How to Create the Ultimate Man Cave: Ideas and Decor Inspiration

Comfy couch? Check. Big TV? Check. Now complete your basement with these cool man cave ideas.

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Turner Square Arm Leather Sofa Chaise Sectional Ecomm Potterybarn.comVIA MERCHANT

Thinking about converting your finished basement into a man cave? Do it! A well-designed “man cave” creates an alluring space of fun and relaxation for everyone—not just the bros.

Man caves have evolved into much more than a dingy garage or basement area with a couple of folding chairs. Sleek lighting, shelving and flooring elevate the hangout spot while a bar and gaming tables provide activities for friends, family and neighbors to enjoy together.

Prepare to take your basement from a forgotten room to a retreat space that people will gravitate towards in your home.

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Invisidoor 36 In. X 80 In. Maple Unfinished Bookcase Door Ecomm Lowes.com
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Bookcase Hidden Door

Designing the coolest man cave space starts on the outside—with a hidden entrance. This hidden bookcase door looks like an unassuming place to organize your favorite reads, but it’ll lead unsuspecting friends into a private den through a secret doorway. Half the fun will be walking through the door!

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Turner Square Arm Leather Sofa Chaise Sectional Ecomm Potterybarn.com
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Leather Sectional

Whether you’re converting your basement into a mantuary or general lounge area, you’re going to need seating. This leather sectional is grandly scaled with down-filled cushions and a high back for reclining. In addition to its timeless look, it’s one of the most comfortable sofas Pottery Barn has to offer.

If you’re installing your man cave into a smaller space, checkout out our best couches for small spaces.

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Shuffleboard Table Ecomm Potterybarn.com
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Game Table

Every legit manland has a game table of some kind, like air hockey, pool or ping pong, to entertain the buddies. We love the idea of a shuffleboard table—it’s sleek and slender, so it doesn’t take up a ton of floor space. This one is crafted from pine with a mahogany stain for a rustic look that makes it the showpiece of any den or game room.

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Sonoma 94'' H X 120'' W Standard Bookcase Ecomm Wayfair.com
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Bookshelves with Ladder

If you plan on using your man cave as a study, dark wooden bookshelves are a must. The Sonoma Standard Bookcase is made of solid wood and antique bronze hardware. It even has a ladder that slides across a front bar for easy access to top shelf books and bottles. Plus, the ladder just looks cool. Check out these amazing man cave shed ideas.

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Ventress Industrial Serving Bar Cart Ecomm Wayfair.com
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Bar Cart

Two words come to mind when thinking about designing the ultimate man cave: industrial and rustic. The Ventress Industrial Bar Cart offers both. Its open design and three-tier utility shelf provide ample storage space. It has two handles and four locking wheels, so you can move the party around the room as you please.

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Alferce Faux Cowhide Ivory And Black 6 Ft. X 8 Ft. Shaped Area Rug Ecomm Homedepot.com
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Faux Hide Rug

What better place for a faux cowhide rug than a man cave? Hide rugs are versatile enough to blend into contemporary or western decor style. They’re moody, asymmetrical and can be dressed up or down, depending on how formal or causal you want your space to be.

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Ashley Electric Fireplace By Real Flame Ecomm Wayfair.com
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Electric Fireplace

Keep your man cave cozy with this electric fireplace. It plugs in and has an adjustable, remote-controlled thermostat to keep you toasty during the colder months. The glowing embers work without heat, so you can have the sophisticated look of a fire on warmer nights, too.

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Havva Upholstered Armchair Ecomm Wayfair.com
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Sophisticated Armchair

Channel Mad Men vibes with this mid-century modern armchair that’s constructed with a sturdy solid wood frame and faux leather cushion. The retro-inspired seat fits a range of styles: Traditional, industrial, mid-century, you name it.

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120 Motorized Projector Screen Electric Diagonal Automatic Projection Ecomm Amazon.com
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Projector Screen

A movie projector is a quality addition to a lounge area where you want to watch movies and music videos. This motorized projector screen is 120 inches long, and operates smoothly and silently with a remote. When you’re finished viewing, roll it back up with the touch of a button.

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8 Player Oak Poker Table Ecomm Wayfair.com
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Card Table

Design this eight-player poker table with your choice of six wood finishes and vinyl or felt upholstery to make it your own. It comes with folding legs that make storage and setup super simple to start a poker tournament on the spot.

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Homelabs Beverage Refrigerator And Cooler Ecomm Amazon.com
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Mini Fridge

It goes without saying that you’re going to need a way to keep your brews cold in the cave. The HomeLabs Beverage Refrigerator holds 120 cans and has a glass door, so you can see what drinks you have stocked. It has a digital thermostat and is compact, so it’ll blend into existing cabinetry or fit underneath a basement bar.

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Bose Solo 5 Tv Soundbar Sound System With Universal Remote Control Ecomm Amazon.com
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Soundbar System

Get quality, clear sound with a single soundbar. The Bose Solo 5 connects wirelessly to any device and comes with a universal remote control. This soundbar is quick to set up and easy to use, so you can listen to your favorite songs and shows in an instant—without the technology frustration.

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3 Light Pool Table Lights Linear Pendant Ecomm Wayfair.com
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Table Lighting

This three-light pendant adds a swanky vibe to the man cave. Whether above a pool table, game table or bar, this classic fixture is sure to impress. It has a pull chain to turn lights on and off, and attaches to a single-point ceiling mounting fixture. You can customize the pendant with your choice of three finishes and 10 shade colors. Dibs on the brass finish with green shades!

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Wine And Liquor Dispenser For Home Bar Ecomm Etsy.com
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Liquor Dispenser

Liven up your parties with a handcrafted spirits dispenser. This model features dark brass fittings and stained wood for a rustic, vintage feel. It has three taps for the liquor or wine of your choosing, along with three glass holders (one under each tap) and storage for four bottles underneath.

Just turn the valve and watch the alcohol pour into your glass. If you’re too busy mingling, guests can help themselves to their heart’s content.

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Angels Horn Vinyl Record Player Ecomm Amazon.com
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Vinyl Record Player

Lean into the retro man cave aesthetic with a vinyl record player. The Angels Horn Record Player delivers high fidelity sound with a high-quality turntable and two bookshelf speakers. The natural wood design of this set looks awesome and won’t clash with other decor. Plus, it’s sure to make your friends take your taste in music seriously.

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Mary Henn
Mary Henn, MFA is an Associate Shopping Editor at Family Handyman. She’s also a national award-winning writer and journalist. Her expertise lies in interior design, home decor, gardening and outdoor trends. When she’s not working on the latest content at FHM, you can find her reading poetry or hiking with her dog, Henry.