Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Preparing the room
• Part 2 of 3: Installing furniture and entertainment
• Part 3 of 3: Decorating your man cave
• Tips
• Warnings

A man cave is a special place in the house dedicated to the man, his hobbies, and his time for himself and his friends. A man cave should be full of the things you love, from football to hobbies, to sports trophies and a well-stocked bar. There is a lot you can put in your man cave, but before you can you have to make one. This article will give you some ideas on how to do that, and how to set up your own man cave.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Preparing the room

1. Choose the space. Of course, the word “cave” does not have to be strictly adhered to in this one. It could be the attic, the shed at the back, the garage, the basement, etc. As long as there is enough space, and the space has become disused or almost deserted.
   • You can build a shed or build a basement if you don't have that many options.
2. Be prepared for negotiations. A man cave can involve some tricky negotiations and compromise. You will probably have to agree on something before you can create your own man cave. If your man cave is the only place for relaxation, no one will be happy about it. You can use one of the following as a medium of exchange, if your partner or roommate can agree:
   • Set up another room as a sewing room, sports room, sauna, playroom, etc.
   • Promise that you will spend a certain number of hours per month on household repairs, chores, and other tasks.
   • Organize regular dates or family time.
3. Insulate the room and make sure it is soundproof. Mancakes often start in corners of the house that are not well insulated. Make your man cave warmer and more soundproof by insulating the walls with insulation materials.
   • Unless your cellar is a detached shed, or if you live alone, you should consider soundproofing of paramount importance when you choose insulation material. You don't want to let a tired neighbor or wife interrupt your nighttime poker game.
4. Paint or wallpaper the room (optional). If you are allotted the smallest, dingiest room, bright colors can give the impression that more light is entering, and that the space is larger than it actually is. On the other hand, darker colors work well for home theaters, and a more relaxed bar atmosphere.
   • If you don't care and think a wall is a wall, congratulations. Skipping this step is the first benefit of having a space where you make the decisions.
5. Add lighting and curtains as needed. Install dimmable lights for when you want to watch movies in your man cave. If your man cave has windows, hang blackout curtains. If you close the curtains you can watch foreign football during the day without the neighbors getting involved.

Part 2 of 3: Installing furniture and entertainment

1. Opt for comfortable seats. Get the most comfortable sofas, armchairs and bean bags you can find. If you're looking forward to spilling a lot of beer and takeout, find a worn-out leather sofa that can handle the damage. If you prefer a gentleman's cave, opt for chic furniture.
2. Set up tables and other furniture. Most mancaves don't need more than some side tables to set the drinks on, and maybe a bookcase to hold prizes, books, and decorations. If you like board games and card games, you can choose to set up a card table with some nice chairs.
   • Wooden outdoor furniture, such as scaffolding wood, is rustic and durable. It also goes well with a rugged man cave style.
3. Put down the television and radio. If you watch a lot of sports, save for a flat screen of at least 50 inches (127cm). Just keep in mind that you probably won't be too far away in the small space. If television is not going to be the main source of entertainment, you can install a radio system. Or nothing at all.
   • If you want to set up a home theater, a projector and a canvas screen can create the largest image. They also hardly take up space when you are not using them.
4. Make a bar or put a fridge. If you enjoy making cocktails, or have a large drink collection, make the experience a little more real by crafting your own bar. Also add some crutches. If the goal is to keep a few beers cold, or to keep some snacks, then a mini fridge can be enough.
   • You can even build a tap station if you plan to throw parties in your man cave.
5. Connect a computer. If you have a laptop, make sure you have internet access. Nobody has anything to do with what you watch online.
   • If the wireless reception in your man cave is poor, try purchasing a WiFi Range Extender. This will digest the signal from your wireless connection.
6. Install a surround sound system. If you're an audiophile then this is something you can start saving for. Remember that in most living situations in this case it is necessary to ensure that the man cave is absolutely soundproof.
7. Have the play equipment ready. From board games to card games, from a pool table to a table tennis table. Whatever you like. The man cave is also ideal for game consoles, and especially for the less child-friendly games.
8. Add sports equipment. Set aside some space for the physical activities of your choice. This way you can stay strong, fit and masculine. Think of dumbbells, a pressure bench, or whatever you have space for.
9. Make a workbench. If you like DIY and have the space to do it, set up a corner for carpentry and other projects. If you are in the garage or basement, you can set up a workbench for car maintenance.
10. Put in what you want! There are thousands of ways to personalize your man cave. If you have an indoor hobby, make room for it. Here are some more ways to arrange your space just the way you want it:
    • Pinball machines, gaming machines, slot machines
    • Indoor golf, basketball, or other miniature sports
    • Musical instruments so you and your friends can jam
    • A smoke machine, and other completely unnecessary but cool male toys

Part 3 of 3: Decorating your man cave

1. Hang signs on the walls. Neon lamps are a classic decoration, just like old-fashioned drink advertisements, and road signs with funny pictures or messages. You can find these online, or you can look in special stores. So you don't have to look for the one that "fell off the truck."
   • You can also search online for "man cave decorations" or "man cave signs".
2. Hang up posters and artwork. Hang up posters of your favorite actors, athletes, or whatever. Frame your favorite movie posters, or discuss with your housemates whether you can transfer some of your favorite wall decorations to your cave. Posters of beautiful women are also classics, but can be a thorn in the side of husbands and partners.
3. Display your trophies, collections, and souvenirs. Hang your medals and place your cups on the top shelves. If you are hunting, fishing, or sporting, display your stuff. Also hang pictures of great moments. Your man cave is also the perfect place to display any collection.
4. Make sure reading materials and gadgets are within reach. There should be plenty of little things you and your friends can grab while watching football, listening to music, or gaming. Place items like:
   • Magazines and books
   • 3D puzzles, handheld video games and toys, and other little time wasters
   • Weird gadgets, interesting things you've found, intriguing flea market finds, etc - especially if your family doesn't allow you to keep them elsewhere!

Tips

• Put a lock on the door. You don't want your kids to see unwanted materials and items.
• A man cave is a man's kingdom: if someone doesn't like it, he / she doesn't have to go inside. (Just be warned, that conversation will go a lot smoother if you have permission to the man cave before hijacking a room!)
• View the many photos of mancaves online for inspiration. Men are justifiably proud of their mancaves, and many have been willing to post some nice snaps on the internet.

Warnings

• The habits you can develop with your man cave can bring some tension. Don't try to spend all your free time in your man cave.