Do you ever wish you had your own space? A place to kick back, relax, invite some friends round and watch a game? A place away from soft furnishings, matching colours and noisy kids? Then you need a mancave.
It doesn’t matter if it’s as big as a barn or the size of a shed, mancaves are a must have, especially for watching sports. After all, where else can you paint the walls the colour of your favourite team and display all your sporting memorabilia?
If you’ve always dreamt of creating your own den but weren’t sure where to start, here’s our guide to what makes a perfect mancave for sports fans.
What makes a perfect mancave for watching sports?
First of all, you need a space and it doesn’t matter how big or small it is, there are plenty of ways to get creative. So, whether it’s a garage, basement, loft or shed at the bottom of the garden, it can still be transformed into the perfect venue.
TV
Let’s get right to it and talk about the most important aspect of any mancave built for watching sports. The television.
You’re going to be watching a lot of TV – whether it’s sports, movies or playing video games with your friends – so it’s important to make the right decision.
When choosing the screen size, consider how far away from the screen your seating area will be. If you want to feel part of the action then big is best – nobody wants to feel like they’re sitting in the cheap seats.
Why stop at just one screen? If you’re budget can stretch to it, it’s a great idea to add another TV showing live stats for the big game or fight.
The Super Bowl is just around the corner, while it is packed full of drama, it goes on for hours so another screen with your favorite box set playing could be most welcome. Alternatively, put on the sports news stay in the loop with the in-game Super Bowl odds so you can make informed choices as you take advantage of in-play betting.
Sound
Okay the TV’s sorted, you’ve now got a front row seat to the game. But if you really want to feel like you’re in the stadium and part of the action, you need to think about sound.
You may be restricted depending on the layout and size of your room, but surround sound is the best way to go. Alternatively, soundbars offer a great option, and are a cheaper alternative with similar effects.
A good sound system is also perfect for the post-game party music or hearing every detail when you’re playing video games like Call of Duty. So, if you can, stretch that budget, because the better the system, the better your experience will be.
Drinks
If you have the room, a bar area is a smart addition to any mancave and a great place to hang out with friends. Installing a bar is one of the most popular DIY projects and it can be as simple, or as elaborate, as you want it to be.
The easiest way to get a cold beer is to install a fridge. That way you won’t miss any of the game while you run to the kitchen to grab a drink.
It’s important to think about how many people will be in your mancave come game day. Buy a fridge that can hold enough drinks for everyone without the need to constantly refill it.
If space and budget are an issue, a mini fridge is perfect.
Seating
A man cave is where you go to relax so it’s important to get the seating right. Sofas are a simple, cheap way to provide seating for everyone, but every great man cave needs a dedicated chair for the boss.
This is your room and you get to decide what goes in it, so pick a chair that matches the look you’re going for. Whether it’s an antique, a classic easy chair, or something more modern, your cave’s centrepiece should match your style and help you relax.
When arranging seating, remember to optimise your tv experience by sitting the appropriate distance away from your TV. Seating placed against the walls allows room in the middle for a games table, or a place to put your food and drink.
Video Games
A sport themed mancave isn’t limited to just watching sports, it’s also the perfect place to play games of your own. Whether it’s tabletop or video games, no mancave should be without them.
An old arcade machine in the corner is a cool edition to any room, or maybe some retro pinball? Why not hook that big TV up to a gaming console and get some multiplayer action going with your friends?
Whatever your design is, it’s important to remember that your mancave doesn’t have to be expensive. Start small if you only have a small budget and you can upgrade over time.
Now grab a drink, sit back, relax and enjoy the game.
