A man cave is both a personal retreat and a place for people to come together, work on hobbies and kick back with a cold one. To create the perfect man cave first choose the space, its primary uses and a theme. Will it be used for video games or to cheer on your favorite sports team?
Because there are so many different options, we broke these man cave ideas down by room to help you find inspiration for your perfect man cave.
For the Garage
The garage can be a challenge to make into a living space. Most likely, you need your garage to be a versatile space that has many uses. You can overcome this challenge and create a well-thought-out man cave using some of the tips below!
- Storage: Utilize ceiling, wall and built in space for storage and keep your floors as clear as possible.
- Seating: Seating in your garage should be portable- pick pieces that make it easy to rearrange.
- Garage Door: If possible, select a garage door with frosted windows that let some natural light into the space.
- Decor: Showcase your projects and favorite possessions that clash with the decor inside of your house.
For the Bar
When designing the bar space, it’s important to think of the type of entertaining that you’ll do as well as the overall look (e.g. sports bar, upscale bar or something in between). A man cave bar should always be stocked up and equipped to make any drink your guests could request.
- Bar signs: Signs are very fun way to personalize your bar space. Try out signs that add a bit of humor like, “Drink Local” and “Cold Beer On Tap.”
- Bar design: Backlit bar tops give you the option to change the bar top’s color and they will set your man cave apart.
- Glassware: Consider hanging storage for barware, especially if space is limited.
- Appliances: Make sure you have basic kitchen tools at your disposal. Appliances, such as a blender, will come in handy when you’re mixing drinks.
For the Basement
It may be daunting to tackle a man cave that takes up such a large space, but it is worth it. Take that underutilized space and turn it into the man cave of anyone’s dreams. The basement is a great place for surround sound, since noise will be contained.
- Necessities: A kitchenette or wet bar is a great investment and will save you from running back and forth to the kitchen.
- Lighting: Utilize recess lighting and other fixtures to make up for the lack of natural light.
- DIY: DIY projects work great in sports themed spaces because you can customize them with team logos or keep them neutral. Combine sports equipment and typical decor pieces together for a creative twist. For example, take a helmet or ball and turn it into a tabletop planter or even a lamp.
- Atmosphere: Make the basement a one stop space that has everything that you need—your mini home within your home.
- Color scheme: Give your team a subtle shout out by using their team colors to accent your space
Frame jerseys: Sports jerseys in particular make great wall decor. Get them framed for a more finished look.
For the Minimalist
If you want a classy and sleek man cave, the industrial look might just be perfect for you. The same elements of big screens, cold drinks, and comfy seating still apply here—they are just presented in a modern style.
- Create height: Even if your space doesn’t have super high ceilings or large windows you can make the room feel so much taller if you pick tall and thin bookshelves—they lead the eye vertically and give the illusion of height.
- Decor: Place your books and other small decor pieces with purpose. Each empty space does not need to be filled.
For a Small Room
Man caves are not limited to large rooms. There are plenty of ways to turn your small room into a grand space. In smaller spaces it is imperative that you utilize your vertical space as much as possible.
- Light colors: Lighter paint colors will make your space feel larger.
- Shelving: Floating shelves are another space saving solution. Built-ins and creative storage solutions are important in making good use of your space.
- Mirrors and reflective surfaces: Mirrors help to make spaces feel larger.
- Furniture spacing: Avoid squishing furniture up against each other—it makes the space feel small and cluttered.
- Raised furniture: Furniture with exposed legs allow for breathing room around each piece, giving the illusion of more space.
- Light fixtures: Avoid pendant lamps, which will draw attention to one area. Instead, use consistent lighting or spread out small lamps around the room.
What will you do in your man cave? Entertain, relax or work on projects and hobbies? Whatever you decide, don’t forget to share and show off your space to family and friends! Gifts.com has great man cave decor for sports lovers, gamers and beer enthusiasts. We hope that these man cave ideas inspired you to create a space that you will love and never want to leave.