5 Man Cave Essentials You Need Right Now

If you’re like almost everyone else, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced you to be at home now for quite some time. While most states are now re-opening in phases, the major consensus is still to remain home as much as possible in order to socially-distance yourself from others. 

Sounds like the perfect excuse to finally add on to that ‘safe haven’ in your basement, den, garage, etc. 

While the term “man cave” tends to get overused, there is still a lot to be said for having your own personal space you can feel comfortable in within the walls of your own home. Who doesn’t need something like that right about now? But, there are a few essentials you need to really make that space your own. 

So, if you’ve perfected grilling a steak, working on your car, and you’ve caught up on all of your favorite classic baseball games that ESPN has been replaying, why not get a little creative and make additions to your own personal sanctuary in your own home? 

Let’s cover a few tips you can use to make it happen. Keep these essentials in mind to turn any space in your house into your ultimate den of relaxation. 

1. A Comfortable Chair/Recliner

When most people think about a ‘man cave,’ a big screen television probably comes to mind. Or, the best bookshelf speakers for surround sound or playing your favorite music. While those things definitely are important for some guys, not everyone watches that much TV. 

That’s why man cave’s tend to get such a bad rap. It’s easy to think they’re all the same. 

Maybe you want to use your space for a hobby like wood carving or listening to old records. Or, maybe you want it to double as a home office where you can make business calls and work in peace. No matter what you decide to do in this space, however, it’s important to be able to relax and find comfort as much as possible. That’s the true purpose of a man cave. 

So, investing in a comfortable recliner that you can sit in for hours on end should be at the top of your list. While you can find plenty of options online, nothing beats actually going to a furniture store and trying different models out for yourself. It will give you the best chance of making the right decision on a chair that fits your needs. 

2. A Bar/Fridge

Because you’ll undoubtedly be spending a lot of time in your new and improved man cave, you’ll want to make sure that there’s plenty to eat and drink. Some spaces go all out with a full bar, which is a great way to express yourself. You can put up banners of your favorite teams, old concert posters, vintage knick knacks, or anything else that shows off your personality behind the bar. Having a full bar can automatically turn your man cave from a place you go on your own to a place you’re excited to share with your friends. 

But, if you don’t have the space for a full bar or you don’t want to invest in building one, a refrigerator is always a great option. You can stock it with your favorite drinks, and even include snacks or ingredients to put a quick meal together. This can be especially useful if you’re down there watching a movie or a game, or if you’re working and need to take a break. 

3. Games

Even if you do decide to use your man cave for work, keep in mind that its main purpose should be for relaxation. That means creating an environment of fun. So, depending on the amount of space you have, try to include some kind of gaming aspect to the room. If you have a large area, for example, a pool table is a great centerpiece that never goes out of style. 

If you’re short on room, hang a dartboard on the wall and invite your friends over for a friendly competition. Darts are a great way to take a break on your own, too, challenging yourself to beat your best score. 

4. Extra Seating

Speaking of having friends over for a little competition, it’s always a good idea to have some extra chairs or couches in your space, too. 

Most guys want to show off their home sanctuary, and that’s half the fun! Whether you want to invite people over for the big game or just to relax and enjoy a good meal, having extra seating adds an element of comfort, and can make anyone who comes over automatically feel more welcome. 

Plus, your space will likely have to sometimes double up on its functionality. If you host holidays at your house, for example, having extra seating is a great way to keep your guests happy. Plus, if your extended family is starting to feel a little overwhelming, you can sneak off with a few of your favorites and relax together!

5. Your Own Personal Touches

This is your opportunity to get creative. If you have free reign on this particular room, it should be a complete showcase of your personality, no matter what you’re into. While man caves might typically get stereotyped into sports dens, if that’s not your thing, then don’t feel forced to turn it into one!

For example, if you like music, display your favorite records. If you’re into cooking, invest in shelving lined with cookbooks or have food-themed posters surrounding the room. If you’re a craft beer enthusiast, have some of your favorite labels blown up and framed. 

The sky is truly the limit when it comes to making a man cave your own. If you’ve already got the space but you’ve been putting off turning it into something great, there is truly no time like the present. While it might be a bit of an investment to get some of these things, they will be well worth it for all of the time you’ll be spending in your space. 

So, get yourself a drink, decide what you really want your perfect man cave to look like, and seek out some of these important essentials to bring the room together.