Man caves should have three qualities; comfort, style, and entertainment. So it makes sense to design your man space according to those qualities. So what should be on your list?
I’ve rounded up a list of the top 10 man cave essentials. If you include these items, I’m certain you and your friends will have a great time hanging out there. So sit back, relax, and read up.
Top 10 Essentials for Man Caves
1. Beverage Refrigerator
One of the main purposes of having a man cave is so you can have everything you need in one room. This means not having to go upstairs or to the kitchen to get your favorite drink.
Every man cave must have a beverage refrigerator. This is the dedicated part of the house where you can relax, and it deserves its mini-fridge.
A mini-fridge with a glass door is essential for comfort as it can stock between 60 to 120 cans of ice-cold beer and sodas, so you’re prepared when your friends come over.
If you like to do some research on the best and affordable beverage cooler for your man cave, don’t forget to check out my guide and review.
2. Wide Flat Screen TV Plus Surround Sound System
I think everyone agrees with me when I say that a man cave without a flat-screen TV and surround system can’t be called a man cave. Without these two, what could you possibly do there?
All men will aspire to make it a home theater, because why not? Every man cave should have a wide flat-screen TV and surround sound system for PlayStation, Xbox, game, or movie night with the boys.
It is better to get a large TV (if budget permits). No one likes to watch the World Cup and play Call of Duty with a small television as this could strain your eyes.
Most importantly, no one likes to watch TV and play NBA with weak and unclear audio. It is best to pair your widescreen TV with a “fairly loud” media system.
3. Gaming Console
There are a lot of choices to keep the boys entertained when they come over. This is by making sure that guests are entertained with games. What are the options?
- PlayStation
- Xbox
- Gaming desktop
- Table tennis
- Pool table
- Dartboard
- Board games
- Poker table
- Arcade machine
I’m certain there are more choices of games to place on your man cave. So, pick a free spot, and deck it out with all of your gaming needs.
4. Wall Decor
Another man cave essential quality is style; this is the part of the house where you can show your decorating prowess. That’s why your man cave should be about your style.
Make your man cave one-of-a-kind by putting up wall decorations according to your liking. You can put up decorations right on your wall, depending on your hobbies and interests.
Here are some wall decors you can fill in your man cave basement:
- Fishing rod
- Personalized sign
- Memorable photos
- Paintings
- World Map
- Classic movie posters
I’m sure you’re having ideas now on what wall decors you might like to hang on your wall. You can also pick matching wood furniture that goes along with your wall decor.
As long as it’s something you like, go for it. This is your man cave, and you are free to fill decorations of whatever you like.
5. Comfortable Seating
Of course, you want to make sure that you and your companion are comfortably seated. That’s why it’s important to invest in a good couch for your guests or family where everyone can comfortably sit.
You might as well put new tables to complete the look. It wouldn’t hurt to spoil yourself with a massage recliner chair that only you can sit in.
If you’re going to go to the effort of building a man cave, you should also spend a little extra money on a high-quality massage recliner.
That way, you can get the full-blown relaxation experience every time you step foot into space. You can find my review of the best massage recliners here and see for yourself how nice they can be. [1]
You don’t have to buy an expensive one and many cheaper models offer a lot of the same perks as more expensive options without breaking the bank.
6. Team Memorabilia
If sports are your thing, you should show your team pride all year round in your man cave.
There are hundreds of team memorabilia options available that allow you to deck out your man cave from floor to ceiling.
If you’re a collector of sports memorabilia, then it would be the perfect room to put it all up. You can also fill your basement with real life-size cardboard print outs of your favorite athlete.
So that you can have a sports theme, you can get an area rug, throw blankets, pillows, or even signage of your favorite team or athlete. These little details will really reflect your love for sports.
7. Wine Rack
If you’re one of those men who want something a little more refined, a wine rack can be a great addition to your man cave.
Having a wine rack is a great way to give yourself a bigger beverage selection. The wine rack can also serve as additional storage for other liquor bottles as long as it will fit right into it.
It even adds a sophisticated feel that doesn’t take up much space.
8. Mini Bar
In addition to having a mini-fridge, it makes so much sense to add a mini bar on your man cave. You can build a DIY bar complete with lighting, sink, and you could fit everything you need.
Another option is you can invest in a portable wet bar. In this way, you can mix drinks for your friends when they come over.
I’m certain a cool beer is satisfying, but sometimes it’s nice to mix things up with some cocktail drinks, especially if you have girls over.
You can put in some snacks on the bar as well. If your minibar has extra storage, you can put it your favorite snacks like chips in there.
9. Mood Lighting
Having light fixtures that you can dim on command is a great way to set the mood for relaxing and unwinding.
You can also have additional themed lighting around your gaming area to help tie the whole room together. Both big and small light fixtures work well for this task. Be creative.
10. Workout Equipment
Since a man cave screams everything about testosterone, why now put in some workout equipment to pump up?
You can place a treadmill machine, adjustable dumbbells, some medicine balls, or a battle training rope. You always have the freedom to make your man cave your home gym.
That’s it!
Now you know the 10 things you need on your man cave, you can now buy with confidence and get everything you need to set up a fun and relaxing environment that you never want to leave.
You can check out other items on our page for other cool items you can place on your man cave.
References:
[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/massage/art-20045743
