Some people seem to think that you have to dig a tunnel on the site of a university in order to have a successful getaway. Getting away from it all and having a good “man cave” can be something to incorporate into your home that won’t raise the ire of the police and government officials.
I was impressed with the structure the guys created in their underground man cave. They were not engineers nor did they possess any construction skills but still managed to create a fairly sturdy structure. I would still recommend that you hire a designer so you don’t end up with a dirt floor and a couple of lawn chairs as decor. With a decent plan you can have a cool and inclusive man cave that will work for everyone.
The man cave seems to be synonymous with a television. Watching sports is almost synonymous with a “night with the boys.” Getting a great television should be part of making the man cave come together.
The experience of watching Italy or the Raptors kick their opponents in the aspirations is far better on a large format, great quality television.
When you’re setting up the man cave, the focus should definitely be on the television.
Even if you choose to use the room to read, you can still be comfortable on a sectional sofa in front of the television. When you select a TV, be a realist. A room that is 10-by-10 isn’t made to hold a 90-inch screen comfortably.
The television goes with the room, not with how “tough” you are. Get the advice of an audiovisual specialist. When it comes to sound equipment, I have a newfound love of Sonos. Many people install very high-end sound systems; however, when the time comes to sell, the new owners don’t appreciate the value and won’t pay for it. Sonos is wireless and allows you to take your system with you wherever you go!
The next important thing to add is a bar. This could be suitable for anything from a fine wine to a craft made beer. It should be hidden in cabinets so that it isn’t a feature of the space and kept out of kids’ view until the grownups are alone.
The days of sidling up to the basement bar are, thankfully, well behind us, but a fine single malt or a great Cabernet is all the rage. You will have to decide the importance of the bar to you, but having a water source and a fridge are definitely things you want to consider. If your space is constrained, then a trip to the kitchen is certainly acceptable.
At the very least get a garbage can! If it’s going to be a collection of beer bottles and half-eaten bags of chips, you should join the group in the university dugout.
The ideal man cave should be inclusive but have the options for privacy.
Pocket doors are a great way of keeping the world out and the noise in, for a game of cards or the game. Open the doors up for movie night, and the man cave is a family friendly space. The design can be masculine without being “beer steins and pin-up girls.” Warm rich colours, dark woods, grey flannel or navy blue fabrics make a room masculine without being ridiculous. The rule can be “If the doors are closed, cave in session!”
There is really no need to dig a hole in the backyard to get a decent man cave. Carve a space out in your home, and the cave will be more like a gentleman’s lounge.
