Every man desires a man cave. It is a place where he can relax and make it is his own. It reflects his personal tastes and is a place where he can just hang out either by himself or with a few close friends. However, sometimes space in the home is at a premium. This is when a man needs to think outside of the box as to how to make this dream a reality.
Most men have access to a garage, which can easily be transformed into a guy’s hangout. Many men love a good DIY project, and an area that is a complete blank slate provides the perfect canvas to showcase their skills.
In transforming a garage into a man cave, there is great deal of work involved. It requires some serious money before a transformation can even begin. First, the area needs to be fully insulated and soundproofed. Then, electrical outlets need to be put in, plus proper lighting.
Also, if you want to run any computer systems or use the internet in any capacity, you may need a signal amplifier/booster if the house is close enough. If it isn’t, you may need to call someone in, which is yet another added expense.
If you don’t have a garage, but you have a carport, even these can be turned into a man cave. It is all up to your budget and imagination.
Many man caves appear to be too elegant or posh to feel comfortable. Some men appreciate a more down-to-earth, or industrial, design. Here are some suggestions to help in converting a garage into the man cave of your dreams … industrial and modern style, of course!
Wealthy Playground
This modern man cave idea is for a larger garage, or a garage big enough to have two separate areas. With this man cave garage idea, the front of your garage will be comprised of a garage door of only windows to allow for light to enter the space. The floor will be a beige granite with black flakes running through.
The front portion of your wealthy playground garage should be able to house cars, bikes, ATMs, etc. One neat idea for this design is to paint the walls white and the metal on the doors black to create a modern contrast. Additionally, you can include recessed pot lights to illuminate this area.
You’ll want this area to be separated by a divider. Make sure a wall flanks about ¼ of the garage on either side, and ensure that you have a dark, thick, chocolate brown bulkhead outlining the entrance to the second area. Also use four recessed pot lights to give that modern feel, and ensure the doors are completely glass to allow light to come in and showcase the “toys” in the other room.
Along the back wall, you can install a bar with beige granite countertops along with an enclosed glass area for drinks behind the bar that stretches up to a slightly vaulted ceiling. To complete this look, press up four chairs against the lip of the bar and have a snooker table in the middle of the room for a quick game of pool.
Bike Garage Workshop
Among man cave ideas for your garage, this is a more industrial look. If you own bikes, what better way to showcase them than in this bike-themed garage.
As an example, you can paint the walls a pale yellow with a bright orange accent wall. The bar can also be comprised of an area that looks like three-tool storage areas tucked under a wood table. You can also have your cabinets made of an industrial steel, located above the bar area.
Ideally, this man cave idea also has storage for tools beside the bar, while the bar stools are just a simple round stool with metal legs. You can also mount a television set against one corner of your space for entertainment.
This is a very simple yet functional design. Aside from the conversion costs, it wouldn’t take a great deal of money to establish this look.
Small Garage Setup
In a half garage, only half of a man cave can be set up. This ends up being too cramped with a car in the area and everyone visiting needing to work around it. Even with a single car garage, incorporating that personal touch alongside a car can be challenging. So, to create that perfect man cave, men must use the vertical space of the garage.
For example, one design has a dark, black floor and a butter yellow ceiling with black trim. The walls are half beige and half yellow. This design also has a small, black bar area, which includes chocolate brown accents and a fridge in the center to store drinks. Plus, the chairs match the bar perfectly.
On the perimeter of this setup’s garage, there is storage which doubles as table space. It also has a mounted flat-screen television set with a small arcade in one corner.
A small garage setup can also include an electric fireplace and round tables flanking each side of the garage to complete the look.
If your garage is narrow, placing things in the room will provide difficult, and storing the car may make the room too crowded. To prevent this, use vertical shelving when possible.
Incorporating tall, thin cabinets will minimize the space tools take up. Instead of a flat-screen television set, you can use a projector and a screen for entertainment.
Industrial Man Cave on a Budget
For this look, you can paint the walls ¾ white with paneling and ¼ dark blue chalk paint for a texturized feel. You can also have a dark blue bulkhead hanging to separate the man cave area, as well as track lighting installed above the back wall.
A tin backsplash along the back wall, as well as medium blue storage areas in an l-shape along the back wall, would really help complement the industrial feel. You can also highlight it with white trim and have it serve as the bar area. Also, your industrial man cave will look really nice with a large, checkered-pattern floor. This would showcase a car (especially a vintage car) nicely.
When thinking about what to put in your garage man cave, consider the functionality that your garage needs to have. While you may have already determined the car can be parked in the driveway, you need to consider what storage space you will need for things such as tools, areas of hobbies, or places to workout. People use the garage for more than just parking a car.
Stand-alone toolboxes or shelving won’t take away from a man cave. In fact, if done properly, it can enhance the feel when doing an industrial design.
Most man caves come with a bar and fridge, or at least a seating area. A fridge is essential, even if you don’t serve alcohol because you can keep drinks and snacks cool. You won’t have to excuse yourself to go into the kitchen for food when it can be served in the garage. It’s a great way to keep the kids out of the “secret stash” as well.
Your garage will not only need to be insulated, but you must also determine how to keep it cool/warm. Smaller areas may be able to get away with a small air conditioning unit. Large garages may require more. This needs to be factored into your plans.
With effort and money to properly convert your garage into a room, this area can turn into a spectacular man cave. Whether you go industrial biker, modern wealthy, or anything in between, this area should reflect you as the individual. Make it your own!