can therefore make the furniture more useful for longer.
What about LED lighting?
LED lighting has become closely associated with gaming setups.
Many gaming beds incorporate LED lighting to create the familiar gaming-room atmosphere.
It's certainly a feature that many teenagers enjoy, but it shouldn't be the main reason for choosing a particular bed.
I'd prioritise:
- Construction
- Bed size
- Desk size
- Storage
- Safety
- Suitability for the room
- Gaming features
- Appearance and lighting
A gaming bed that looks impressive but doesn't accommodate the equipment properly isn't going to make a good gaming setup.
Which gaming bed is best for a PC gamer?
For a PC gamer, I'd concentrate on desk size and workstation design.
Look for:
- A generous desktop
- Enough depth for the monitor
- Space for keyboard and mouse
- Somewhere for the PC tower
- Monitor shelving where useful
- Cable-management possibilities
- Storage for peripherals
- Enough space for a comfortable chair
A dedicated PC gaming high sleeper can be an excellent option where bedroom space is limited because the sleeping area is positioned above the workstation.
Which gaming bed is best for a console gamer?
For a console gamer, consider:
- Screen size
- Screen position
- Console storage
- Controller storage
- Headset storage
- Desk or shelf space
- Cable management
- Viewing position
A console-oriented gaming bed can provide a dedicated place for the console and screen while keeping controllers and accessories organised.
If the teenager is likely to switch between console and PC gaming, however, a more versatile workstation may be the better long-term choice.
What if the gaming bed will be used by an older teenager?
This is another important consideration.
A gaming bed isn't necessarily something that will only be used for a couple of years.
A teenager buying a bed at 13 or 14 could potentially still be using it at 16, 17 or beyond.
Consider the overall dimensions, construction, maximum user weight and manufacturer's age recommendations rather than choosing a bed based purely on its appearance.
It's also worth thinking about whether the style will still appeal to them in a few years.
A design that looks exciting to a younger child might not be what a 16-year-old wants in their bedroom.
A more mature gaming bed can therefore be a better investment.
PC gaming bed or console gaming bed: quick comparison
| Feature | PC Gaming Bed | Console Gaming Bed |
|---|---|---|
| Large desk useful? | Very important | Useful |
| Monitor/TV | Usually monitor | Monitor or TV |
| Keyboard & mouse | Essential | Usually optional |
| PC tower | Usually required | Not required |
| Controllers | Optional | Essential |
| Cable management | Very important | Important |
| Storage | Useful | Particularly useful |
| Large desk | Often beneficial | Depends on setup |
| High sleeper | Excellent space saver | Excellent space saver |
| Homework use | Excellent | Excellent |
Which should you choose?
If your teenager mainly plays PC games, I'd generally favour a gaming bed with the largest practical desk and enough room for their monitor, keyboard, mouse and computer equipment.
If they mainly play PlayStation or Xbox, concentrate more on screen size, console positioning and storage for controllers and accessories.
If they play both, choose the most versatile workstation you can fit comfortably into the bedroom.
And if space is limited, don't overlook the advantages of a gaming high sleeper. Combining the bed and workstation vertically can free up a significant amount of floor space while giving your teenager a dedicated gaming and study area.
Ultimately, the best gaming bed isn't necessarily the one with the most gaming features. It's the one that fits the equipment your teenager actually uses, the space available in their bedroom and the way they expect to use the room.
Explore gaming beds for PC and console setups
Gamers Window offers a range of gaming beds designed for different gaming setups, including PC gaming beds, console gaming beds and gaming high sleepers with built-in desks, along with a range of standalone gaming desks.
Whether your teenager wants a dedicated PC workstation, a console gaming area or a combination of the two, choosing the right desk size, storage and layout can make the difference between a gaming bed that simply looks good and one that works brilliantly every day.
For a broader look at what to consider before buying, see our Gaming Bed Buying Guide.