Experts believe that having a mancave is more important for a man than we think. Having a space to decompress, enjoy ones’ own company and unwind can help men regulate emotions, thus benefitting mental health.
Are you dreaming of having your own mancave, your own at-home retreat where you can kick back and relax? Get your mates together to watch a sports match over some beer or a game of poker? Pondering about how it would look? Would you fill your mancave with sports memorabilia or a bar? Maybe both? Maybe you would prefer an outback theme or something more modern and sophisticated? Or maybe your mancave would be more of a workshop to facilitate your favourite hobby?
Well look no further. Here we give you some suggestions to help create your ultimate mancave. Your own space where you can tinker with your hobby, drink beer, burp and banter with your mates until your hearts content! Lols!
First things first – Location
Now that you have decided to create your very own chill out space you need to choose (and agree on with other members of your household) where it will be. Of course, this will depend on where you can find that extra space in your home. You may be lucky enough to have an old unused storage shed or garage which you can transform, but if not then a spare bedroom or any unused room in your home are great options. There’s also an option of building one from scratch if you’re handy enough on the tools and have room outside.
Wherever you choose it is important to achieve a feeling of privacy. But also make sure that you consider some basic requirements such as electricity, TV and internet connection points. If it’s possible, adding some additional soundproofing to the room is an extra bonus. Who doesn’t love watching the footy or a movie with loud surround sound turned on to maximise and enhance the experience.
How should it look?
Every successful and outstanding mancave will have a particular theme that works cohesively with the style of the furniture, flooring, lighting and colour of the walls. It’s important to reflect your own personality, interests and hobbies while making sure that everything stays unified. So, choose a style and or a theme and stick with it. Having a mish-mash of things will make your mancave feel messy and cluttered.
Funnily enough, most decorative items that are a no go for the living room or master bedroom will usually give your mancave character and style. The décor in there should be a reflection of you and your personality. So, if you’re a collector for example, choosing a Collector theme would be a great way to have your treasures on display.
If sport is your vibe then sporting trophies and memorabilia will be fantastic additions to your space. Signed team photos, shirts or bats can be framed and used as feature artwork on your walls.
Movie Room Mancave
Maybe you’re a movie buff, so setting up a home theatre with a projection screen and luxury recliners is more your thing. Framed vintage movie posters or an old vintage theatre projector can make great decorative items for your space.
Musicians might love the idea of having a digital jukebox in their mancave. Personalising the space by using favourite old records or instruments as décor. Utilize the mancave for your music writing or jamming out with your band mates (soundproofing obviously a must for this one).
For a more traditional or suave look to your mancave, consider a classic gentlemen’s theme. A quiet space to wash down a whiskey and smoke a cigar. This style showcases leather furniture, dark walls, brass accents and soft lighting to provide ambience and sophistication. Of course, an beautiful dark timber bar with mirrored backlit drink shelves behind would not go amiss either. Depending on budget you could go all out with this theme.
There are numerous other mancave theme ideas such as motor bikes, cars, casino or of course a good old ‘aussie’ bar theme. Old signs and posters will look great and can give a vintage feel or abit of humour to your room, in any topic or subject.
It really does depend on your interests. But the trick is to create a space that makes you feel great and will get you excited about spending time in there.
Entertainment and furnishings
These days a modern mancave is so much more than just a place to watch footy, drink beer and eat pizza with the boys. Of course, having a huge flat-screen tv for those nights and for movies or gaming is a must.
The tv and a music system are generally the focal points of any mancave. But also think about what other things you enjoy doing.
Maybe you might like to have dartboard or pool table for added entertainment. Or what about a poker table or even a vintage pinball machine to add character to your space as well as some fun.
Do you enjoy a bit of physical activity to keep you strong and fit? Consider reserving some space for equipment such as dumbbells, running machine or a bench press. Turn up the music while you get active and bust out the stress from a busy day
No Mancave Should Ever Have Uncomfortable Furniture
Obviously a big, comfy lounge is essential. Add a recliner or two to make sure that there is plenty of room for you and your mates to enjoy the game or a movie.
A suitable coffee table along with a side table will provide ample space for your beer and snacks. These can be quirky additions to add personality and fun. Think old beer kegs, wine barrels or tree stumps.
If there’s room you could consider a small fridge to keep the drinks nice and chilled, or even go the whole hog and install a bar. Of course, you will need some comfy bar stools to prop yourself and your mates up while you enjoy a few drinks.
Give your space a robust and masculine feel by incorporating materials such as leather and rough wood with metal fittings, for example. Dark colours and textures work well to create a more ’manly’ room.
Whatever your choices, your mancave should be well furnished and accessorised to ensure it’s a liveable and comfortable space.
What About Lights
Do you really need to think about lights? YES, absolutely!
Lighting is not often really thought about but it’s an important factor when creating a space with great vibes and ambience.
A variety of floor and table lamps, and also dimmer lights will provide amazing mood lighting. Ceiling lights, especially without dimmers can be harsh and way too bright, and will ruin a great atmosphere.
If you need focal lighting, maybe you could create a small area dedicated to work related tasks and style with a desk, a laptop, a lamp and some shelving with storage.
If you have memorabilia or a collection you would like to highlight then put in some special lighting to showcase your items.
Be Smart
These days who doesn’t love the idea of living in a smart home operated by a digital personal assistant. Just sit back and relax while you nonchalantly issue instructions to Siri or Alexa to adjust your lighting, regulate your room temperature or turn on your home theatre or music system.
Whatever your style or interests, having your own space to enjoy your hobbies and chill out with friends is becoming more of an essential part of modern day living and no longer just a luxury.
Have fun creating it and enjoy your mancave!
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