Every man deserves a retreat where he can kick back with his friends and relax after a hard day’s work. A man cave is the perfect place for a guy to enjoy his free time and entertain his friends. Setting up a great man cave is a matter of selecting great entertainment equipment, such as arcade game machines, and creating a strong sense of manly ambience.
The following five items are man cave must-haves. When creating a man cave, it’s important to pick a room or area with plenty of space. Many men prefer to use a small shed or garage to create a getaway that is separate from their actual house. Remember to keep your man cave kid-friendly if you plan on inviting your son and his buddies to spend quality time in your hideaway.
Comfortable Furnishings No retreat would be complete without a wide array of comfy furnishings. Pick couches that feature stain-resistant fabrics or finishes so that you can avoid laboring over spills. If your man cave is on the small side, you may wish to store a stack of bean bags in the corner. Gaming chairs, sold in many discount stores, also offer a space-efficient solution to your man cave seating needs. Don’t forget to buy a solid table for friendly-but-competitive poker games.
A Full Bar Every man cave needs a full bar. You can either buy a bar ready-to-install from a specialty furniture store or build your own bar with simple supplies that can be found in any home improvement store. To maintain an intimate feel, make sure that you have a swinging door or gate that allows you to set yourself apart as the resident bar tender. A sturdy refrigerator is a bar must-have.
Arcade Game Machines Almost everyone loves playing a classic arcade game. Today’s arcade game machines mimic the look of the cocktail table arcade games of the ’80s but make use of the latest technology. Choose from classic titles like Pac Man, Galaga, Space Invaders, Ms. Pac Man, Dig Dug, Centipede, Donkey Kong and Frogger. In addition to providing entertainment for a guy’s-only night, these games will be loved by kids on those special days when they get to enter your man cave.
A Big Screen TV and Great Surround Sound System Entertaining is at the heart of any man cave. Be sure to impress your friends with a big screen TV and an amazing surround sound system. If you can, invest in a high-definition TV and a Blu-Ray player to ensure optimum enjoyment of movies, TV shows and sporting events. Tech-savvy guys may even want to take a look at 3-D televisions.
Vintage Signs, Posters and Neon Signs Decor will add a polished look to your man cave. For a real cave-like feel, paint your walls in dark colors and decorate them with fun signs. Choose vintage signs and posters that represent your favorite brands and pastimes. Bright, funky neon signs can be placed over the bar and in windows for an extra bit of fun.
Remember that a man cave should be a retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Focus on creating a fun, comfortable space that you can enjoy with your friends. Invest in great entertainment options and bar accessories to get maximum enjoyment out of your very own man cave.
Jill Burbank is a part of an elite team of writers who have contributed to hundreds of blogs and news sites. Follow her @JillBurbank2