Whether you want a man cave to watch sports, play games, listen to music, work on creative projects, or just hang out with friends, you can create a space that suits your needs with just a few design tips! Check out these 18 ideas for designing a man cave.
Be Realistic with Your Space
Photo via @_stevostevo_
Low on space? No problem! Building a man cave is possible in rooms of any size! Just make sure to map out your room before you start designing and plan accordingly. If you’re working with a small space, look for space-saving furniture that can provide comfort and functionality.
Stick to a Theme
Photo via @josephburkearts
When designing a man cave, choose a theme and focus on that theme throughout the room. Maybe that’s classic cars. Or superheroes. Or hunting lodge. Regardless, a cohesive design in your man cave not only helps it look more organized, but it also makes it feel like more of an escape from the rest of your home!
Pick a Focal Point
Photo via @the.carto.grapher
Every room should have a statement piece. Have a vintage neon sign collection? Put it on display in your man cave. Collect classic arcade games? Set them up in front of an accent wall. These decorative touches add visual appeal and double as a conversation starter for when you invite guests into your man cave!
Install Good Lighting
Photo via @highlandcustomhomes
Just because it’s a man “cave” doesn’t mean it needs to be as dark as a cave! Install unique fixtures like ceiling rope lights, industrial pendant lights, or a vintage pool table light. Lighting can completely transform the look and feel of a room, so keep this in mind when you choose which fixtures to put up in your man cave.
Build a Bar
Photo via @thelittleblueranch
Whether it’s a small basement bar or a pub in your man shed, having somewhere to make and enjoy your own drinks can take your man cave to the next level! A bar can also serve as your man cave’s central hub for parties, watching the game, or just hanging out on the weekend.
Get Comfortable Seating
Photo via @anthonymichaelinteriors
Having a well-decorated man cave is great, but comfort should be just as important. What better way to enjoy your own space than by relaxing in a plush armchair or on a cozy couch? Recliners, theater-style chairs, bean bag chairs, and sectional sofas are other good options for having a cozy seat!
Invest in Good Shelving
Photo via @newstylecabinets
Make room for man cave decor—such as memorabilia, books, movies, games, vinyl records, collectibles—with quality shelving! Use iron pipe shelving for an industrial look, install simple floating shelves for a minimalist feel, or opt for built-in bookshelves for maximum storage space!
Incorporate Storage Furniture
Photo via @liamarieclarke
Shelves aren’t the only way to add storage to your man cave! You can also tuck away belongings inside functional storage furniture. Store extra blankets and pillows inside an ottoman or bench with a storage compartment, or stash remotes, coasters, and other small items inside a lift-top coffee table.
Design a Gallery Wall
Photo via @editdesignhouse
Gallery walls are an awesome way to decorate and showcase your man cave theme! Hang framed photos, artwork, shadowboxes with your favorite memorabilia, and other man cave decor on a single wall for a personalized tribute to your hobbies and passions.
Decorate with Memorabilia
Photo via @habscave
Love sports? Have a team you’ll always root for? Use your man cave to show off your baseball card collection, replica football helmets, commemorative hockey jerseys, and other memorabilia from your favorite team!
Up Your Tech Game
Photo via @insite_digital
Add smart technology to your man cave so that you can control the TV, sound system, and even the lighting from your phone or other smart devices. Dim your lights without ever leaving the couch, crank up the volume with the touch of a button, or switch between streaming platforms with ease. You can also go the extra mile with your smart tech by going wireless so you don’t have to deal with unsightly tangled cords and cables!
Don’t Forget the TV
Photo via @thebodaciousquiff
Whether you’re using your man cave for gaming, watching movies, or for catching the big game, make sure you get the right TV for your space! Add a flatscreen smart TV to an entertainment center with all of your gaming consoles and streaming devices. Or make your own home theater by hanging a projector and screen!
Organize an Entertainment Center
Photo via @fluanceaudio
Keep your electronics organized and their wires out-of-sight by building or setting up an entertainment center where you can house everything from your sound system and TV to your game consoles and DVD players! Opt for an entertainment center that has drawers or shelves so that you have plenty of storage space in your man cave for games, movies, books, records, and more!
Set Up a Sound System
Photo via @smartsynergyuk
Amp things up in your man cave by including a top-quality sound system throughout your space! Install surround sound for a more immersive TV-watching experience or set up a state-of-the-art stereo that will make your favorite songs sound even better.
Give Yourself Room to Jam
Photo via @jayfortherecord
If your man cave is doubling as a home music room, you’ll want enough space to make your music! Set up a desk with a computer, turntable, keyboard, mixers, and more for producing beats. Or create a mini stage where you can set up a drum set, guitars and amps, keyboard, and mics. And be sure to add comfy seating if you plan to have guests over for jam sessions!
Give Yourself a Place to Work
Photo via @kowalskekitchenandbath
Using your man cave as an office space where you can work from home or tackle creative projects? Getting a sturdy desk and a comfortable chair should be your top priority. But don’t forget about making the space your own! Consider adding some fun man cave decor like neon signs, hunting trophies, comic book prints, or sports memorabilia that will inspire you to do your best work!
Get Your Game On
Photo via @modified420
Don’t just watch games in your man cave—get in on the action yourself! Hang a dartboard on the wall. Set up a home arcade with classic games. Invest in a pool table, foosball table, or ping-pong table. Whatever kind of games you’re into, your man cave is the perfect place to play them!
Find the Perfect Sign
Photo via @thorncroft.engraving
Personalize your man cave with a sign bearing your name, your favorite team’s logo, or a funny message for people who aren’t allowed inside your escape! There are plenty of Etsy vendors who craft and sell these signs online, but you can also make your own DIY man cave sign with budget-friendly materials!
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Need somewhere to store home items while you set up a man cave? Extra Space Storage has self storage facilities throughout the country that can help you get more space at home. Find available storage units near you!
