If you have a man cave that just isn’t very big, you may not be sure what to do with it. Small spaces can be frustrating, but you really do have options. There are plenty of small man cave ideas that you can consider, depending on the exact layout you have and what kind of theme you want to go with. A lot of man caves are sports themed, while others may be based on fishing, hunting, or any kind of hobby you have. There’s no right or wrong way to decorate it, but you definitely want to make the most out of the space you have. Part of that comes from the paint and decor, but the rest of it comes from the actual furniture layout and what you choose to fill the space.
1). Do you still need a huge TV?
Yes, you still need a huge TV, even in a small man cave. A big part of having a man cave is the TV watching. Really, though, the size of the TV is completely up to you. It’s important that you can see the screen properly, and if you have a TV that’s too big in a small man cave, you might feel like you’re sitting too close. You could even miss part of the action that way, which isn’t something you want to do. Overall, get the TV to fit the room, and make sure that the way you plan to arrange your seating works with the TV you’ve chosen. That way you’ll get the best possible experience from your small man cave, and can really enjoy it. It doesn’t have to be a big space to be fun.
2). How can you make some great storage?
A designer to help you with your home may be a good idea. They often have plenty of interesting storage ideas, and will be able to work with you on the goals you have for storing plenty of things in a smaller space. You don’t want a crowded, cluttered room, but you do want to have the things that matter to you in there. Drinks, snacks, magazines or books, cards, or anything else you take out from time to time needs a place to be stored when not in use. Otherwise you have to go and get those things, and then take them to your man cave. It’s easier to have them on hand, instead. With shelving or a cabinet that’s not too deep, you can get storage that doesn’t stick out into the room. A corner cabinet also works well, without using up a lot of floor space.
3). Is there any room for expansion?
It’s important to make the most out of your space, but is there any room to make more space? Does a wall of your man cave join up with a room that doesn’t get used much, or a part of the basement that isn’t finished out? There may be options to consider in order to make your man cave bigger. If not, then it’s time to see what you can do to help it feel bigger inside. Many man caves are painted in darker colors, but that can contribute to a closed-in feeling to your space. Buck the trend and choose colors that are lighter and brighter, so you can have a man cave that feels open and comfortable. You don’t need to choose pastels, as there are many shades of tan and gray that will work well in a man cave and still provide you with a room that feels bigger.
4). What kind of seating do you need?
With proper design, you can use fold-down seating to give you more floor space when your friends aren’t over to watch the game. Seats and benches that fold down from the wall (much like stadium or theater seating that folds up when you stand up) can give you a lot of room when it’s not in use. That way you always have enough seating for your friends when they come by, but you’re not dodging chairs and benches when you’re there by yourself. Fold-down seating may not be as comfortable as a big couch or home-theater seating, but a small man cave means you may have to make some creative or unique choices in order to get the seating and the space you want. With some ingenuity, you’ll have a great man cave to enjoy for a long time.
5). Should you get solid wood shelving?
After you’ve purchased your home, and it’s time to start making changes, it’s tempting to get in a hurry. You want to do all kinds of things, and get projects completed. Don’t just buy some inexpensive shelving to put in your man cave, though. Stop and think about what you’ll really be putting onto those shelves. If you’re using them for anything heavy like books or some trophies, you want wood. It won’t bow or bend like pressed board options can. You may also prefer solid wood for the look it provides. Since you may be displaying a lot of memorabilia and souvenirs, you want to really show them off and give them a great place to reside. Solid wood shelving will cost you a little bit more, but you can mount it to the wall more easily and it will last for a very long time.
2 Point Highlight
Yes, you still need a huge TV, even in a small man cave.
With proper design, you can use fold-down seating to give you more floor space when your friends aren’t over to watch the game.
