Have you been dreaming of escaping to your very own man cave? Whether you’ve been hooked by browsing awesome garage man cave ideas online or are just crying out for a place to call your own, this guide is for you. It will take you through everything you need to consider from choosing a location and deciding on a theme to organizing the space, choosing the appropriate decor and adding gadgets and accessories.
We look at how selecting the right furniture (especially seating) can make all the difference in a man cave and there is even a section to help you narrow down your options through using your unique personality traits.
Finally, we sign off with our top 15 tips for making your man cave dream a living, breathing reality.
But before all of that, what the heck is a man cave anyway?
What is aMan Cave
A man cave (sometimes spelt ‘mancave’) is a protected space created to meet the needs and interests of men. Men often create man caves within (or adjoining) their family homes as both a personal sanctuary and a social space where they can hang out with their mates.
Let’s be honest. In most traditional family homes, the woman of the house chooses to direct the decor. The thought of their husband or male partner choosing the layout and color scheme is probably enough to give them nightmares and guys are usually happy to sit back and relinquish control.
The flipside of this is that the family home becomes feminized and, if kids are in the picture, there is also a running battle between chaos and order. At the end of a hard day’s work, the man often finds himself stumbling over footballs and soft toys. If he can sit down and relax, he might have the choice between watching Ellen, thumbing through a copy of Cosmo or deciding how best to rearrange the flowers and ornaments. It is no wonder he sometimes forgets who he really is underneath it all.
In contrast, a man cave is unashamedly masculine – and for good reason.
The Mental
Health Benefits ofMan Cave
Man caves are not purely an extravagant luxury. If it is an exercise in male egotism then it is a necessary one – a freeing of the essential nature of men either constrained by professionalism at work or frustrated in the average feminized and sanitized family home.
There is a fundamental difference between the average man and woman when it comes to dealing with mental and emotional stress. While most women have the urge to get together, support one another and talk through their issues, men tend to want to isolate and retreat within themselves. This is where the mental concept of the man cave comes from. Physical man caves give shape to these primal needs that most men have. At the same time, man caves provide a comfortable social space that a guy can share with his buddies and even his family (man caves don’t have to be ‘man only’ spaces all the time!)
The state of male mental health in America is a serious concern. If you feel frustrated or depressed because you are unable to find a space of your own in which to truly be yourself, then creating a man cave could be the best value therapy you ever invested in. Perhaps the future of counselling is not the therapist’s couch after all but a sturdy recliner complete with motorized lumbar support, USB connectivity, storage for the TV remote and a cup attachment to hold your beer!
If your wife or female partner is anxious about you having your own space, explain to them how having a man cave will help you to become a better lover, father and worker. With the knowledge that there is somewhere to go to be your authentic self, you will likely feel more in control of the rest of your life.
Even planning, designing and constructing your man cave room is an exercise in self-expression and the excitement of getting your hands dirty on the weekend can help spur you through the working week.
The Mental
Health Benefits ofMan Cave
Man caves are not purely an extravagant luxury. If it is an exercise in male egotism then it is a necessary one – a freeing of the essential nature of men either constrained by professionalism at work or frustrated in the average feminized and sanitized family home.
There is a fundamental difference between the average man and woman when it comes to dealing with mental and emotional stress. While most women have the urge to get together, support one another and talk through their issues, men tend to want to isolate and retreat within themselves. This is where the mental concept of the man cave comes from. Physical man caves give shape to these primal needs that most men have. At the same time, man caves provide a comfortable social space that a guy can share with his buddies and even his family (man caves don’t have to be ‘man only’ spaces all the time!)
The state of male mental health in America is a serious concern. If you feel frustrated or depressed because you are unable to find a space of your own in which to truly be yourself, then creating a man cave could be the best value therapy you ever invested in. Perhaps the future of counselling is not the therapist’s couch after all but a sturdy recliner complete with motorized lumbar support, USB connectivity, storage for the TV remote and a cup attachment to hold your beer!
If your wife or female partner is anxious about you having your own space, explain to them how having a man cave will help you to become a better lover, father and worker. With the knowledge that there is somewhere to go to be your authentic self, you will likely feel more in control of the rest of your life.
Even planning, designing and constructing your man cave is an exercise in self-expression and the excitement of getting your hands dirty on the weekend can help spur you through the working week.
Basement or
garage man cave?Assessing
your options
virtually any enclosed space can be converted into a man cave and if you are smart about your layout choices, even the smallest rooms can provide everything you need. There is a lot of fodder for inspiration online (e.g. Pinterest) so spend some time browsing.
Summer houses, sheds and basements are ideal foundations for building a man cave. Garage man caves can form the basis of a super masculine space but you will have to design your layout around your car or motorcycle. Some creative blokes have even knocked their man cave into their garage and made their car the centerpiece! While spare rooms and loft conversions can also be transformed into wonderful man caves, you may need to invest extra in soundproofing to avoid upsetting the neighbors or the rest of the family. Most man caves evolve towards super-sized audio systems which just keep on getting louder so sort out your acoustics from Day One.
The one thing your man cave must have is a means of separation from the rest of the house. Whether that’s as simple as an internal door or as elaborate as a secret agent style revolving bookcase, you need to control the boundary of your cave. This is not so much a physical border but a psychological one, helping you to transition between the ordinary world of work, wife and kids and the fantasy world of unbridled masculinity you are going to create.
Once you have settled on your man cave location, it’s time to start thinking about themes.
To theme or not
to theme?Man cave
ideas
A cursory look around the internet reveals that the vast majority of man caves are based around a theme. While it is perfectly possible to take a more traditional approach of decorating based on color and period design, developing man caves around a definite theme tends to be the norm.
Man cave themes can be broad (sports, rock music, sci-fi, gaming, etc.) or hyper-specific (LA Lakers, Led Zeppelin, Star Trek, GTA 5, etc.) There are very few rules when it comes to designing your man cave. As long as you’re not flouting any laws, you can pretty much follow your masculine urges as far as they will take you.
For men who have been used to taking a back seat in matters of design, this freedom of expression can take some getting used to. It’s the reason neon lighting and vinyl is still as popular as ever in man cave circles. Neon is an inefficient lighting source, gas guzzling motors choke the planet and vinyl records crackle and hiss but these things just feel so much better than their modern world equivalents.
Leave your conservatism on the threshold and give yourself permission to go wild. Your soul will thank you for it.
Later in this article, we match 9 personality types to 9 popular themes so if you are struggling to get going, make sure you check out that section and consider using it as a launchpad.
Using coloreffectively
While developing a theme is the most common approach to creating a man cave, a knowledge of the psychological effects of color can be useful for the design process.
For example, red is known to be the color humans react to quicker than any other and is associated with heat and passion. As such, a red color scheme can help you to release your inhibitions when retreating to your man cave. For example, a strong color combination of red, black and white with sporty leather upholstery can evoke the speed and excitement of a high performance racing car.
On the other extreme, blues can evoke calm and help with relaxation so if chilling out is your priority, a scheme arranged around blues can work best.
Other color associations include yellow with intellectual stimulation, orange with family bonding, purple with spirituality and black and white with clarity and simplicity.
Strong, dark, natural colors such as steel gray, dark brown timber and slate blue are often associated with masculinity while, on the other hand, a man cave decked out completely in beige or white can create a contemporary vibe and even make the man cave appear bigger than it is.
If you are a guy who really isn’t interested in themes, consider getting your head around the color wheel and how to use complementary, monochromatic and analogous colors to create the effect you feel comfortable with.
Layout and
construction man cave designs
Just because you have the freedom to follow your every whim, it doesn’t follow that you skip the planning process. In fact, proper planning will help you better realize your man cave dreams by finding practical solutions.
To begin with, take some measurements and draw up a floor plan. Take a few photocopies and sketch out some ideas. This will allow you to experiment with layout and many men are amazed by how a small change in furniture positioning can unlock previously unavailable space. A measured floor plan will also help when shopping for man cave furniture and fittings. For example, if you are building a home theater in a limited space, consider wall hugging recliners that need only a few inches of reclining space.
It is important to design your man cave so that it can be used in the way you intend so keep this at the forefront of your mind during the fun creative brainstorming sessions.
When moving from planning to execution, it is best to use professional tradespeople for any skills you lack. AV specialists are invaluable for setting up your sound, offing choices like wireless home theater surround systems, and for video tech while a creative carpenter can often build amazing space-saving storage solutions.
Most man cave theater rooms have one or more super-sized flat screen TVs. It is critical that you get your seating layout right to avoid discomfort and impaired viewing experiences. We have in-depth seating layout guides on our website but as a rule of thumb, you should position the center of the screen at eye level and seating should be placed at a distance equal to 1.5 to 2.5 times the diagonal (corner-to-corner) width of your screen.
Fixtures,
fittings and furnishings
We have already mentioned seating several times in this guide and we make no apologies for this. Your choice of man cave seating has to be comfortable and practical. A mixture of different types of seating is best to accommodate different characters and moods. For example, you might want to add two high quality recliners, a large, comfortable sofa and a handful of bar stools.
Your seating should also tie in closely with the theme you have chosen. For example, if you are designing around the theme of a high end hunting lodge, you might want to add in some top grade leather seating for a touch of authenticity. If a futuristic space theme is more to your taste, a seating range that offers a wide range of colors, perhaps with a microfiber finish, might be best.
If you are one of the many men interested in creating a home movie theater in your man cave, you will need to spend time browsing theater seating brands and comparing layout options with your available space. The best theater seats now also come with LED lighting, generous storage, motorized neck and lumbar support, USB chargers, accessory docks and more.
What will your walls be made from? The options are endless but again they should tie in with your man cave theme. Natural materials are popular for their raw, authentic aesthetic so consider reclaimed wood, stone, brick and metal.
Flooring is another important consideration. Carpets and area rugs are warm and good for controlling noise but take more looking after and can get stained by spilled food and drink. A laminate floor with specialist soundproofing underlay can be a good option.
Whether you are planning on making this the focal point of the man cave design or are just going to pop a mini fridge in the corner for a pack or two of tinnies, you will want to make sure there is some provision for alcoholic refreshment. The same goes for snacks which is where a microwave comes in handy, whatever theme you go for.
Games and sports tables are also commonplace in most man caves so if you enjoy a game of pool, darts, poker or air hockey, here is your chance to indulge.
Lighting can make a huge difference to the ambience of any man cave. For a classic, elegant look you might want to consider gold-plated hanging pendant lights. A high-tech, modern man cave might instead have lamps inset in the ceiling and operated by smartphone control.
Many man cave movie rooms include a large, brazen centerpiece which makes it quite clear where the owner’s interests lie. An aviation fanatic might have a replica of a plane cockpit in the centre of the room. A man into naval warfare could recreate the deck of his favorite warship. A car lover could build an impressive drive-in entrance complete with porte cochere.
On to the
details man cave accessories
Now it’s time to bring in the gadgets. The general rule with man caves is the more the better.
Where do we start?
Flags, posters, wall art and memorabilia are evergreen man cave accessories, especially for sports, music and movie lovers. These can often be picked up from thrift stores which can actually turn shopping into an activity a man will enjoy!
Feel free to borrow from famous venues that link in with your theme and, if you have a practical bent, have a go at creating your own. Some man cave enthusiasts even go to the lengths of building a film-style set (e.g. the bridge of the Starship Enterprise or Millennium Falcon).
As we mentioned earlier, the neon sign has largely been saved from extinction by the man cave movement. These can be perfect for pointing the way to the bar or restroom and create an instant nostalgic vibe. Pinball machines, juke boxes and gramophones can also evoke the magic of the past.
As you might have guessed, there are online man cave specialists which sell everything from dartboards and Milano poker chip sets to neon signs and chip and dip trays. You might want to check out sites like themancave.com for some ideas.
You should also make sure there’s a selection of things to read or leaf through when you and your buddies are all talked out and you just want to chill in silence. Whether reading means a couple of copies of Maxim and Men’s Health or a fully stocked floor-to-ceiling library is down to you and your tribe.
What type of man cave suits your
personality?
There are as many different man caves as there are men but certain themes pop up again and again.
We have picked out nine example personality types and provided a few seeds of inspiration if you are struggling for ideas.
1Sports Fanatic
Sports fans are well represented within the man cave population but what goes into creating the perfect sportsman cave? If you are having the lads round to catch a game you are going to want to splash out on the best flat-screen TV (or TVs) you can afford. You could have a large, curved central screen for that ultimate sports experience with some smaller screens showing different camera angles. You will also need to subscribe to the sports TV packages that offer the selection of games and features you want.
Seating is just as important for watching a sports game as it is for taking in a movie. A recliner with motorized support can help you stick with your team through overtime while deep storage compartments can hold the remote and a few snacks to keep your energy levels up.
Whether it’s baseball, football, hockey, or basketball that you live and breathe for (or sports in general), you will probably want to decorate your man cave in your club’s colors and hang flags, team shirts, and other memorabilia on the walls.
If you feel at home on the golf course, you could harness the magic of technology to set up a 3D golf simulator. But why limit your entertainment to virtual reality? Most man caves will have enough space to accommodate an indoor golf set while the biggest basement man caves will offer even more scope for creating your own homage to Shinnecock Hills.
To top things off, make sure there is a well-stocked bar available. A pool table and dartboard would go down a treat if you still have space to fill.
2Geely Game
Whether you prefer retro arcade style games like pinball and pac-man, FPS titles such as Call of Duty or MMMRPGs like Eve Online or The Elder Scrolls, you can build the ultimate gaming sanctuary in your man cave. Perhaps you could install a couple of arcade machines and a slot machine for that retro feel while having a central big screen set-up for your contemporary titles.
Gaming can be strenuous work so you will want to ensure your seating options provide both support and strength.
One of the latest innovations in gaming technology is virtual reality (VR). Could you create a customized VR section with padded surfaces? This would help you to fully immerse yourself in the in-game experience without worrying about tripping over furniture or blundering into walls. What better way to let loose in your man cave?
3Music Maestro
Did you know that your man cave could double up as a recording studio – or a rock stadium. You can play out your dreams of rock stardom in the comfort of your man cave surrounded by wall-mounted guitars, platinum discs and album cover posters.
Some born performers have integrated a full stage into their man cave while others have installed huge studio-style mixing desks and professional-grade amps. When you’ve burnt off your excess energy it’s time to chill out and listen to your favorite records – on vinyl of course – while putting your feet up. A top quality recliner and matched chairs is ideal for bringing the band together and unleashing the creative juices. Inbuilt USB chargers enable you to keep your iPads and other devices fully powered while deep storage buckets can store everything from remote controls and microphones to snacks and copies of Rolling Stone.
4Movie Buff
Ah, the legendary home movie theater! No matter how sociable you are, you have to admit that sometimes other people just get in the way of the movie experience. Plus the price of tickets and popcorn just keep on going north!
Setting up a home movie theater is an art and a science. You will need to create the optimal seat layout for your space to ensure everyone can see the screen comfortably. You will also need to decide on which audio set up you prefer.
A lot of thought has gone into the top home movie theater seating so spend some time browsing the options available. From top grade Italian leather to modern microfiber, your choice of upholstery should reflect the style of your man cave and the treatment you expect your seats to receive.
For ultimate comfort during a movie, you can’t really beat electric recliners with motorized neck and lumbar support. Many movie theater seats also come with soft LED base lighting along with USB chargers, generous storage pockets and versatile accessory docks.
Whether you opt for a TV and Netflix package or a projector and screen, light control will be critical. If your man cave has windows, blackout blinds will be essential. Adorning your walls with movie posters and props will add to the authenticity.
5Petrol Head
A large number of men live and die for their set of wheels. If that sounds like you, you can indulge your passion while inside the house too by styling your man cave around cars or motorcycles.
Bare bones ‘industrial’ style décor with plenty of exposed brickwork and metal will probably speak to your soul. However, every auto enthusiast recognizes the quality of Ferrari so it makes sense to opt for top grade Italian leather seating for your man cave. With a comfortable recliner and well-positioned TV screen you can enjoy those NASCAR reruns or get absorbed in the thrills and spills of the Indy 500.
There is no shortage of car-related paraphernalia so you will be able to fill up your man cave pretty quickly. License plates, tyres and car badges are just a few of the accessories that auto lovers might attach to their man cave walls.
6Cheeky Cowboy
Fancy swaggering in to your man cave through swinging salon doors? Recreate a wild west bar (or even an entire frontier town) and escape back to a time when men were men and disagreements were settled by whoever could draw fastest in a gunfight.
You will want to incorporate plenty of wood and leather in the design of your western getaway and you might want to serve your drinks straight from the barrel.
7Master Cellarman
Are you a wine connoisseur with a reputation to uphold? Turn your basement into a bona fide wine cellar and create an authentic experience for your guests. Consider creating some wide, concrete steps and rough-hewn stone arches to add to the atmosphere. Break up the grey with warm wooden cabinetry for your prize bouquets.
8Classy Chef
If food is your speciality, a man cave gives you the opportunity to create the kitchen you always dreamed of. Expansive food prep surfaces and top of the range ovens and other kitchen equipment will empower you to create culinary masterpieces to share with your nearest and dearest.
Depending on your preference you could dedicate your man cave kitchen to a specific type of cuisine or perhaps mix and match for added flexibility.
9Boyhood Nostalgic
Let’s face it, most boys never grow up. Rather than sell your collection of G.I. Joes, vintage toy trucks or Warhammer figurines you could create a shrine to them in your man cave. Whether you want to just care for and display them in glass-fronted cabinets or create customized sets, this is the perfect way to free the eternal child inside.
If you’re still struggling for inspiration, here are a few more theme ideas:
Aviation
From bi-planes to fighter jets, airplanes offer plenty of scope for creating a fantastic man cave. Think industrial décor, cockpit-style seating and posters of your favorite flying machines
Nautical
Push the boat out with porthole windows, a ship’s helm centerpiece and strategically placed buoys. A bar stocked with Navy Rum will have you singing sea shanties until the small hours.
Country Ranch
Relax after a hard day’s work in a leather recliner in front of a roaring fireplace, surrounded by your hunting trophies. Share a beer with your buddies and recount tales of epic adventures in the wilderness.
Classic Bar
Create a sophisticated atmosphere with dark wood floors, stone countertops and elegant glass-fronted drinks cabinets.
Industrial Might
Throw out anything soft and fussy and build a no-nonsense, minimalist man cave design. Expose steel, concrete, brick and timber, use neutral colors and focus on function over beauty.
15 must-readMan Cave Tips
We finish off this comprehensive guide to man caves with a brief list of 15 tips:
Start with a plan
Even though the idea of a man cave is to let your imagination run wild, a basic plan will ensure you execute your project perfectly.
Team up with a builder buddy
Every man knows that bloke who can fix and make just about anything. Give that person a free bar ticket in return for their support in creating your man cave.
Start slow
If your budget is limited, get the basics down first. Once you have set up your man cave you can always upgrade equipment, furniture and décor further down the line.
No holding back. No compromise
Anything is possible when it comes to the man cave. No matter how crazy your ideas, there will be a way to bring them to life. Don’t let anyone else interfere with your vision. A man cave is all about you.
Join forums and online communities
The man cave community is active and supportive. If you have any questions about how to realize any aspect of your vision, someone will almost always be able to help
Create a threshold
There is a power in stepping over a boundary. Make sure there is a clear divide between your man cave and the rest of the world. Use your imagination to create a threshold in keeping with your man cave’s theme (turnstiles, portcullis, gull wing car door, etc.)
Add variety
Sometimes you will want to play games or watch movies, other times you will want to chill with a soda and chips. Make sure your man cave offers plenty of varied activities to suit your mood.
Don’t forget food and drink
Whether you’re hunting down enemies on Call of Duty, cheering on the Patriots in the Super Bowl or watching Rey Skywalker do battle with Kylo Ren, the last thing you want to do is leave the man cave for snacks. A fridge and storage for snacks is mandatory in a man cave (as is making sure you keep both stocked up!)
Do your due diligence
If you are getting in professional help for constructing your man cave, make sure you research the firm’s credentials thoroughly. 5 star reviews on Facebook aren’t enough. Check out their profile at the Better Business Bureau and ask previous customers for their feedback.
Purchase at least one recliner
Whatever your chosen theme, a carefully chosen recliner will enhance your man cave. If you will be spending a lot of time sitting down, opt for motorized lumbar and neck support for superior comfort levels.
Get your other half on-board
If your wife or female partner is unhappy about your plans for a man cave, find out why. Point out the mental health benefits to men and how it will improve the family’s quality of life. If your other half wants their own space too, there’s always a ‘she shed’.
Allow the family to use your man cave – on your terms!
A man cave should rarely be used to exclude the rest of the family. Unless you need to be alone or are spending an evening with the boys, open up your man cave to the rest of the family. Make sure they understand the ground rules (no candy, no ball games, etc.)