How to create the perfect man cave

MAN CAVE (n): Also known as a mantuary or manspace, this story will show you how to create the perfect one.

Man cave inspiration. Picture: Roger Sciberras on Pinterest

MAN CAVE (n): Also known as a mantuary or manspace, the man cave [two words] is a place where people bearing the Y chromosome can retreat to.

The man cave is usually found at the back of a house, in a basement, shed or spare room, and comes equipped with a television, comfortable seating and alcoholic beverages of several descriptions. If you are a woman or a child, you are forbidden from entering the man cave.

And, now that it's winter and the footy season is up and running, the man cave is the perfect place to hibernate in.

According to news.com.au readers on Facebook, a man cave should also have any if not all of the following:

A gaming system, spa, weights, dumbbells, mini bar fridge, movie theater system, tequila, PC, XBOX, Foxtel, a reclining chair, DVD racks full of movies and games, a pool table, a huge wooden bar, a bear skin rug, a fireplace and some fancy chairs - all positioned in front of a 300-inch projection screen (thanks Matt, Tim and Charlie for your suggestions).

@newscomauhq @katemidena mini, mini golf course throughout. 9 holes using furniture, walls, table legs & bar stools as obstacles

— Mark (Flip) (@MarkPhilippi) June 12, 2013

@newscomauhq @katemidena my husband has a "kegerator" which is a bar fridge that has been converted with beer taps - fresh beer on demand.

— Rochelle McDonald (@romcdonald) June 12, 2013

What would you love to see in a man cave? Tell us below

"The man cave is definitely a room like no other in the house" says Pia Watson, stylist for Zanui.com.au.

"I guess the real essence of that is that every other room is female friendly, but the man cave is totally off limits."

Man cave inspiration. Picture: Roger Sciberras on Pinterest

We can thank the popularity of shows like Mad Men and Suits for the man cave resurgence, but if the idea of a having one in your own home sounds appealing but overwhelming, don't worry - we can help you.

"To get started, I think it's important to remember that you have to work within your space - don't get carried away" says Watson.

"Have a colour palette or a theme in mind to begin with and build up items as you go, rather than just grabbing a whole lot of items that you love and putting them all in your room."

Colours to look out for are anything on the warm spectrum - so, think dark browns, blacks, navy, beiges, and mustard if you're feeling adventurous.

"Another important thing to consider is lighting" says Watson. "Man caves tend to be quite atmospheric and moody, so go for low lighting - table or floor lamps rather than bright ceiling lights."

Your two key man cave pieces would have to be the bar and a big screen television, according to Watson. Once you have those two items, you can start to fill the space - dark leather lounges, vintage sofas, animal hide cushions and a coffee table should all be on your list.

Man cave inspiration. Picture: Albert Leung on Flickr

"Depending on the space a pool or ping pong table could definitely be a feature," adds Watson. "Even a small chess table can work - they're quite decorative as well as practical.

"It's important to note as well that with the bar area, you don't have to actually install a bar - you just need a fridge and a butlers tray with some nice glasses, so you can make a mini display."

Now if your budget doesn't stretch much past the telly and the beer, don't worry - you can still make your man cave work. Spend your weekends trawling garage sales and St Vincent de Paul's centres and keep your eyes peeled for old clocks, world globes and antique-style lamps.

What would you love to see in a man cave? Tell us below

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