Creating a Man Cave: The Ultimate Guide
Do you have your own space? That is, a spot where you can hang with friends, watch a game, engage in a hobby, or whatever you choose to do. If not, you need a man cave.
A man cave is exactly what it sounds like: a place to indulge your manly hobbies and passions, store your collection of toys for the big boys, and generally provide a space for chilling out.
Are you ready to create a man cave of your own?
Let’s dive in.
Factors to consider when creating a man cave
Here are a few aspects to consider to create the ultimate man cave.
Placement and area
The first is location — where will your man cave be? Big or small, attached or detached, the space must be dedicated to truly being a man cave.
While there is nothing wrong with a ‘man corner,’ the same design and function elements don’t necessarily apply to a shared space.
Common areas for a man cave include a basement, garage, shed, or spare room.
Usage
Next, what’s your intended purpose for the man cave? Is it storage for your collection? A hobby space? A gaming room where you can try and cheat to win against friends with no hard feelings? Or a social gathering space for watching sports games with the boys?
The purpose will dictate the layout, furniture, and other items going into the cave. For example, if you will be storing firearms or priceless baseboard cards, they will need to be humidity controlled with a dehumidifier.
If it’s a social gathering space, there must be enough room for tables, couches, TV, and possibly a dry or wet bar.
5 Man cave essentials
1. Pool table
When you think of a man cave, what comes to mind? For many, it is an amazing pool table with a rack of sticks on the wall.
Here is what you need to know about putting a pool table in your man cave:
All pool tables are not created equal. There are different sizes available.
Standard size pool tables measure 5’-9” x 10’-0”, 5’-3” x 9’-9”, or 4’-9” x 8’-9”.
A standard cue stick is either 57”, 48”, or 43” in length.
Ideally, allow a berth of around 5’ around the perimeter of your pool table.
The standard pool table is approximately 30” tall. Coincidentally, this is around the same height as a regulation poker table.
The key here is having a roomy enough space to comfortably accommodate a pool table. If your man cave is smaller, you may have to make sacrifices to pull it off.
2. A stocked bar
What is a man cave without a bar?
Even if you don’t drink, a bar offers a spot to sit, socialize, and eat — plus, it looks cool, too.
If you are not hiring a carpenter to custom-build the bar of your dreams, consider DIY bar ideas for your man cave that any layman can pull off. Some simple suggestions include:
A rolling kitchen cart that you can reposition at will.
A repurposed dresser or kitchen island.
Transformed shelves turned into a bar.
Upcycled or recycled cabinetry.
An old suitcase on its legs.
A gardening cart from the outdoor department of a big-box store.
Typically, a bar is around 42” in height, but you can choose the most comfortable height for you if you choose to construct or build your own.
3. Cool lighting
Lighting brings style and sets a mood in any room, including your man cave. The name implies a dim, dusky space — but that is only if you choose.
You can optimize the natural light in the room, but remember the potential glare on screens, like your TV, during certain times of the day.
A decent ambient light fixture can come with dimming features and a remote to make it easy to adjust the light to suit your mood — instead of the other way around.
If you choose a more moody, broody space, use lighted signage — like vintage neon beer signs — to bring an eerie glow, especially over the bar and near the pool table.
Old-school lava lamps bring a unique illumination, too.
Resist the temptation to string multi-colored lights over the bar and around the room, and instead choose clear, cool LED string lights for a bit of pizzazz in your new digs.
4. Some furniture
Where will you sit and chill out in the man cave? The right furniture is key for a comfortable yet functional place that permits you to do the things you love.
If you are a gamer, make this the focal point and choose furnishings that will be conducive to sitting in front of a screen. Whatever your style or tastes, measure first when bringing new pieces in to ensure you aren’t stuck later.
If you plan on entertaining, keep in mind that your friends will need someplace to sit. A couple of gaming chairs aren’t going to cut it.
Modular seating offers a solution and can be repositioned and reconfigured in numerous ways to suit the needs of the situation. These look great in larger spaces but work in smaller rooms when you need to optimize available space.
Some people design their man cave around a specific piece of furniture, whether a cool couch or a huge TV. Again, drawing a blueprint of the room with measurements to consider and configure makes it easy to design your layout- without moving your furniture twice.
5. Climate control
If you are building a man cave from scratch, consider how you will heat and control the climate in your space.
Consider installing blue-flame heaters for warmth and efficiency — plus, they offer excellent circulation.
Remember that a ceiling fan is a cool fixture in a man cave, and they are great at preventing lost heat in colder temperatures, but reverse the direction of the blades if you want to retain heat.
Depending on your man cave budget, you may decide to hire a professional interior designer to create the ultimate man cave for you.
There are benefits to hiring a pro, as they have experience working with a wide range of challenges, so they can optimize whatever space you are working in.
Plus, they may have relationships with area suppliers and contractors, so you could potentially save money on your project.
FAQs about creating a man cave
How much does it cost to build a man cave?
The cost of building a man cave can vary greatly depending on the size and features you want to include. However, the average man cave costs between $1,000 and $10,000.
A basic man cave with minimal furnishings, such as a comfortable couch, a TV, and a mini-fridge, could cost around a few thousand dollars.
If you want to include features like a full bar, a pool table, or a home theater system, the cost could easily rise to tens of thousands of dollars. It's also important to consider the cost of electrical, plumbing, and finishing work, as well as any permits that may be required.
How do I make my room a man cave?
To make your room a man cave, you can start by identifying the purpose and theme of the space. Then, you can add furniture and decor that align with that theme, such as a comfortable couch, a TV, and sports memorabilia. You can also add personal touches such as photos or artwork.
What does a man cave consist of?
A man cave can consist of various elements such as a comfortable seating area, like the luxurious and stylish Valencia Theater Seats, a TV or entertainment system, a bar or mini-fridge, and decor such as sports memorabilia or vintage signs. It is a personal space designed for relaxation and entertainment, where you can sink into the plush comfort of the Valencia Theater Seat and immerse yourself in your favorite movies or games.
Is it healthy to have a man cave?
Having a personal space like a man cave can be healthy as it allows for a private retreat and can serve as a place to relax and unwind. However, it is important to not let it become a source of isolation and maintain a healthy balance of time spent in the man cave and socializing with others.
Wrapping up
So, what are you waiting for? Figure out how much square footage you are working with and draw up a plan of your overall vision.
This can serve as a guide to create a place that you are comfortable in and satisfied with: the ultimate man cave!
Keep these elements and features in mind when configuring your own dedicated man cave — and stake your claim on dedicated space in your home.
Time to sit back, relax, and enjoy a beer.
