Comments
12 Man Caves for the True Man of the House
Leave the daily grind behind for one of these men-only me-time escape zones
Joanna Tovia
18 February 2015
Houzz editorial team. Photojournalist specialising in design, travel and living well. Follow her photodocumentary about pets and the people who love them on Instagram @unfoldingtails
Houzz editorial team. Photojournalist specialising in design, travel and living well.... More
We expect a lot from men in modern-day Australia. On the one hand, we want them to be rock-solid providers and man enough to protect us when required; on the other we want them to be in touch with their sensitive sides, to be perfect dads, and to share their innermost feelings on command (not to mention a bit more of the housework). All the pressures of work and home lead many men to crave some space of their own, a place where they can be themselves and breathe easy while they catch up on a little me-time (and often sport). If you can relate, read on. Whether it’s a child-free haven that provides chill-out time in front of the box ,or somewhere to indulge in a long-harboured interest, one of these purpose-built man caves is sure to strike a chord.
1. Sports mad
Uninterrupted time to watch a game or two alone or with some mates is many a man’s idea of heaven. Bring it on.
Discover more ways to watch your favourite sport at home
Uninterrupted time to watch a game or two alone or with some mates is many a man’s idea of heaven. Bring it on.
Discover more ways to watch your favourite sport at home
2. Budding musician
Why should teenagers have all the fun? Resurrect your love of music with a studio just for you. The recording technology available now might just turn you into the overnight success you were destined to become.
Why should teenagers have all the fun? Resurrect your love of music with a studio just for you. The recording technology available now might just turn you into the overnight success you were destined to become.
3. Hobby time
If you loved building model planes as a boy and would secretly like to indulge in such a pursuit again, go for it. Being a grown-up is the time when you can finally do whatever you want (after those bills are paid, of course). A shed like this could accommodate many a forgotten interest. Inviting a son or daughter into your man cave is perfectly all right, as long as they realise it’s by invitation only.
If you loved building model planes as a boy and would secretly like to indulge in such a pursuit again, go for it. Being a grown-up is the time when you can finally do whatever you want (after those bills are paid, of course). A shed like this could accommodate many a forgotten interest. Inviting a son or daughter into your man cave is perfectly all right, as long as they realise it’s by invitation only.
4. Net surfing
A computer room separate from the house is a dream come true for many men looking for some breathing space. If this one isn’t masculine enough for you, imagine a dark timber desk, luxurious leather chair, and your favourite artwork or photos adorning the walls.
A computer room separate from the house is a dream come true for many men looking for some breathing space. If this one isn’t masculine enough for you, imagine a dark timber desk, luxurious leather chair, and your favourite artwork or photos adorning the walls.
5. Mr Fix It
If you’re the kind of man that can turn his hand to just about any DIY project, why not claim some space of your own to house the tools and work benches that make jobs easier. A man needs a bit of elbow room, after all.
If you’re the kind of man that can turn his hand to just about any DIY project, why not claim some space of your own to house the tools and work benches that make jobs easier. A man needs a bit of elbow room, after all.
6. Hole in one
This man cave is just what you need to perfect your swing in peace.
This man cave is just what you need to perfect your swing in peace.
7. Chair lift
If a room of your own is out of the question, a comfortable armchair tucked away in a little-used corner could be the next best thing. All you need is the weekend paper and a cuppa.
If a room of your own is out of the question, a comfortable armchair tucked away in a little-used corner could be the next best thing. All you need is the weekend paper and a cuppa.
8. Ultimate escape
This pristine garage doubles as a home office. You could polish your pride and joy while you brainstorm that next brilliant idea.
Step inside this home
This pristine garage doubles as a home office. You could polish your pride and joy while you brainstorm that next brilliant idea.
Step inside this home
9. Hanging around
If you’re lucky enough to work from home, make the most of your freedom and build a little fun into your day. This studio invites its hardworking occupant to take a breather on a custom-made – and super comfortable – net positioned over his desk.
If you’re lucky enough to work from home, make the most of your freedom and build a little fun into your day. This studio invites its hardworking occupant to take a breather on a custom-made – and super comfortable – net positioned over his desk.
10. Sweet retreat
Now that’s what I call a man cave! This steaming hot tub would wash your worries away and lull you into a deep state of relaxation within minutes.
Now that’s what I call a man cave! This steaming hot tub would wash your worries away and lull you into a deep state of relaxation within minutes.
11. Royal flush
A room like this could be the place you get your poker face on and play a round or two of cards with your mates. The kids don’t need to know you’re playing for real money.
A room like this could be the place you get your poker face on and play a round or two of cards with your mates. The kids don’t need to know you’re playing for real money.
12. Pool room
Speaking of mates, how great would it be to pocket some balls in this chic shed? Yes, I know there’s a woman sharing the space in this image. Like I said: invitation only.
YOU TELL US
How do you like to get away from it all? Share your man cave idea – whether real or imagined – in the comments section below.
MORE
Why Man Caves Are a Must-Have
Man Space: Perfectly Masculine Bedrooms
5 Garages That Dare You to Dream
Man Space: True-to-Style Dining Spaces
Speaking of mates, how great would it be to pocket some balls in this chic shed? Yes, I know there’s a woman sharing the space in this image. Like I said: invitation only.
YOU TELL US
How do you like to get away from it all? Share your man cave idea – whether real or imagined – in the comments section below.
MORE
Why Man Caves Are a Must-Have
Man Space: Perfectly Masculine Bedrooms
5 Garages That Dare You to Dream
Man Space: True-to-Style Dining Spaces
Related Stories
More Rooms
Why Man Caves Are a Must-Have
Houzz has the skinny on why men really must have a man cave. And it's not just so that they can work hard and play harder...
Full Story
More Rooms
Best of the Week: Man Caves From Around the World
To celebrate Father's Day, we've gathered together a selection of fabulous spaces Dad is sure to love
Full Story
Houzz Around The World
World of Design: 11 Guys and Their Personality-Filled 'Man Spaces'
By Houzz
Take a tour of very individual retreats designed by creative guys around the globe
Full Story
Houzz Around The World
British Houzz: A Barge Awash With Bright Ideas
By Jo Simmons
This newly built barge moored on London’s Regent’s Canal brims with clever designs and luxe touches, proving small can be very beautiful
Full Story
More Rooms
A Handsome Aesthetic: Dens of Yesteryear
By Kate McKee
Draw inspiration from dens that tip their hat to days gone by
Full Story
Houzz Around The World
USA Houzz: What Comes of a Drill, Handsaw and One Resourceful Guy
By Nanette Wong
A tight budget didn't stop Taylor Hoff from decking out his new home with lots of 'new' furniture
Full Story
More Rooms
Houzz Call: Show Us Your Man Space
By Jenny Drew
If you've got a man-focused space for tinkering, collecting, partying or even just daydreaming, we'd love to see it
Full Story
Houzz Around The World
USA Houzz: Gentlemen’s Club-Meets-Treehouse in Brooklyn
A creative couple outfit their rustic 56-square-metre apartment with antique finds, modern accents and plenty of plants
Full Story
Bedrooms
Stickybeak of the Week: Tin Tiles Transform a Bachelor's Bedroom
By Becky Harris
Inexpensive ceiling tiles were used to create a striking and inexpensive accent wall that also moonlights as a bedhead
Full Story