How did your 2020 and 2021 lockdowns go? Many guys freaked out and started spending time on renovations and projects just to keep their hands and minds busy. If that were you in the last two years, you’re not the only one. And even if there are many signs of life going back to what it was before, some things will most likely never go back to normal. We all need to learn how to live in a new normal, and every guy forced to live in this new reality deserves a stylish and practical man cave. If you create a good space, your space will be useful in many ways and more than justified long into the future. Here are a few things to consider for your manly den:
Consider comfort and safety
Probably the first thing you need to consider for your man cave is comfort. If you’re creating a personal space in the garage, basement, or attic, the space must be insulated for all-year use. Insulation will also reduce your need for cooling and heating, which is a great benefit for every pocket. Another great thing about insulation is noise control. If you love to watch sports with your buddies or love to play video games, the volume will most likely be quite high. So in order not to disturb your family or your neighbors, noise insulation is a great idea.
Consider your workspace
In the new normal, many businesses decided to adopt remote work or a hybrid way of mixed working, which means a modern man cave must have a small home office (unless you have a completely separate workspace, in which case, we’re all jealous). It’s easy to create a small workstation in one corner of the den and you will be guaranteed privacy and peace while you work. Equip your station with a desk, good office chair, some filing cabinets, and a laptop—this is all you need to keep distractions at a minimum. If what you miss the most is the gym, add a few weights and a mat to one corner and create a tiny home gym.
Expand outside
If you don’t have enough space in your basement or garage to create a man cave with a functional home office, you might consider expanding outwards. One of the biggest design trends last year has been purchasing garden sheds. These sheds are sturdy, insulated, and comfortable, but most importantly, they provide peace and quiet to everyone in the family. Your shed will have a nice view into the outdoor space, be isolated from the rest of the house yet be close enough to your loved ones.
Don’t forget about storage
Your man cave will contain a variety of things concerning your work, your gym equipment, clothing, and entertainment, so you need to add some storage to your space. A built-in closet will be perfect for storing out-of-season clothes as well as your activewear and other gym clothing. By keeping your gym clothes close, you will be much more motivated to use your home gym. Plus, you’ll be ready for all the post-workout selfies looking amazing. If you’re struggling with space, you can employ double-duty furniture and invest in ottomans with under-the-seat storage, make space under your coffee table and install shelving in your man cave.
Add a quality entertainment center
Every man cave, no matter what it’s used for, deserves a TV setup with some good sound system. This setup might also include a projector with plenty of movies to stream, and a gaming console. When setting up your entertainment center, don’t cheap out. Go for something quality so you don’t have to replace them every year. Upgrade everything from your console to your HDMI cables.
Set up a table for games
Watching sports and playing games is fun, but nothing beats a tense game of poker with your buddies, so make sure to set up a table for gambling games and board games (the latter can be enjoyed with your kids and family as well). Luckily, a nice poker table doesn’t have to take too much space or costs a lot of money, just make sure to provide it with good lighting and comfy seating. If you have an empty corner, you can also add a karaoke machine or a pinball machine to accompany the atmosphere and add some more interest to the space.
Consider a focal point
Your man cave deserves to be functional but also beautiful to your eyes. Don’t neglect decoration just because you’re a guy. There are amazing ideas you can use to make your man cave more attractive, impressive, and comfortable. For instance, you can make displays for your collections or grab some frames to mount all your favorite movie and game posters. Or your focal point can be a bar with drinks, cigars, and displayed cocktail recipes and glasses. As long as you add and display something you like, your focal point will work perfectly in your den.
All of these man cave ideas will come in very handy in the new normal. Your man cave can serve as your remote workspace, your replacement for bars and cinemas, and your escape from reality. All in all, you will create a space that is comfortable and comforting for you, your buddies, and occasionally your family.
