Whether you call it a den, a male sanctuary, or just your place to hang out in your living room, the man cave has become a staple of modern life. But while these guys-only getaways have changed over the years according to new fads and styles, they’ve never lost their basic appeal: the perfect retreat from all your troubles.
But how do you get that perfect man space? Designing it is an important first step—luckily for you, we know exactly how to do it right.
1. Let the Space Speak to You
Before you even reach for a tape measure or start sketching out plans on a napkin, it’s important to consider how your man cave will serve its purpose—and what that purpose is. Is it a study space? A gaming den? It can be anything you want it to be as long as it serves its purpose.
For example, you might think about soundproofing the room if you’re getting a man cave to play video games with your friends. Or maybe you want to treat yourself right and build some bookcases to start filling your man cave library with classic literature. And if you’re a collector, you might want to consider a home theater. The trick is to make careful design decisions before you even start tearing out walls.
If your man cave is used as a study area or for entertaining guests, it will be much more difficult to get the job done without drastically disrupting your decor. You’ll want to pay special attention to soundproofing and acoustics in the room. If possible, add additional insulation where you think some noise will make it through the walls.
2. Keep it Warm
The great thing about the man cave is that it can be the perfect place to escape it all. But that doesn’t mean it has to be cold or you’ll always want to go there. Remember that the man cave should be inviting, with abundant natural light and plenty of seating options. If you’re building your business up as a salon, you might want a seating area, minibar, and bar stools. Or if you just want it as an everyday hangout, keep things simple and consider only a TV, a pool table, and comfortable seating areas. Custom logo mats, a minibar, and pieces of artwork all make great finishing touches.
3. Add Some Character
If you want to make your man cave more like Home, you’ll need to consider current decor trends and trends in home design. The obvious place to start is with the exterior of your man cave—whether it’s a regular house or a stucco ranch. If you want something apart from your neighbors, focus on adding character to the outside by choosing an interesting door or other unique elements. For example, you could add a garage door opener to access your man cave as easily as your front door.
Inside the man cave, the options are almost limitless. If you’re looking for something that complements your décor in the rest of the Home, then think about painting the walls neutral colors and adding throw rugs or area rugs to tie things together. But if you want a more modern style, consider a big-screen TV and plenty of built-in cabinets and shelving units with glass fronts.
4. Go Big or Go Home
A great way to spend a weekend is in your man cave, especially if you’re building a home theater. But to get the experience right, consider everything from the seating area to the screen size. You should have plenty of room to move around and still be able to see well, whether in the front row or right up against the back wall. Plus, make your man cave completely customizable with a big screen that you can configure however you want.
5. Don’t Forget the Details
You’ll need a man cave if you enjoy watching sports, and it’s likely to be used for entertaining guests. But one of the biggest sacrifices you may have to make is the TV screen, whether it’s the main focus or an extra. Instead of a standard TV, consider a projector to project whatever image you want onto any flat surface.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the man cave is a great refuge in your home, and you should use that as inspiration when you’re deciding on decor. The trick is to make sure the Space allows you to be comfortable and relaxed, whether that means taking advantage of modern amenities (like a projector) or sticking with classic pieces (like bookshelves.)
