Organizing your tabletop relies on choosing the right tools for your specific playstyle. Board gamers utilizing game tiles and meeples benefit greatly from card holders and bit trays. Conversely, Dungeons and Dragons campaigns require dedicated RPG setups, including the magnetic Shield of Secrets for a DM command center and player wings shells for managing stats.

What Are the Best Table Accessories for Board Games Like Catan?

Board games often involve a sprawling mess of game tiles, buildings, meeples, and cards. Keeping a game of Catan or similar board games organized requires giving every component a dedicated place.

Card holders: Essential for managing your hand, though they can be utilized for more than just card holding.
Bit trays: The ideal storage solution for keeping various game pieces separated and organized.
Utility Shelves: Dedicated zones surrounding the table for drinks, snacks, and all of your specific player bits.
Battle Dice towers: A perfect addition if you want to add an element of surprise and chance to every single roll of the dice.

What Is the Ideal Setup for RPGs and Dungeons & Dragons?

A true Dungeons and Dragons or RPG campaign demands a highly specialized tabletop setup. The focus shifts from managing game pieces to managing hidden stats, campaign materials, and storytelling elements.

Building the Ultimate RPG Setup

To effectively manage a D&D campaign, players and Game Masters require distinct zones:

The DM Command Center: The centerpiece for the Game Master is the Shield of Secrets. This is where you hang all of your player stats, player cards, and game sheets that go with the current campaign.
Player Wings Shell: These act as individual player stations. They securely hold game books, player sheets, dice, and all the necessary extras needed to participate in the game.
Mini Display Tower: A dedicated staging accessory used specifically to store all of the monsters who are scheduled to be entering the game next.

Pro-Tip: Magnetic Ergonomics for Game Masters

A standout design insight for the RPG setup is the Shield of Secrets. It is 100% magnetic—featuring absolutely no slots for insertion.

Accessory Comparison

Accessory Type	Board Game Setup	RPG & D&D Setup
Component Storage	Utility Shelves	Mini display tower (for monsters)
Player Organization	Player Wing Shelves/Utility Shelves (drinks, snacks, bits)	Player wing shelves (books, sheets, dice)
Game Master Tools	N/A	Shield of Secrets (DM command center)
Card/Stat Management	Card holders	Shield Of Secrets (via magnets)
Rolling Accessories	Dice tower	Dice tower

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you attach game sheets to the Shield of Secrets?

The Shield of Secrets is 100% magnetic and has no slots. You can directly hang player stats, game sheets, and cards onto the shield using magnets.

Where can I get advice on setting up my custom gaming table?

Whether D&D is your main focus or you enjoy a mix of board games, you can speak directly with design consultants by hopping into the chat on the Game Theory Tables website.

TTRPG Gaming

Standard Game/Dining Table

War Gaming & Large Tables

Clearance & Closeouts

From Catan to Campaigns: The Ultimate Table Accessory Guide for Board Games vs. RPGs