Garage Shelves: Essential for your Man Cave

The big thing in garages right now is the "man cave." You know, every guy needs a refuge to kick back with buddies to watch the big game and relax a little. A man cave is a place for guys to call their own and enjoy what they love. It can be anything from a golf-inspired room to work on your putting or a soundproofed room for reunions with your college band. With just a little effort, you can transform your garage space, which is probably being wasted anyway, into the perfect getaway just a few feet from reality.

The first thing to do is clear the space from all the unnecessary things that have likely accumulated in there. Is it more important than your man cave? Then find somewhere else to store it. If it isn't, get rid of it. Next, take a walk through your garage and envision what you want it to look like. Picture yourself coming out after a long day and see what you would like to be coming out into. Is it a dark, den-like atmosphere? Is there a pool table? Putting green? Big screen TV? Just don't imagine, say, a bowling alley in a too-small space. Be realistic.

Next, decide what you want the central theme of your man cave to be. Is it that gem of a pool table you found last week? an antique juke box that belonged to your grandfather? a picture of dogs playing poker? a Harry Potter poster? Whatever it is, choose one to be your inspiration, and you'll work around it for the rest of your cave. Then pull out some paper and start designing. Measure the room and plot out where furniture and pieces will go so you're not surprised by anything not fitting quite like you imagined when you actually start putting the room together.

Make some lists of required supplies and tools, and then put together a budget (Don't worry, this is the last of the boring work. But trust me, it will make the real physical process so much easier). Decide what needs to be done, what you can do, and what you need help with. You don't want shoddy workmanship in your man cave, so make sure to hire a professional if there's anything you're not sure how to do.

One great thing to think about putting in your man cave is a half wall, or kneeling wall. A half wall is perfect for dividing a space but not completely cutting sections off from each other; to separate, say, your TV space from a simple food prep area.

There are all sorts of custom furniture you can design for your man cave, from a trophy case to a home theater system. A simple must, though, is garage shelves.

Before you get too set against the idea, let me remind you that garage shelves are no longer those horrible white cork kind of pieces that start falling apart the day after you install them. Today, they're sleek and durable, and can be set up in countless configurations to accomplish exactly what you need. Just one cabinet? Check. An entire wall of drawers, cupboards, work bench and closet? Check. Look great? Double check. Garage shelves will be necessary not only for storage of items that really belong in your man cave, but also for those things that just couldn't find a home anywhere else when you cleaned out in the beginning of the project. Sports equipment, lawn tools, etc can be easily hidden in some attractive garage storage products.

I'd say you're well on your way to the man cave you dream about coming home to. Let's just go over a few dream-worthy man caves to give you a little more inspiration. My favorite style is reminiscent of a Tuscan wine cellar, with an aged wood table and the signature Tuscan color scheme of tans and deep red-browns. What better place to unwind and escape from the everyday- every day! For a hockey-themed room, a great little tip is to coated the floor in a high-gloss epoxy so it looks just the ice rink. Throw in a TV for the game, some chairs in your teams colors and an air hockey table, and you are set. Basketball fan? Put in some lockers and trophy cases to showcase your victories and love for the game.

Whatever you decide to do with your man cave, just make sure it's "you." It'll be your favorite room in the house.