Closet Blog: How To Design the Perfect Man Cave

A Separate Space for Him

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the "Man Cave" as a room or space (as in a basement) designed according to the taste of the man of the house to be used as his personal area for hobbies and leisure activities. Man caves have multiple purposes: they are a place to be alone, to be away from women and from female sensibilities, to indulge in hobbies, and to hang out with male friends. It is, loosely, a male-only space to retreat to watch sports matches, play video games, or indulge in favorite past times. For married men, it can be a way to recreate some of the space and freedom of their bachelor days since it was like a "pad" similar in feeling to a frat house game room or a college dorm room.

Man caves are as different as the men who inhabit them. Traditional locations for the man cave include the garage and basement, but the man cave can be in any part of the home. Some men like a refined study perfect for smoking cigars on the main level of the home. The garage is generally preferred by men with a passion for cars or motorcycles. The ability to drive the vehicle into the cave is a definite plus if your idea of the perfect day is one spent tinkering with motors. The basement also works well for many hobbies. There is often unused space that can be repurposed as a male only territory. It is also a good place for a wet bar, home theater, or video gaming area — all popular man cave features.

When designing an exclusive domain for the man of the house, there are several key points to consider in the success of the space.

• Consider whether you would like a theme for the space: examples of "man themes" could include any type of sport, wild west, cabin in the woods, 50's greaser, Rock 'n Roll, Hollywood, race car, yacht or ship's cabin, classic Edwardian study, golfer's paradise and more.
• Choose the features you'd like to have in your space and design a layout around them — some popular features include a bar, television area, pool table or other gaming area.
• Seating: do you need theater seating, stools for a bar, a lounge chairs where you put your feet up, tool bench seating, or some combination of them?
• Flooring: carpeting will absorb sound, epoxy coated concrete or TechFloor™ tiles are good for the garage or basement.
• Beverage area — Whether it is a bar, refrigerator or special brewing area for making your own beer and wine.
• Game area: This could include a putting green for the golf fanatic, an area for video games, pool, foosball, or cards.
• The television: Generally, the bigger the better with comfortable seating.
• Hobby area: A place for the tools of the trade, whether your passion is cars, building models, woodworking or something else, an appropriate are to exercise your passion is essential.

The man cave is about establishing the identity of the man of the house. Women are often in charge of decorating most of the home. Men want, and should have, a space of their own, dedicated to their specific interests, their specific tastes — a place to relax and escape everyday responsibilities. When designed well, the man cave will serve this purpose well, becoming a special sanctuary to masculine interests.

Closet Works has been crafting sanctuaries and creating a sense of order for Chicagoland homes for almost three decades. They are currently celebrating nearly 28 years of creating custom storage solutions in the Chicagoland area and beyond. For more information on Closet Works call toll-free at 800-4-CLOSET (800-425-6738).