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30 Bachelor Pad Essentials for Men
Forget the days when the term “bachelor pad” conjured up images of a few tattered pieces of furniture, a pile of dirty dishes sitting on the coffee table, and barely more than beer, ramen, and frozen meals in the kitchen. Your bachelor pad? You want it to be more than that.
You’re strong, successful, and have style to spare, and your bachelor pad should reflect that. Whether family is coming over for Sunday dinner, the guys are stopping by to watch the game, or a date is spending the evening, anyone who comes to your home should be able to get a good idea of who you are and what you love just from looking around your home.
Just because you’re constantly on the go doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have some place comfortable and inviting to come home to at the end of every day. You deserve that with how hard you work day in and day out.
So here’s the thing, guys. Whether you’re starting from scratch or you’re looking to take your bachelor pad to the next level, you don’t have to do it all at once. That’s the first part of the good news. The second is that it doesn’t even have to cost you a fortune (unless you want it to, of course).
If you have zero idea of where to start, don’t worry, we’ve made it easy for you. We get that it can be overwhelming or maybe you just hate shopping, but you’ve come to the right place. Below you’ll find 30 ideas for items that every bachelor pad needs so you’ll be able to use the list to figure out what you already have and what you need to buy.
Personalize this list to your preferences and before long you’ll have a bachelor pad that not only reflects who you are as a man but tells anyone who walks through the door how impressive you and your tastes are.
Top 30 Bachelor Pad Essentials
Best Buy
1. Wall Art
C’mon man, if you want your bachelor pad to impress, you can’t have all bare walls. Wall art makes a huge difference not to mention a statement. It’s also a way to get the conversation flowing. Have a date at your place? Talk about why you bought that artwork. Need some decor inspiration? See 30 apartment decorations for guys here.
2. Bed Sheets
If your bedding has cartoon characters, stains, or rips, or the texture is rough, it’s time for an upgrade. You may be surprised just how much of a difference high-quality sheets and blankets can make in how well you sleep not to mention how much it will impress your overnight guest. Not sure how to buy bedding? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered: Men’s Bedding Guide.
3. Nightstand
Picture this: you bring a date home, head to the bedroom, and there are condoms sitting on your bed ready and waiting. Real classy. Get a nightstand for your bachelor pad so you can discreetly store your private items where there’s no chance of anyone seeing them.
4. Sofa
Durable, stylish, and the ultimate bachelor pad must have: a leather couch. Consider this an investment piece that will hold up for years. Did we mention how comfortable they are? Just imagine coming in at the end of the day, putting your feet up, and settling in to buttery-soft leather while you watch your favorite movie.
5. Bed Frame
Why use a bed frame when you can just put the mattress on the floor, right? Wrong! You might be okay with sleeping on the floor, but your date likely won’t be, especially if they have to use a tuck-and-roll method just to get out of bed.
6. Books
Even if you’re not a huge reader of books, your bachelor pad should have at least a small library to showcase your interests. It doesn’t have to be much, but considering how many books there are in the world, chances are you’ll be able to find some that appeal to you. See the top 150 best books for men here.
7. Wine Glasses
Many of us have drank wine out of a plastic cup at some point (sorry, Mom!) but do you really want to do that when you have a date over and you’re trying to make a great impression? Probably not. Even plain dollar store wine glasses are better than nothing.
8. Baking Sheet
Every bachelor pad should be stocked with a baking sheet. If you’re wondering what the heck that is, it’s basically what’s going to allow you to bake french fries and other foods without them cooking unevenly. They’re also useful for preventing grease and burnt pieces from getting all over your oven.
9. Faux Fur Throw Blanket
One of the best pleasures in life is slipping under a giant faux fur throw blanket – and even better if it’s with your partner. The texture of the blanket makes it ideal to use all seasons and it’s stylish enough to double as an accessory in the living room or as a comforter in the bedroom.
10. Dutch Oven
No, a dutch oven isn’t what you’re probably thinking it is; this one actually goes in your kitchen and doesn’t happen in the bedroom. If you’re into making stews, chili, sauce, soup, and other dishes, a dutch oven is a great versatile item to have in your bachelor pad.
11. Bath Towels
Those scratchy, itchy bath towels that have holes and stains on them should quickly make a disappearance from your bachelor pad bathroom. If you’ve never had a really good set of luxury bath towels, you’re missing out, and so are any guests you have over. Treat yourself!
12. Hand Soap
We’re fairly certain guests aren’t going to be too impressed with your daily-use bathroom soap that has all little pieces of facial hair stuck to it. Get some luxury hand soap so when guests come over, you can easily just change it out with your regular one.
13. Desk
Any successful man knows that there’s no such thing as just doing the standard hours your employer sets. To get ahead in this world, you often have to do some work after hours. Rather than sitting on your couch, invest in an office desk so you can get some work done.
14. Candles
When guys think candles, many automatically envision ones that smell of flowers and unicorns, but if that’s not your thing, there are plenty of fantastic-smelling candles that are perfect for your bachelor pad. Think firewood, cedar, and bourbon. Put a couple in the living room, in the kitchen, and definitely put one in the bathroom.
15. Shoe Tree
Sorry, but no, you’re not supposed to just toss your dress shoes to the side when you come in the door. Getting a shoe tree can help protect your shoes from moisture damage so they’ll be able to last a lot longer. It’ll also help prevent the whole smell issue.
16. Chef's Knife
Kudos if you have skills in the kitchen, but if you want to go next level, you need a chef’s knife. If you’re going to spend money on any good knife, it should be this one. Whether you’re preparing fish or beef or cutting up vegetables, a versatile chef’s knife is a necessity.
17. Trash Can
Using a trash can might seem obvious, but we’re not going to get into how many guys only use a plastic bag instead. Your home shouldn’t be treated like a frat party. It’s best if you get a trash can (and don’t forget to clean it out once in awhile!).
18. Cooking Utensils
Get a good set of cooking utensils. Few things are sexier than a man who has what he needs to get things done in the kitchen. Have tongs to turn ribs, get a spatula to flip burgers, impress your date by offering up a taste of your homemade tomato sauce right off the spoon: you get the picture.
19. Toilet Bowl Brush
Are you planning on reaching your hand in your toilet to scrub it with a paper towel? We didn’t think so. Having (and using) a toilet bowl brush is a must to ensure any guest who goes to your bathroom isn’t going to be subject to seeing some unsavory grossness in your toilet.
20. Cast Iron Skillet
We’re going to change your life by telling you to get a cast iron skillet. It has a non-stick surface that also retains heat so you won’t be scraping away at burnt pieces when you’re trying to prepare a meal. If you don’t already have one in your bachelor pad, it’s a must.
21. Coffee Table
There’s nothing wrong with a regular coffee table, but a live edge wood one? It’s a masculine touch of décor that’s an attention-grabber. The coffee table will hold up well to everyday use and will make anything you put on it look even better. Combine it with a leather couch for an ideal pairing.
22. Suit Hangers
You want your suits and dress shirts to last as long as possible and look great during the duration you have them. Wood suit coat hangers can help make that happen better than wire hangers not to mention they look better in your closet.
23. Steak Knives
Steak is beautiful, juicy, delicious, and here you are ripping it apart with just any random knife. Get some steak knives and watch how much your whole steak-eating experience improves. Besides, using one means you’re less likely to accidentally send pieces flying across the room while cutting them.
24. Flatware
You’re not a caveman, so if you’ve been skipping using flatware at home, it’s time to upgrade. Every bachelor pad needs a set and they’re not even expensive. There’s also practically zero thought involved in the buying process, so have at it and let’s leave the plastic flatware behind, shall we?
25. Pillows
Another one of life’s greatest pleasures is luxury pillows. They’re not just for you, either. Do you really think any date is going to want to stay over when they feel like they’re sleeping on a rock? No. High-quality pillows make a difference, so this is one item you don’t want to scrimp on.
26. Waiter's Corkscrew
There are a lot of fancy ways that people open wine and beer bottles, but you know what’s just as great? Just having an actual opener for both. When you have people over, do you really want to fumble around trying to figure out how to open all the drinks in their hands? We didn’t think so.
27. Office Chair
You can’t exactly sit on top of your desk while you’re working, so don’t forget to get an office chair. You’re probably going to spend at least a few hours a week sitting in it, so make sure it’s comfortable as well as stylish. Look into leather!
28. Television
It’s cool if you watch movies on your computer, but do you really want to have to crowd around it when you have a date or your buddies over and you’re trying to watch the game? A flat screen TV is one of the best gifts that you can buy yourself.
29. Mug And Bareware
Gone are the days of drinking out of red solo cups. You should have a small collection of mugs and glasses in your bachelor pad for you and your guests. At least stock up on some good-quality bar-ware and a few coffee mugs to add to the whole adult vibe.
30. Pet Bed
No bachelor pad is complete without a designated spot for man’s best friend. If you have a pooch, a dog bed is a must. It’ll make them feel like they have their own little space when they’re not trying to crawl in your bed or steal the warm spot on the couch.
