You're single, on your own, and ready to design your own bachelor pad. So where to start? There are some features that will set your bachelor pad apart from the rest, and knowing the differences and trends is the key to designing a stylish space. Follow our list of essentials to create your own modern-day bachelor pad.

1. A Good Sofa (and Coffee Table)

A sofa is the heart of any bachelor pad. It’s a place for people to sit, chill, and sleep when you're hosting friends overnight. The sofa should also focus around your entertainment area, whether it’s a television, sound system, bookshelves or all three.

If you have friends to stay over often, or if you want to swap out your bedroom for a large living space entirely, opt for a sleeper sofa. In open-plan apartments, a sleeper sofa can eliminate the need for a separate bedroom, giving you much more space. Even if you have a bedroom, a sleeper sofa gives a modern touch with practical convenience whenever you want to host or just lie down and watch TV.

It's essential to pair a good sofa with a stylish coffee table, giving you a place to set snacks, reading material, and electronics when lounging. Dark wood low tables will give your space a chic feel. It's best to choose a table with some storage space, either open or closed, so your bits and pieces don´t end up cluttering your living space.

2. Unique Seating

An addition or alternative to a sofa is unique seating. A bachelor pad gives you the chance to get creative with furniture, as it doesn't need to be set up for a family. To stamp your personality on your room select a few choice pieces to focus the room around. A couple of modern chairs will give a room a retro look. A hanging chair or hammock will give the room a fun, quirky touch.

3. A Bar

A modern martini bar is ideal for hosting intimate gatherings with friends or larger parties. If you’re into wine, a wine butler is an eye-catching and functional feature. These pieces can also help to free up space in your kitchen, as they fit well in any living space. Whatever type of bar you choose, pair it with a classic piece of wall art to pull the space together.


4. Entertainment

One of the most important elements of a bachelor pad is the entertainment area. If you're single, entertaining and spending time with friends is likely to be high on your list, so give them something to do when they visit. You could stick to a classic sound system, bar, and television. Alternatively, pick one or two extra fun pieces, such as a billiards table, foosball table, or dart board. Single pieces like these will be the focus of your living space and complement the minimalist space well.

5. A Simple Kitchen

One of the major perks of a bachelor pad is that it doesn't need all the furniture a family home might, like a formal kitchen and seating area. To save space, bar seating is a great dining room alternative. If you already have a high counter, bar stools are a casual seating option. This will save you valuable kitchen space and make your living space larger (or your kitchen seem less crowded). If you have an especially small space, you could even use your coffee table as your eating area. If you do this, be sure to select a table that is spacious and easy to clean.

6. Dark, Smart Colors and Lighting

No matter what furniture you select, the lighting and colors are what really create the mood of a bachelor pad. For a cool, masculine look, opt for darker colors and minimalist wall decor. Under no circumstances use fluorescent or a single ceiling light source as it will make the room look clinical. Recessed lighting is a popular choice for modern spaces, as it lights from above and is subtle and more spaced out. You can also emphasize certain areas of your rooms and add more depth to your space by using well-placed floor and table (or even wall-mounted) lamps.