We all know that men need their own space. However, have you considered that they might just need their own place? Hear us out. We don’t mean that they are moving out. They are just moving all of their hobby items to the backyard. In this blog, we want to help you figure out how to make the best man cave shed for yourself or as a surprise for your husband.
A man cave shed can be the ultimate backyard retreat – a private space to indulge your hobbies, interests, and passions But small spaces present a unique design challenge how do you pack all the man cave must-haves into a compact footprint? The solution is getting creative with layout, maximizing every square inch, and selecting space-saving furnishings.
With some strategic planning and DIY elbow grease, you can transform even a modest shed into a luxe, masculine oasis. Here are 15 ingenious small man cave shed interior ideas to inspire your perfect hideaway.
Optimize Layout
When dealing with a limited area, layout is key to creating an efficient and comfortable man cave. Consider the activities you want to enjoy and arrange the space accordingly.
1. Create Zones
Divide the shed into separate “zones” for different functions – for example, a media area with seating focused on a TV or projector screen, a game zone for darts, pool table or arcade games, and a lounge zone with comfy chairs and a bar Use area rugs, different flooring materials or ceiling height changes to define the zones
2. Float the Furniture
Avoid pushing all furnishings against the walls. Float furniture like sofas chairs and tables away from the walls to allow traffic flow and create a roomier feel. But take care to leave adequate walkways – at least 36 inches wide.
3. Go Vertical
Install wall-mounted cabinets, shelving and displays to get things up off the floor. Floor space is prime real estate in a small man cave, so utilize the vertical plane. Wall mounts can hold TVs, guitars, sports memorabilia, signs and more.
Embrace Multifunctional Furnishings
Look for furniture that serves more than one purpose. Multifunctional pieces maximize usefulness while minimizing footprint.
4. Murphy Bed
Install a Murphy bed to transform the space from hangout to sleep space. Wall beds fold up into cabinets to free floor space when not in use. Pair with a comfy sleeper sofa for extra overnighter capacity.
5. Storage Ottomans
Ottomans with internal storage compartments allow you to stash items like blankets inside. Some even feature trays that pull out for tabletop surfaces. Top with a tray for eating or playing board games.
6. Convertible Table
A convertible table offers dining space plus extra surface for playing pool, cards or board games that can flip up when not needed. Or look for a table with storage cubbies inside.
Embrace Small-Space Furnishings
Furniture proportions make a big impact in tight quarters. Seek out compact, scaled-down pieces and you’ll be amazed how roomy the space feels.
7. Loveseat
Swap a bulky three-seat sofa for a cozy two-person loveseat. You’ll save several feet of floor space, while still offering comfortable seating. Nestle a couple of comfy armchairs nearby for additional guest seating as needed.
8. Bistro Set
A tiny bistro table with two stools is ideal for casual noshing and frees up floor real estate. For more seating, look for compact fold-up chairs that tuck away neatly when not in use.
9. Slim Bar Fridge
Rather than a full-size refrigerator, opt for a narrow counter-height beverage cooler. Or tuck a mini fridge under a counter or bar top to free up precious floor space.
10. Wall-Mounted Cabinets
Wall cabinets provide enclosed storage without claiming any floor area. Mount above the TV, bar, workbench or other areas to corral supplies. Open shelving offers display space for memorabilia.
Take It Outside
Extend your man cave footprint by utilizing covered outdoor areas adjacent to the shed interior.
11. Patio Hangout
Add comfy patio chairs and a fire pit right outside the shed doors to expand your living space. Run power to the patio for lighting, music and electric heaters to extend the enjoyment on nice days.
12. Outdoor Bar
Build a compact outdoor bar attached to the side of the shed to host larger gatherings. It also keeps the party mess contained outside. Add festive lighting overhead to set the mood.
13. Al Fresco Movie Nights
Mount a TV screen on the exterior wall and place chairs facing it on the patio for open-air movie nights. Install speakers pointed outside. An outdoor plug makes powering A/V gear easy.
14. Backyard Kitchen
Grilling, smoking meat, frying fish – take these aroma-rich activities outside by outfitting a cooking space near the shed. Add a compact grill, griddle and prep table or install a kitchenette in the shed with ventilation.
Embrace Industrial Chic
The industrial design style pairs perfectly with masculine man cave decor. It also lends itself well to small spaces by keeping things streamlined and minimalist.
15. Exposed Materials
Incorporate exposed beams, pipes and unfinished walls to play up the utilitarian shed structure. Painted cinder block walls in neutral hues keep things light and bright.
16. Vintage Factory Gear
Incorporate salvaged items like old toolboxes, machinery parts and commercial signage. Vintage locker baskets make handy open storage. Galvanized metal brings an earthy, rustic vibe.
17. Bare Bulb Lighting
Use unfrosted Edison-style bulbs in pendant lights or bare sockets for a vintage factory feel. Add swing arm work lamps for task lighting over game tables or workstations.
While a small man cave shed may present some spatial constraints, with clever design you can create a masculine retreat loaded with style and personality. Apply these small man cave shed interior ideas to maximize your available square footage while minimizing clutter. Soon you’ll be kicking back in your own custom haven tailored to your passions and interests.
What Are the Best Things For A Man Cave Shed?
As we mentioned earlier, trying to figure out what things you need in your man cave shed is truly dependent on the person who will be using it. However, we have found a common thread of what many of these spaces need to have the experience then men in your life have always wanted. In fact, we have what we think are the 35 top items for your man cave shed.
Your man cave shed needs a theme. Each man we have talked to in preparing this blog has one thing in common; they have one hobby that they really love the most. A man cave shed is a place where you are able to bring your passions into the 4 walls surrounding you.
Love music? Great, create a recording studio in your man shed; now you finally have the excuse to get that customer guitar.
Are you a hardcore gamer? Awesome. Find some of the coolest vintage equipment and create the most unique gaming setup imaginable. Who knows, maybe your kids will give you the SEGA back.
Are you a motorhead? Find some old gas station signs and give yourself an excuse to get the Redline tool chest you have always wanted.
Are you really into the outdoors? Why not take the time to get your mounts made? This will provide you with beautiful artwork and stories to tell for years.
At the end of the day, what it really comes down to is having the right decor and theme for the overall space.
Electricity in your man cave is really a must-have. Now every person will need a different amount of electricity. However, we think that having a basic electrical package is a great way to get you moving in the right direction.
However, you may find that you prefer to have a solar setup or just need a small battery-powered generator. No matter what you choose, electricity can really take your setup from just ok to something really fun and comfortable to use.
Depending on how you plan to use your man cave shed, you will need to have it finished out. For some people, this will mean something basic like painting the interior of the shed. However, we have seen that most people prefer to have it finished out with sheet rock or wood panels. This typically makes the space feel much more like a room or addition to your home than a shed.
Once you have decided on a theme for your mancave shed, the next thing is to figure out what kind of furniture you want. Because the man cave is typically a smaller space than a home, it is important to select furniture that is either appropriately sized or multifunctional. The biggest space-saving furniture idea that we have seen is couches that double as some kind of storage.
In most basic man cave shed setups, we have seen that you will need a minimum of the following items of furniture.
2 Coffee or End Tables
Table (if you plan to play games or eat)
With these few items in mind, you are getting pretty close to having the man cave shed you have always wanted.
Having a television in your man cave shed is a great way to make your hobby shed enjoyable. In most cases, we have seen that there are two options for TVs in a man cave shed.
A traditional TV is a great way to have a no-mess, no-fuss approach to setting up your man cave. However, because TVs are so rigid, it may be difficult to find the right size screen to fit your space. Often times we hear that sports fans and avid movie watchers wish they could have gotten a larger screen into their space.
Projectors used to be associated with people who owned a McMansion and made oodles of money. However, highly rated quality projectors can be far less expensive than a TV and offer you a much larger viewing area. Additionally, projectors will require far less space for the unit itself and can oftentimes be mounted on the ceiling leaving you with more room for floor space and wall space.
Snacks are just as important to relax as being comfortable. In fact, we are pretty sure that is why it is called comfort food. So no matter if you have a sweet tooth or are a salty snack person, we always recommend having a few different kinds of snacks on hand.
If you like trying different kinds of snacks, we recommend checking out a service like Snack Crate. This company will import snacks from all around the world. Who knows, you just might find your new favorite snack!
When you choose a refrigerator, there are two options to consider. One Is a small fridge like you would have had in college, nothing fancy, but it gets the job done. The other option is to choose a small refrigerator with a freezer so that you have the option to have ice or frozen treats.
On the other hand, all you may need is a cooler. Coolers are a great option if you don’t plan to entertain very often. If having a small cooler seems a bit more your speed, we highly recommend a small Igloo Cooler that can hold a few drinks.
If you choose not to have a fridge in your man cave shed, an ice machine is a great option. This will allow you to have a way to keep your drinks cold and refreshing without needing to have a large appliance like a refrigerator in your man cave. However, ice machines may not be that much cheaper than a refrigerator. We think this makes it a bit more difficult to choose to have only an ice machine versus having a small countertop fridge.
When you visit your friend at their house oftentimes the first thing they do is offer you something to drink. Your man cave shed should be no different. Whether you enjoy some nice adult beverages or a classic cola, it’s great to have something on hand for everyone.
When we say you need a bottle opener for your man cave shed, it doesn’t have to be synonymous with beer. Many beverages that you keep in a special stash might need to be opened with a bottle opener. So whether you want to have a classic bottle opener or one mounted on the wall, we will leave that up to you.
If you choose to have larger bottles of beverages in your man cave shed, you should have a drink dispenser. Some dispensers are sophisticated, while others attach directly to the bottle. No matter what you choose, we are sure it will be the right fit for your needs.
On the other hand, if you want a cooler and drink dispenser all in one, check out the Bevanda Sperse. With a Stainless Steel interior and tap-like spigot, you can create high-quality signature drinks for everyone to enjoy or use as a large cooler!
Drinkware is some of the most fun that you can have with creating your man cave shed. Whether you love a sports team or are a bit of a sci-fi nerd, you can decide how you decide to decorate. If you really want to have fun with it, check out Etsy and get some custom-made glassware.
Coasters can offer you sophistication even if your glassware is a bit juvenile. We know that coasters sound boring to have in your man cave shed, but we want to keep your furniture safe. It kind of feels like going to that one aunt’s house who had plastic on the sofa, but hear us out a moment. However, it’s your man cave, so if you want your coasters to match your specialty glasses, we won’t stop you.
Having some plates and bowls is a must-have if you plan to entertain in your man cave. There are two schools of thought on how to offer your guests plates and utensils. First is to go the traditional route and have true tableware and take the dishes back inside with you to wash them up. However, if you want to have a simple clean-up, we recommend that you stick to disposable cutlery and plates.
Playing Dixit is like stepping into a world where imagination takes center stage. Similar to games like Apples to Apples or Cards Against Humanity, Dixit involves players taking turns as the storyteller, providing clues for others to guess their cards. However, instead of words or phrases, Dixit uses beautifully illustrated cards to spark creativity and interpretation. It’s a mix of charades and a visual guessing game where players strive to strike the perfect balance between clarity and obscurity. The goal is not just to guess correctly but to engage others in a journey of storytelling and artistic expression. It’s a game that encourages players to think outside the box and appreciate the power of ry and imagination.
Tenzi is a fast-paced dice game where players race to roll all ten of their dice to match the same number. Similar to games like Yahtzee or Farkle, it offers a simple yet thrilling experience. Unlike strategy-based games, Tenzi is all about speed and luck, making it accessible and enjoyable for players of all ages.
Rummikub is a tile-based game where players aim to be the first to play all their tiles by creating runs or sets. Similar to games like Rummy or Mahjong, players strategically rearrange and manipulate tiles on the table. It combines elements of strategy, memory, and pattern recognition for an engaging and competitive gameplay experience.
Blokus is a strategy game where players take turns placing their Tetris-like pieces on a square grid, aiming to cover as much territory as possible while blocking opponents. Like a mix of Tetris and chess, it offers strategic placement and spatial awareness challenges, suitable for players of all ages.
Throw Throw Burrito is an exhilarating card game that adds a hilarious twist by incorporating dodgeball-style burrito battles. Players collect matching cards, but if a “burrito” card is played, a rapid, burrito-throwing frenzy ensues! It combines card matching with physical activity, creating a fun and active party experience.
Video games are a great way to make your man cave shed a truly unique experience. Yes, we know that many people enjoy playing Fortnite, or Call of Duty, and other classics on their Xbox or Play Station. But have you ever thought about creating a truly unique experience? Why not make it into a full-blown arcade in your backyard?
The greate debate of owning a grill, griddle, or smoker can be yours to contest by having all three at your man cave shed. Now they probably shouldn’t go inside (although if you know how to do the proper ventilation, prove us wrong and send us a video on how you did it). Nonetheless, having a grill, griddle, or smoker is a great way for you to be able to cook up some great food for your buddies at your man cave shed. Just be careful not to let the misses know you enjoy cooking, or you may have found yourself a new job .
How Much Does It Cost Turn Convert A Shed Into A Man Cave Shed?
A reasonable price to finish out a man cave shed is about $80-$120 per square foot. There is such a great variance in cost because it will be dependent upon your desired look and the needs you have. However, keep in mind that you can always start out basic and add things over time.
There is no one out there who said HGTV is coming to look at this, so work at your own pace and do what you can reasonably afford. When you work at your own pace, you may be surprised how much more affordable it is to create your man cave shed.
12×20 Ultimate Shed Build from Start to Finish
FAQ
How can I make my shed look nice inside?
Lighting: Adding some soft lighting or fairy lights can create a more inviting atmosphere. Plants: Indoor plants invigorate the environment as well as beautify the space. Insulation: Adding carpets or rugs help insulate the shed and make it warmer during cool months.
What’s a good size shed for a man cave?
We think the best-size man cave shed should be at least 10×16. However, it all depends on how large or small of a commitment you want to make.
What is a must have in a man cave?
A man cave should include everything you want to enjoy in your sacred space. You can add a pool table, an entertainment center, plenty of seating, and a bar area.
How much value does a man cave add?
Add Value To Your Home
Adding a man cave to your property can boost its value by 15%! This increase is estimated to be about 1.5 times the cost of building. Find out more.
What is the recommended size for a man cave shed?
The recommended size for a man cave shed is at least 10×16. However, the size can vary depending on your commitment. You could make it as small as 8×8 for a small work area or as large as 14×40 for a sports bar-like setup in your backyard.
How to make a man cave shed?
To create a man cave shed, first determine the purpose of the space based on the man’s preferences. Some men may only require a shed and some shelves for their tools, while others might desire a space that feels like a vacation home in the yard.
Can you build a man cave in your backyard?
Studio Shed offers various sheds and DIY kits that you can use for building your own man cave within your backyard. You can turn it into a backyard bar, a game room, or a place where you can work. Either way, Studio Shed provides endless customization options with this man cave shed kit to help you build the perfect design.
What is the best shed for a man cave?
True to its name, the Ultimate Man Cave kit from Shed Homes is the ideal choice for a man cave shed for the over the top man. Whether you want to build a workshop, a home office, or extra storage space, it’s an all-in-one solution.
Can a man cave shed be a quiet place to work?
A man cave shed is a great hideaway to relax, but it also can be a quiet spot to work. This shed from @modern_shed combines a music room and an office. The work station, comfortable sofa and music-themed artwork makes the space stylish and inviting. Want something similar?
Can a man cave shed be a chill hangout spot?
Transform an ordinary storage shed into a chill hangout spot with these amazing designs. A man cave shed is a great hideaway to relax, but it also can be a quiet spot to work. This shed from @modern_shed combines a music room and an office. The work station, comfortable sofa and music-themed artwork makes the space stylish and inviting.