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9 man cave accessories you’ve been missing

From garages to finished basements and everything in between, any room in the house can be a man cave with the right furniture, decor and accessories.

The best man caves include a wide selection of flexible entertainment options to occupy friends or even enjoy a few hours of much-needed solo relaxation. While big-screen TVs, recliners, video game consoles and stereo systems are traditional man cave essentials, you can level up your room with fun decor, neat gadgets and clever thinking. 

Set the mood with custom lighting

Whether you’re dozing off with a movie or playing video games with the guys, finding creative lighting for your space lets you change the vibe of the entire room with the flick of a switch or a few touches on your device. 

Smart bulbs

Smart bulbs screw directly into already existing fixtures and lamps. Using an app on your phone or tablet, you can select preset colors and even create your own custom hues and patterns.

Neon lights and signs

Neon lights and signs are great for mood lighting. With so many options available, you are sure to find a shape that suits your style and interests. Signs that advertise drinks are great for creating a saloon-like atmosphere.

Lava lamps

Everything old is new again. Lava lamps have endured over the decades because they give any space a gently moving, retro glow.

Man cave lighting tips

  • Cool lighting gives your space a mellow feel. If you’re looking to kick back, go for blues and purples.
  • Warm lighting, such as red, yellow or orange, can energize the room for conversation, card games or just hanging out.
  • Variable lighting that changes automatically with your music or TV is great for parties, movies, gaming or sporting events.

Entertain with pub games

You don’t need the space for an entire billiards table to bring the fun of your favorite sports bar into your home. Turn off the TV, and keep the bonding going with some classic games.

Dartboard

If you have the room, a dartboard can generate friendly competition among friends. Choose one that folds up into a cabinet for a clean, discreet look.

Foosball table

It’s impossible to enter a room with a foosball table without giving the players a spin or two. This addictive game will keep everyone playing well into overtime.

Trivia

Bring the bar home for the evening with a trivia game. From general facts to themed games that focus on movies, music or your favorite science fiction series, there’s a trivia game for every cave. 

Accessorize with fun gadgets

If you’ve already got the foundation of your man cave in place, put the cherry on top with quirky gadgets that add personality, fun and flair to your space.

Jukebox

Sound bars and smart speakers are great, but there’s something special about the look and feel of a classic jukebox. Small ones can sit on a shelf or table, making it easy to bring some nostalgic flavor into an otherwise modern environment.

Arcade cabinet

Step back into the golden age of retro gaming with an arcade cabinet. Today’s arcade cabinets are smaller than the originals. Most feature multiple games and won’t drain your guests of their quarters.

Virtual reality headset

Virtual reality has finally come to the masses in the form of small, portable headsets. Whether you want to watch a movie in a giant virtual theater or enjoy immersive gaming, the latest technology has never been more accessible.

Best custom lights for your man cave

Top smart bulb

Philips Smart Bulb 2-Pack

What you need to know: Light your room however you want with 16 million colors at your fingertips.

What you’ll love: These bulbs are controlled via an app on your device. They can also respond to voice commands through an Amazon Echo. They have a lifespan of up to 22 years and let you create your own personalized themes.

What you should consider: These bulbs are pricey, so lighting an entire room is expensive.

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Staples

Top neon light

TAADEEBO Custom LED Neon Signs

What you need to know: Design the sign of your dreams with vibrant, efficient LEDs.

What you’ll love: You can create your own neon sign using a variety of font choices and colors. From the name of your man cave to a favorite phrase or quote, these signs bring personality into your space.

What you should consider: Some buyers are disappointed in the quality of the hanging hardware and packaging.

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

Top lava lamp

Lava Lite

What you need to know: This lava lamp delivers retro vibes with its classic design.

What you’ll love: Hypnotic and moody, this lamp works by moving heated wax through a colored liquid, exactly like the ones from decades ago.

What you should consider: This is only available in one color configuration.

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

Best pub games for your man cave

Top dartboard

EastPoint Sports Bristle Dartboard and Cabinet

What you need to know: This dartboard closes up into a sleek, modern cabinet.

What you’ll love: You can keep track of the game with this dartboard set’s scoreboard. It’s made of tightly compressed fibers. The board’s surface heals itself when darts are removed. It includes six steel darts, two pieces of chalk and an eraser.

What you should consider: While affordable, this dartboard cabinet is flimsy and may not satisfy serious players.

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

Top foosball table

Best Choice Products Foosball Table 

What you need to know: This large foosball table looks like it's made out of classy hardwood.

What you’ll love: With its classic look, metal poles and realistic game pieces, this foosball table complements any man cave. It features cup holders on either side to keep refreshments at the ready.

What you should consider: This table’s particle board construction may not hold up over time.

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

Top trivia game

Trivial Pursuit: Classic Edition 

What you need to know: This Hasbro classic has stood the test of time by combining a board game and trivia into one experience.

What you’ll love: Team up with friends or play every man for himself in this enduring game of random knowledge. With topics ranging from history and science to pop culture and geography, experts of all kinds get a chance to flex their trivia muscles.

What you should consider: Fans of Trivial Pursuit may find the questions in this version too easy.

Where to buy: Amazon

Best gadgets for your man cave

Top jukebox

Victrola Nostalgic Wood Countertop Jukebox

What you need to know: This jukebox can fit right on your desk or shelf, as it’s small while maintaining its retro charm.

What you’ll love: This jukebox’s Bluetooth compatibility means you don’t have to sacrifice convenience for nostalgia. Vibrant lighting and traditional aesthetics make this speaker a great conversation piece.

What you should consider: This jukebox’s sound quality makes it a great secondary speaker system but not your primary one.

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Kohl's

Top arcade cabinet

Arcade1Up Ms. Pac-Man Home Arcade Machine 

What you need to know: This mini arcade cabinet packs in four classic games for Pac-Man lovers.

What you’ll love: Relive the past with Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man, Pac-Man Plus and Galaxian, all included in one machine. With its brilliant display and authentic styling, this cabinet will turn the corner of your man cave into a time machine.

What you should consider: Some die-hard retro gamers may not like this machine’s compact form factor and modern screen.

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

Top virtual reality headset

Meta Quest 2 Virtual Reality Headset

What you need to know: This VR headset includes everything you need to start venturing into virtual reality immediately.

What you’ll love: This set’s ergonomic padding and comfortable controllers allow for total immersion in your gaming. With hundreds of unique experiences available and no need for a powerful computer, this headset brings the cutting edge of gaming to your man cave at an unbeatable price.

What you should consider: A Facebook account is required to use this device. 

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

 

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Derek Walborn writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.

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