How to Create a Man Cave on Any Budget

These excerpts are from the post by Ryan John Lesnau via interiordecorating.suite101.com

Creating a Personal Space for Men to Relax with Friends on a Budget.

A Man Cave offers men with a sanctuary that allows them to follow their interests in a personalized environment.
Since the beginning of time, men have always needed a place to call their own. They need a place where they are able to enjoy the more masculine things in life without being judged by others that may be around.
Over the past couple of years the Man Cave has become a new addition to many houses, a refuge where men are able to create a face for themselves. By following these simple steps, men will be able to have their own Man Cave no matter what their budget is.

Since this space is an individual’s personal space, it will change from one person to the next. Whether an individual’s Man Cave is in the basement or in the garage, it is important that they incorporate their own interests into the room.
For those that are football fans, team memorabilia may adorn the walls, along with a 72-inch plasma screen television. For the movie buff, a variety of movie posters on the wall with a projector to get a movie theater experience. Once a theme has been chosen, it is time to load the cave with cool stuff.

• Outfitting the Cave

Whether the individual is a football fan, a movie buff or anything in between, the television is the main component of any Man Cave. This could range from a projector screen with surround sound to a seven inch black and white.
For those that have the money to spend a few thousand on a great entertainment system, and a significant other that will let them, more power to them. However, for those that are on more of a budget, garage sales and pawn shops will often have televisions for sale, but always remember these two words: Buyer Beware.
Along with the television, it will be necessary to hook it up with cable or satellite, a DVD player and possibly even a few gaming systems. For those that still have a little extra cash lying around, top it all off with a nice surround sound system.

• Buy Furniture

Now that the Man Cave has something to watch, it will be necessary to have something to sit on, such as a large couch or recliner. For those that are planning to use the Cave as in individual getaway, a recliner is the best option. However, for those that are more social and plan on having buddies over for the big game, a large couch will be needed.
Always remember, there needs to be enough seating so that no two guys are touching each other. Again, for those that don’t have a bottomless wallet, local thrift stores oftentimes carry furniture at decent prices.

• Dress Up the Cave (Like a Man)

A Man Cave doesn’t have to be empty walls and cement floor. For those that already have carpet down, there is no problem, but those that are working with cement floors will have to determine if they want to throw down some carpet or leave it as it is.
Also, walls can be filled with a variety of items that go along with the theme, as stated above.

• Fill It with Fun

The point of a Man Cave is for men to feel in their element when in it. One easy way to do this is to fill the room with items that describe that person. The poker player will possibly want a card table and chairs set up to play during the game. The entertainer may want to have a bar stocked with their favorite drinks.
Others may want to have a pool table, foosball table, dart board, etc. A Man Cave isn’t a Man Cave unless there is fun to be had in it.

• Close the Door and Enjoy

The ultimate Man Cave is self-contained. There should be a well-stocked fridge within reaching distance, and in turn, a bathroom isn’t a bad idea either. Also, when entering a Man Cave, always close the door on the way in. There is nothing worse than kids seeing their dads acting like children.
So whether a man is a millionaire or has just moved into an apartment, the Man Cave principle is the same. It is a place of sanctuary and enjoyment, allowing men to do what they enjoy, and knowing that the Cave is their territory.