Lighting can completely transform the vibe of your gaming space. A well-thought-out lighting setup can turn an ordinary desk into a glowing command center, boost immersion during late-night sessions, and give your setup that Instagram-worthy finish. And if you’re working with an L shaped gaming desk, you’re in luck—more surface area means more creative opportunities.
Whether you’re going full RGB or want something subtle and atmospheric, here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a stunning light setup on your L shaped gaming desk.
Start with LED Light Strips
The easiest and most effective way to level up your desk lighting is with LED strips. Run them along the back edge of the desk, underneath the tabletop, or even behind your monitors.
Where to install them:
- Underneath the main and side desk panels for a floating desk effect
- Behind your monitor(s) to reduce eye strain and create ambient backlight
- Along the wall edge or shelving for extra glow
Pro tip: Choose smart RGB strips (like Govee or Philips Hue) so you can control the color, brightness, and effects via your phone or voice assistant.
Add Bias Lighting Behind Your Monitor
Bias lighting is a soft glow that shines from behind your monitor. It enhances contrast and reduces eye fatigue during long sessions. It also looks super cool.
For L shaped setups with multiple monitors, consider getting individual backlight kits or a longer LED strip that covers the entire perimeter.
Bonus tip: Sync the lights with your on-screen content for dynamic lighting effects—great for both immersion and aesthetics.
Use RGB Desk Accessories
Light-up accessories are a must. Your keyboard, mouse, mouse pad, and even headset stand can all contribute to your light setup. Brands like Razer, Corsair, and SteelSeries offer RGB-synced gear that can be customized using software.
If your accessories support RGB synchronization, you can create a unified lighting theme that pulses or shifts together—whether it’s rainbow waves or color cycling to match your mood.
Integrate Smart Lighting
Take things to the next level with smart lights around your gaming room. Wall-mounted light panels (like Nanoleaf or Govee Glide Bars) add depth and personality to your setup and can be synced to music, games, or even stream alerts.
Ideas for smart lighting:
- Light bars on each corner of your desk or wall
- Wall panels shaped in triangles, hexagons, or custom designs
- Voice-controlled lighting zones (e.g. “Alexa, set my gaming lights to red”)
These additions complement your desk lighting and enhance the overall atmosphere.
Choose a Color Theme (Or Don’t!)
Lighting is all about vibe control. You can go two ways here:
- Single-color mood: Deep blue for focus, red for intense gaming, purple for chill vibes
- RGB madness: Rotating rainbow, reactive effects, or a gradient flow across your setup
Pick a palette that reflects your personality—or switch it up based on the time of day or your current game. Many setups look awesome with a cool-to-warm shift: blue on one side, orange on the other, creating a fire-and-ice aesthetic.
Consider Under-Desk Lighting
Don’t neglect the area under your desk. LED strips placed underneath can create a floating effect, especially when reflected off the floor. This is particularly effective for L shaped desks, as you have more edge space to work with.
Added bonus: This lighting can help guide your way when grabbing something at night without blinding yourself.
Use Lighting to Highlight Decor
If you’ve got posters, shelves, collectibles, or a fancy PC case, use lighting to highlight them. Small spotlights or LED pucks can add dimension to your room and make your setup feel more intentional.
Place small LED lights:
- Behind your PC tower (especially if it’s transparent or has fans)
- Under a floating shelf with action figures or gaming memorabilia
- Near the ceiling for a top-down ambient glow
Cable Management is Key
Even the best light setup can look messy if your cables are everywhere. Use cable sleeves, trays, or clips to keep things tidy. Not only does this improve airflow and prevent accidents, it also makes your lighting look cleaner and more professional.
Pro tip: Black cables on a black desk = invisible. Or go all-in and route everything underneath with Velcro ties.
Sync Lighting with Your Gameplay
Some platforms and gear (like Corsair’s iCUE, Razer Synapse, or Govee DreamView) allow you to sync lights with your gameplay. Imagine your desk pulsing red when your health is low or flashing with explosions during an FPS. It’s next-level immersion.
Even if you’re not into competitive play, syncing your lighting with background music or stream alerts adds a dynamic layer to your setup.
Test and Adjust
Lighting is a creative process—don’t be afraid to test different placements, brightness levels, or color combos. What looks good in daylight might feel overpowering at night. Take time to fine-tune your setup until it feels just right.
Final Thoughts
A stunning lighting setup doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a few well-placed LED strips, RGB accessories, and a bit of creativity, your L shaped gaming desk can become the centerpiece of your entire room.
Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or just vibing with your playlist, good lighting enhances the entire experience. And with an L shaped desk, the possibilities are literally glowing. So—ready to light up your space?
