Just the words ‘man cave’ inspire various thoughts of rich wall-to-wall wood paneling, a moose head hanging over a stone fireplace and perhaps a pool table or an extravagant theatre set-up. Whatever the case may be, a man cave is an important space for man: it gives them an escape from the stress of life. Man cave essentials can vary from guy to guy, but here are some of the more basic essentials.

1. Furniture
First and foremost, you gotta have furniture. This is a no brainer, but remember to put a little thought into it and shop around. Unless of course, you like being squished on a sofa with 3 other guys. No? Well then, buy some chairs.

2. Bar
Having a bar in the man cave is many a man’s dream. Having a few brews with the guys (while all sitting comfortably, and somewhat distanced) is practically a man law.

When designing a bar, make sure you include a ‘fridge, some storage space and of course, a sink. Don’t skimp on the details, even when it comes to the sink. Today, there are plenty of options for sleek, modern or even old-school style cabinetry and sinks. But, in a man cave, the cooler the bar—the better.

Sink Recommendations:

A standard bar sink from Kohler

Standard: This round, stainless steel sink from Kohler is basic and gets the job done. Enough said.

Modern: The square lines of this cast iron sink (also from Kohler) make it sleek and modern, especially when paired with an ultra-mod faucet or rich colored cabinetry.

Now who wants a drink?

Unique: Looking for something a little less ordinary? Bar sinks don’t have to be circular or square, they come in many different shapes, including this one which is martini shaped!.

3. The TV
What good is a bar—or a man cave, for that matter—without a television? Well, it isn’t. Be sure to stock your man cave with a huge flat screen. Unless you’d rather watch the figure skating finals with the women upstairs. No judgement.

A modern TV stand from Lite Source

On a side note, if you’re not mounting it to the wall, make sure you’ve got a stand and some extra shelving for all that extra equipment you’ll have. While you’re at it, why not go wireless with all your electronic gear? No one wants to trip over that mess of cords you’ve got going on back there.

4. Kegerator
Though this could technically go under “bar,” we felt it deserved it’s own spot on the list. Beer fresh from the keg is primo, and more importantly: your friends won’t have one.

This BrewMaster Kegerator from Haier holds half barrel kegs and comes complete with a tap system. Plus, it’s on casters so you can roll it right up to the couch. After all, why get up when you can just take the keg with you?

5. Game Systems
Every good man cave has some type of gaming system, whether you’re an Xbox or a Playstation guy (or perhaps, a pool table guy.) Whatever the case may be, just make sure you’ve got enough controllers for the rest of the guys (or pool cues, or whatever.)

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