Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Does Your Man Cave Need a Woman’s Touch? 7 Furnishings to Get

zhudifeng/iStock; 4x6/iStock; realtor.com

To some, the very phrase “man cave” conjures up unsavory images of mystery, exclusion, and macho entitlement. Like, what really happens in this dank, dark cave?

Yet with Valentine’s Day approaching, women of the world might be wondering how to shower the men in their lives with something special—and if your home does happen to have a man cave, it could probably stand for a bit of sprucing up. And if he won’t bother shopping for just the right armchair, why not you?

Marty Basher, a home design and organization expert at Modular Closets, says it makes great sense for a wife or significant other to assist furnishing a man cave.

“She probably knows his tastes—and where to shop for his favorite things—plus what to load in the mini fridge and how to decorate the walls,” he explains.

So go ahead, ladies—if you’re looking for a unique way to show your man you care, considering gifting him one of these man cave–worthy furnishings below.

1. Cozy armchair

Choose from seven colors and add an optional ottoman.

Pottery Barn

Focus on comfort and style for the chair in this space because seating is paramount (from $1,600, Pottery Barn).

“I love the large arms and cozy look of this leather seat and the additional ottoman, though you can get a recliner so he can put his feet up, too,” says Karen Gray-Plaisted of Design Solutions KGP.

“Leather is nice. Though if you pick upholstery, go for a performance fabric that’s comfortable and easy to care for,” adds Bohnne Jones of Decorating Den, in Nashville, TN.

2. Smart coffee table

Cold drinks and charged devices = happy camper

Macy's

“If the man cave is near the kitchen, it really doesn’t need its own appliances. But if it’s in the garage or basement, then it’ll benefit from a little kitchenette or microwave,” says Jones.

Have a small space? A multipurpose coffee table/fridge combo that also has a USB port is an excellent solution. This mini command center has Bluetooth speakers, which will sync with his TV’s audio for the coolest game day ever ($999, Macy’s).

3. Game table

Play a game and then break for dinner.

Wayfair

A flat surface for puzzles, board games, cards, or building model airplanes is key, says Julie Coraccio, an organizing professional and author of the organization journal “Got Clutter?”

The one here is a twofer: He can play pool for a while and then slide on the dining table topper when the pizza is delivered ($1,018, Wayfair).

4. Wall paneling

These easy-to-install wall panels come in three tones.

The Home Depot

Most design pros we polled suggested “dark and cozy” for walls and paint in a man cave.

Gray-Plaisted likes Classic Blue, Pantone’s 2020 Color of the Year, for this space, though paneling is also another good move.

These wall tiles are a DIY dream as they adhere quickly with double-sided tape strips ($106 for pack of 18, Home Depot).

5. Sturdy carpet

Got a spill? Just replace one tile—and the room looks as good as new!

Amazon

If there’s food being served in a man cave, put down a rug or carpet that can withstand stains.

For a hobby garage, consider concrete or rubber cushioning underfoot, while hard surface flooring like hardwood or luxury vinyl planks are smart for a room with a poker or pool table, suggests Jones.

“This space may need some sound-deadening floor treatment, so carpet tiles ($47 for 12 tiles, Amazon) are an excellent choice because they can be removed and washed or replaced if damaged,” notes Gray-Plaisted.

6. Vintage sign

Light the way with a fun sign in his man cave.

Overstock

Jazz up the room with a cute sign or graphic print based on his love of sports, cards, or gaming—and if it lights up, all the better ($50, Overstock).

7. Framed poster

Leave the gun, take the cannoli.

Wayfair

A personalized touch on the wall is a nice decor idea, says Jamie Novak, an organizing pro and author of “Keep This Toss That.” And who doesn’t love “The Godfather?” ($93, Wayfair)

The post Does Your Man Cave Need a Woman’s Touch? 7 Furnishings to Get appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

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