You’ve done it! You’ve worked tirelessly, you’ve sacrificed a lot, and you finally have the space for your man cave. Now it’s time to make every second of the wait worth it by making it the most epic man cave in the history of man caves. Here are some tips on how to decorate your man cave no matter your theme and no matter how many (or few) people you plan on inviting.
Man Cave Must-Haves
Most people who have built a man cave did so so something in a shared home can be 100% completely theirs. With that in mind, your cave should reflect you and the things you’re proud of. It can be subtle if you’re the humble type, but it certainly doesn’t have to be!
Entertainment for guests (and everyday cave dwellers) is a necessity, and most people consider quick access to drinks and snacks important man cave stuff, too. Secret doors and fireman poles might not be welcome in the dining room, but the man cave can be home to those and every other childhood fantasy, so wrack that brain for things you remember wanting before the weight of the world started taking its toll, then start going to town.
7 Steps for Decorating a Man Cave
From choosing your location right up to throwing your first party, here are seven steps for decorating your man cave.
Choose a Man Cave Location
The options here really are endless if you have the financial means, but for the gentlemen who haven’t yet invented their iPad, here are some common spots to turn into your masculinity mini-mansion:
- Basement: Basements are easy to keep cool in the summer and warm in the winter, and they also hold sound quite well as far as neighbors are concerned. The folks upstairs might still need to be consulted, though.
- Shed or Garage: Sheds add a nice degree of separation from the regular home, and both sheds and garages tend to already be quite empty, meaning less prep.
- Bonus Room: If the kids move out and there’s an extra bedroom, it’s man cave time.
- Living Room: If the spouse moves out and there’s nothing in the living room, it’s also man cave time.
Select a Man Cave Style
A basic style can act as a starting point for what will come later. Here are a few ideas, but of course, your overall style should match you!
- Sports Collector
- Luxury
- Outdoorsman
- Modern
- Music Memorabilia
- Pool Junkie
- Beach Boy
Choose a Color Scheme
Though there is the occasional example of a man cave that is just packed full of anything and everything the owner wants and still somehow winds up looking cool, it’s certainly a rarity and you’re definitely rolling the dice.
As a color scheme example, focusing on a favorite baseball team or band logo is a good place to start if you’re stumped.
Pick a Centerpiece
Every great room has a centerpiece, and the man cave should be no exception. Functional centerpieces like an entertainment center or pool table are great options, but perhaps you have a guitar signed by Hendrix that everyone should see whenever they come to watch football… if so, go with that.
Paint
If you’re lucky enough that the current paint in your future man cave matches your desired color scheme, go ahead and skip this… but odds are it doesn’t, and once everything is moved in this step gets much harder! It’s a one-time job that shouldn’t have any corners cut because it might wind up in your head when you sit down in your should-be zen cave.
Deck it Out With Man Cave Stuff
There is no such thing as too many recliners and there’s no such thing as too many Fatheads. Clutter can be appealing if it’s all related (e.g. sports memorabilia, records, comic books) but space allows for additions if, indeed, your cave has some sort of collection in it! Here are some thoughts:
- Sound system
- Giant TV
- Videogames
- Pinball Machine
- Billiards, darts, foosball, shuffleboard - the works from your favorite bar
- Poker table (and lots of card games)
- A bar… and a lot of adult beverage for those reading this who are 21 and up
- Shelving
- A big safe
- Perhaps a Marvel Comic Fathead
Throw Your First Party
Some believe that James Earl Jones was talking about a baseball field when he whispered “If you build it, they will come” in Field of Dreams. Others believe he was talking about turning that huge barn into the greatest man cave of all time. We side with the latter.
Though alone time is almost certainly on your man cave to-do list, you need to show off your hard work, too. Order a pizza, stock the fridge, queue up the big game, and bask in your awesomeness. Your man cave is complete.
Types of Man Caves
Here is a closer look at some man cave styles, and some ideas to include
Sports Man Cave
Maybe you’re lucky enough to have a sports city like Pittsburg where all the teams use the same color scheme… Maybe you’re not. Either way, a sports man cave is a great place to host watch parties, and generally, the must-haves are a few pieces of memorabilia, some bar games, and a giant TV or projector.
Luxury Man Cave
The luxury man cave is a bit more vague, but most mirror the image of a cave owner's other desires such as a yacht or a penthouse suite. Cool lighting and a lot of shiny stuff are must-haves for the luxury man cave.
Video Gamer Man Cave
Recliners may be the man cave chair of choice historically, but most Americans under the age of 35 don’t know a world without Mario, and video game man caves are very much on the rise. Get some top-notch gamer chairs, a great TV, and make sure your sound system is bumping!
Hunter’s Paradise
Just as there is always a way to make room for a new Fathead, there’s always a way to make room for a new animal head, too. Hunter’s man caves tend to mimic cabins in the woods, and the coolest ones use a lot of woodwork and have a lot of guns on display. Camouflage secret doors are always fun, too.
Beach Club
Did you have a dream of living in a big house by the beach dashed by the reality that you’re not a billionaire yet? Bring that beach to your house with a beach-themed man cave. Light colors, and even real sand are regular sites at these kinds of caves.
Get to Work on Your Man Cave
Armed with these tips and ideas, it’s time to make your own man cave. Even though it will undoubtedly impress your friends, make sure you make it for you! Just as the desire for a man cave often comes from wanting something that is 100% yours, so should be the mindset when you break ground.
This should be all about you.
FAQs
What is a man cave?
A man cave is a place in a house or on a property where “the boys” go to hang out. They are often adorned in sports memorabilia and easy access to intoxicants.
What should I put in my man cave?
Whatever you want! Man caves should reflect their owners interests and personalities.
How can I make my man cave better?
Hang a few more Fatheads… or add something interactive like a pool table or dart board!