'Welcome to the Man Cave'

If you have the ultimate man’s man as a husband or boyfriend, you’ve probably heard the phrase “Man Cave” thrown around a few times. But how does the typical bachelor pad/husband’s den suddenly become worthy of Man Cave status?

A quick look at some of DIY Network’s best Man Caves will explain:

Man Cave no. 1

Entertainment in the form of sports and/or movie watching is key to any Man Cave. Flat-screen televisions in HD, the bigger the better, will do the trick. The television is the center of every Man Cave. Please note: A Man Cave is not only the place where the man can unwind and relax, but also serve as a one-stop spot to host all his male friends.

Man Cave no. 2

Next up on the Man Cave priority list is seating. How else are you going to watch the game on the big screen? Large leather couches are preferred over other styles for the following reasons: the look is masculine, resistant to spills, and comfortable. If a leather couch is not in the Man Cave works, expect the couches and ottoman to be in a neutral hue and anything but floral.

In between bouts of football and episodes of “The Office,” there must always be alternative forms of amusement. Darts, video games, guitar hero, dominoes, a poker table, beer pong – you name it, at least one of these must be found somewhere in a modern Man Cave. This is because the party is just beginning.

 Man Cave no. 3

No pinks or yellows are to be found in a Man Cave. After all, why do you think it’s called a cave? Wood accents, neutral shades of beige or brown, or shades of blue and black will set the tone. Emphasis is creating that dark, moody sort of brooding only a man would appreciate. Lighting and furniture accents follow the same pattern. Anything that yells “manly” can also be incorporated into a Man Cave: sporting equipment, decorative sports jerseys, movie posters, etc.

So, is your hubby’s “Men Only” lair worthy of Man Cave status? You decide.

-S. Gonzalez

 *Photos courtesy of diynetwork.com