Let’s face it, man caves in dingy basements are overrated. Whether you’re a bachelor or a married man, you deserve to have fun with your pals out in the open. Your backyard is a great place to start. Not only does it offer plenty of space to have fun, but it also allows for activities you won’t be able to do in the basement like grill steak or hotdogs, have pool parties, light a bonfire, or unwind after a long day at work.
So if you’re looking to transform a part of your backyard into your very own man cave, here are some decor and DIY tips you can follow:
Pick the right spot
Careful planning is essential for building an awesome man cave, and location is something you should study and decide meticulously. For any outdoor space to be useful throughout the year, you need to consider if the spot has enough shade or how exposed it is to the elements. Since building an outdoor structure is a big investment, make sure to account for potential issues like humidity, privacy, noise, and so on.
Come up with a theme
A theme doesn’t necessarily have to be specific, like “Marvel characters” or Hawaiian escape. It could be something like “tropical breezy,” sports-themed, or even dark and moody. It’s also important to consider how it’s going to be used. Is it for entertaining friends, watching a game, or marathoning movies? With a clear idea of your man cave, it will be easier to pick a color palette, furniture, features, and accessories.
Build a shed or privacy fences
Man caves are often built in basements because of the privacy they provide. You can recreate that in your outdoor man cave by building a shed or putting up privacy walls or fences. If you already have a shed lying around and you’re not really using it much, you can give it a makeover and turn it into your personal space. If you’re building a shed, don’t forget to add extra layers of soundproofing so that you don’t disturb your family or neighbors.
Set up a bar
A decked-out bar complete with neon light signs and beer taps is a quintessential man cave feature. Plus, hangouts with your buddies won’t be complete without your favorite tipples. You can go for a classic “dive bar” or pub-style look or opt for a more modern or theme-based look like a Tiki bar.
Install mood lighting
Lighting is essential for creating the ideal man cave atmosphere. If you’re aiming for a retro or club look, opt for red, dim yellow, or other moody colors. If you’re looking for a chill coastal vibe, go for blue, green, and bright yellow. You should also install landscape lighting outside your man cave shed so you and your guests won’t stumble around in the dark when you need to step out or get some air.
Add comfort features
Comfort is one of the keys to having a man cave you’ll want to stay in for hours. First off, invest in plush but on-theme furniture like leather sofas and chases. Bean bags are also a good idea. If you’re into movie marathons, consider L-shaped or modular sofas and big lounge chairs. And, of course, don’t forget to have pillows, poufs, and even blankets. It’s also important to have a toilet and powder room around.
Get a large TV
Nothing beats watching a movie or game on a huge TV with the highest resolution. Measure your room and pick the ideal size for your man cave, and choose the one with 4K or 8K resolution with smart features. Make sure you pick the right size to create a comfortable viewing experience.
Set up an audio system
Music is a big part of man caves. So it’s important to have a modern and easy-to-operate entertainment system. Nowadays, you can get discreet speakers that offer surround sound and can be connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth. But if you have a CD or vinyl collection to boast of, go ahead and buy yourself a CD player or turntable.
Don’t be shy to go all-out with your theme
And lastly, you’d want to make a statement with your man cave. So don’t be afraid to add features that will create a unique experience. For example, if you’re aiming for a classic bar theme, get yourself a pool table, foosball, darts, or even a jukebox. If you want a place to watch movies, buy a traditional popcorn machine and soda dispenser. Let your imagination run wild! After all, it’s your space.
Building a man cave is a great idea, especially if you don’t have a basement or have enough space in your house that can be converted into one. Plus, a backyard man cave gives you enough privacy and separation from your main house, making it more enjoyable.
