Lighting a gaming setup without eye strain

Accent lighting can give a setup character, but comfortable lighting starts with the room. A bright display in a completely dark room can feel harsh, and lights reflected in the screen can be distracting.

Balance the room and display

Use soft room light or indirect light behind the display to reduce the contrast between the screen and its surroundings. Adjust screen brightness to the room rather than leaving it at maximum. Move lamps until their reflections no longer sit in your normal viewing area.

Add colour with restraint

Accent lights work best when they support the setup instead of competing with the screen. Diffused light behind a monitor or under a desk tends to feel calmer than exposed LEDs aimed at your eyes. If you stream or take calls, test how the lighting looks on camera too.

Keep the controls simple

Choose lighting you can turn down or switch off quickly. A comfortable setup should work in daylight and at night, and should not require a complicated lighting routine every time you sit down.