The basement lends itself to being the ultimate man cave – it’s already separated from the rest of the house and is both dark and moody, perfect to watch sports and movies in. Basement man caves can also be a welcoming space not just for men but for all family members for relaxation and entertaining. Here are 3 steps to prepare to convert your basement into a man cave:
1. Make sure the space is comfortable
Check that there is no stagnant air by keeping the airflow moving with a fan or AC. To eliminate musty smells, look for the presence of mold or mildew. Keeping the right temperature could be a big issue as well, especially when temperatures drop. To winterize your basement, start with installing additional installation. Ignoring any of these issues will only lead to serious and expensive problems later on.
2. Plan for a theme
Is your basement man cave going to be a game, movie, or collection display room? Or is it a combination of those things? These are some of the must-haves for each theme:
- Sports Junkie – large screen TV, trophies, sports memorabilia
- Movie Lover – Large TV or projection screen, sectionals or sofa, dimmable LED lights, speakers
- The Collector – gallery wall, custom shelving, floating shelves, cabinet
3. Put it all together
Lighting makes all the difference in turning a basement into a finished space. Try to layer lighting by having one of each: ambient, task, and accent lighting. Soft furnishings such as fabric furniture add softness, warmth, and elegance to a man cave. Finally, remember to keep it playful! Basement man caves are for having fun and escaping the routines of life. Mixing things through artwork and decor will make the space more casual and comfortable.
