Man cave creation 101
If you’ve long dreamt of having a private haven to call your own, creating a man cave might be the ultimate home improvement project to tackle, but where do you start? By getting to grips with the basics and understanding exactly what you are taking on! Read on for everything you need to know about man cave creation 101.
Why are man caves needed?
Everybody needs a space where they can relax, be themselves, and enjoy their interests undisturbed. A man needs some territory where he can recharge and revel in his zone without impacting on the rest of the house, so man caves are a healthy addition.
What furniture is needed?
This is a personal taste issue. For some, a comfortable chair, mini-fridge, and decent television are all that’s needed, whereas others might want to display shelves, lots of storage, and a heap of soft furnishings. Elle Decor has pulled together some cliché-free design ideas to get you started; Buzzfeed has compiled a list of essential man-cave features, and vidaxl.co.uk will give you an idea about what you can get for your money.
Where do you put a man cave?
Wherever you have space, the most common choices are basements, attics, garages, or garden rooms, but spare bedrooms can work. If you live alone, you might want to admit that your entire home is one big man cave, but in a family setting, you’ll need to be less greedy. Unused rooms or buildings make the best locations, as there is less feeling of you ‘hogging’ a valuable area.
What do men do in man caves?
Anything that feels a bit too indulgent or selfish in the wider home. From painting models to displaying collectibles, like your bandai godzilla toys, watching sports matches, and even drinking beer and playing pool, anything goes in a man cave. Most seem to have a gravitational pull, drawing other men into them as soon as they are completed so that they can become very sociable spaces – hence the need for comfortable seating!
How much does a man cave cost to make?
As much or as little as you want it to. If all you need to buy is a new chair or television, you can keep things very cost-effective, but if you are planning to go all out in a bid to create your ultimate hideaway, you could be talking about thousands of pounds. If you need to build a new building, the cost will increase dramatically, too, unless you can take on the construction yourself and buy materials, those can be expensive. Will you be happy converting an old shed, or do you want a tricked-out garden room that everyone envies?
Are women allowed in?
Despite the name, man caves are usually really sociable, with everybody wanting to come in at least some of the time. Ultimately, the man cave is considered a personal space that allows for a little ‘me time,’ so just as your partner might enjoy a peaceful and uninterrupted bath, they are likely to leave you to it. It’s all give and take.
Man cave creation 101
Despite the name, man caves don’t need to be dank little hidey-hole where chaps go to be themselves; they can be sociable and indulgent zones geared towards relaxation and fun. From working home bars to luxe sports-watching, they can be anything you need and as stylish as you want.
