Your man cave has to reflect your personality and sense of style, and one of the best ways to go about this is top-notch decorations. These accessories really bind the space together in a way that helps you relax, work, or whatever you do in your man cave.
The number of ways by which a man cave can be decorated is limitless. Decoration choices are entirely up to the owner, and tastes can vary widely. Interior decorators can also be brought in to help with the layout of the man cave. Many ideas are available online and in popular media. Various decoration items can also be found on Amazon.com as well as local retailers, pawnshops, and yard sales.
Decorating a small man cave is trickier than you might think because space is at a premium. With that in mind, you must try as much as possible to find decorative items that also serve functional roles in the man cave. We’ve compiled a list with 15 great decorative ideas to help you get started!
1. Posters
We’ll start with one of the more classic décor options for man caves. A good poster makes an impression on people, and it can tell your man cave guests a whole lot about you. The types of posters you can get are limitless, and there is a great selection for you on Amazon.
Why not get a classic movie poster? One of those framed ones that will be shielded from the elements. Check out Pyramid America’s The Godfather framed poster, featuring Marlon Brando’s Vito Corleone. It is no coincidence that the Godfather himself was a man cave legend. This deal is an offer you can’t refuse, my friend.
Besides impressing your consiglieri and underbosses, posters can also serve as a source of humor or motivation. Panther Print has an excellent Rocky Balboa film poster which features Rocky raising his fist with his back to the viewer. Alongside the man himself is his famous “The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows” monologue from the 2006 film.
2. Lighting
The lighting options you choose have a direct impact on both visibility within the man cave and the overall aesthetic. You are spoiled for choice in this area too and taste will usually be the determining factor for most options.
Standard LED lighting is a good idea, even if you are planning on spending most of your man cave time under ambient lighting. These flush LED ceiling lights from Hykolity will do well for your space when you need maximum visibility.
Ambient lighting is a good way to add flavor to your “mantuary” as well. Check out the USB TV backlight from CPLID. This is a strip of lights that are attached to the back of your television to create a luminous glow around the edges when the TV is in front of a wall. The effect looks very cool and will radically change your TV viewing experience in the man cave. Just plug the lights in via USB and off you go.
Let’s not forget about pendant lighting. There’s Belscott’s police interrogation-style hanging ceiling light. These come in a pack of three, so you have room to be creative with this concept. I would put one above my desk, or a roundtable, for poker games and really intense business negotiations.
For your desk or workstation, I recommend the Newhouse MO-GO antique style banker lamp. Always a classy touch.
3. Clocks and Watches
Punctuality is king in all pursuits. You need a good clock to help you keep track of your productivity. Some man caves are so insulated from the world that you don’t even know what time it is in there. Something like Vegas casinos.
Clocks, watches, and other timekeeping tools are also great decorative pieces. Analog, digital, grandfather…the choice is yours. Sundials? Hourglasses? A bit retro, but still works.
Check out Amazon’s own fourth-generation Echo Dot smart speaker, which features the iconic virtual assistant Alexa and a rather awesome clock. The device’s LED interface enables you to set alarms, timers. It’s much more than a clock of course. Ask Alexa to tell you a joke from time to time, or a heads up on the next day’s weather. The Echo Dot can stream music from the major platforms on top of being able to link to your devices via Bluetooth or audio jack.
If you are not a fan of all the techy stuff, there is the simple black non-ticking wall clock from Bernhard Products. The second hand is dead silent you so don’t get distracted by constant ticking.
4. Statues
A unique statue is always sure to spark interesting discussion or introspection. Whether it is a religious symbol, some sort of Nubian muse, or some abstract aliens. There many different artists, each with a different vision that evokes different responses in the audience.
Have a look at the NEWQZ “Thinker” figurine sculpture. This is a beautiful collectible that will be a great centerpiece for your desk or workstation. Made from environmentally conscious resin, this 500-gram figurine feels fabulous to the touch.
There is also the DreamsEden abstract dancing sculpture. This 2-pound masterpiece is simply indescribable in words but means everything to the inner romantic in all of us. Get a matching pair with the missus, and set yours up in your cave so she knows you’re always thinking of her.
5. Bar and refreshments
Your man cave is going to be a drinking haven, let’s not lie. You and your buddies are going to raise all kinds of hell over doubles on the rocks. Cigars are going to feature from time to time too.
You need to at least have a look at the Atterstone barrel whiskey decanter set. The decanter is made of fine compact glass shaped like a barrel, and capable of holding a liter of whiskey. The decanter’s dispenser is made of fine stainless steel. There are two whiskey glasses included, as well as a few whisky stones, to keep you that little bit cooler in the summer heatwaves by the pool.
The rotating liquor dispenser is also a great mini-bar item that looks cool in the corner of the space. A three-bottle setup is just the sweet spot for me. Check out the Oggi Professional three-bottle revolving liquor dispenser. The air-tight plastic dispensers allow for some serious precision pouring. Great for “taking it easy” on the sauce.
6. Sports memorabilia and merchandise
Of course, sports tend to feature in the man cave. Jerseys, balls, gloves, you name it. It displays a little bit of your competitive nature as a man.
If you have a little money to burn, you can take a quick gander at the Chicago Bulls Michael Jordan signed jersey. In the classic home white, this jersey was signed on the back by the great man himself. Authenticity is provided by Upperdeck, so everything is above board. The jersey is framed and in mint condition. A pair of MJ’s classic dunk photographs complete the bundle.
There is also the LA Dodgers Corey Seager signed baseball and World Series Champions display case. Signed by Dodger’s star Corey Seager, this ball commemorates his and his team-mates’ victory at the 2020 World Series. The glass display case is built around a golden glove-like throne for this and other prized baseballs.
7. Chandelier
I know we have already discussed lighting but, as far as man caves are concerned, the chandelier is usually its own story.
Great ideas are available on Amazon and you can set the tone of your choice with different types of chandeliers. You won’t go wrong with an antler inspired design.
8. Decorative wall games
Many minigames can also serve as decorations. Use them to break from your work or to compete with friends.
A dartboard immediately comes to mind, for its aesthetic alone. You might be surprised to learn that it’s also quite useful for playing darts. Advanced darts players might want to look at the Winmau Blade bristle dartboard. This board has a special triple-wheel lock and level system. This allows the board to be leveled perfectly on any surface.
A wall or door mounted basketball hoop is a bit of fun for your man cave as well. The Super Joy Pro indoor mini basketball hoop is just what you need to toss a few “buzzer beaters” every now and again.
9. Scented candles
Scented candles are not just for ladies, guys. You can make use of one or two for your man cave to experience pleasant and mood raising aromas. They also look nice as a decorative piece.
Check out the Manly Indulgence Woodland Escape scented jar candle, and prepare for the scents of pine forests, with a dash of cinnamon, eucalyptus, and mint. This soy-based white-wax blend candle is a great way to relax and reflect. Maybe put on a classic record.
There’s also the transparent Candle Universe jar candle, which has a rich balsam pine scent, with a tinge of clove, juniper resin, and citron notes. There’s also an interesting slight sawdust smell. This is great for at-home aromatherapy. Tip…let the candle burn for fifteen minutes with the windows closed and put it out before leaving the man cave for the night. The next time you return, your room will have a welcoming dance of sweet smells.
10. Wall and door signs
Repurposed road safety signs are a historic feature of man caves. Nowadays, we’ve seen the rise of man cave signs styled in a similar fashion. From yellow police crime scene lines to marked helmets and neon drive-thru signs. The choices are endless.
There’s the “Man Cave Open 24/7” LED sign. This vintage-looking sign is a good option for the entrance to your man cave. It’s such a dad joke type of decorative piece that adds a bit of light-hearted personality to your space.
Beware, or warning, signs are not an uncommon sight. See the classic “Man Cave: Enter at Your Own Risk” metal door sign. It’s a nice piece that will nicely fit into the backdrop of the cave.
A good sign to accompany your bar area is the metal “ALCOHOL: BECAUSE NO GOOD STORY HAS EVER STARTED WITH A SALAD” sign. More dad-joke humor for you and your guests.
11. Rugs and carpeting
A good rug really does a number on a space. If you have a general lounging area, consider putting an eye-catching rug there to differentiate it further from other areas of the cave. Maybe place it under a centerpiece coffee table. The nuLoom Vonda Fancy Persian Area rug is one of those eye-catchers.
A little shaggy mat for under your desk is a clever idea for those chilly all-nighters. Or if just love the feel of shag carpeting in between your toes.
If your man cave is outdoors, a doormat is a necessity if you don’t want to be cleaning all the time. See the MOMOBO “Welcome-ish” doormat, a funny twist on the traditional welcome mat.
12. Paintings and wall art
Some of the older souls among us would prefer some art to overused and gimmicky signs. Art is never a bad choice for any interior space. A good painting accents a room well, and offers a unique escapist experience, especially upon close inspection.
Tumovo is a company you definitely need to check out. Go to Amazon and have a look at their 5-piece high definition canvas paintings. Have your pick of the pieces, many of which feature stunning film projectors or reels. A great choice for a creative space.
If you’re into modern abstract paintings, go and see how the V-inspire modern abstract canvas oil paintings make you feel. I think it’s perfect for adding splash color to a space that runs the risk of being a bit of monochrome.
13. Bean bags
Is there a more fun piece of “furniture” out there? I think not.
I love a really big bean bag, personally. Very few do them bigger than Chill Sack, manufacturers of the gargantuan giant bean bag chair. This bean bag is super comfy and caters to all sitting styles. It is available in chair and lounger form across different sizes. Whatever version you pick will feature a cushy memory foam blend underneath a double stitched micro-suede cover that is unbelievably soft. The bean bags are highly durable, and the covers are removable for machine washing.
Bean bags can add an element of fun to an overly serious man cave. These are great fun for relaxing with significant others and your kids.
14. Collectible mugs and glasses
Collecting mugs and glasses is one of those mini-hobbies that goes well with your man cave’s bar area. Maybe you could line up your collection up on a shelf above the bar itself.
As far as collectible glasses go, the Barbuzzo 50 Cal shot glass set is right up there. The set features two shot glasses that are shaped like 50 caliber bullet casings. Talk about a “shot glass” in the literal sense. They are of very high quality, yet very affordable. Guaranteed to perk up your mini-bar.
Farm equipment giant John Deere has a cool looking ceramic mug that would be great for daily use or decorative purposes. The stoneware wrap around the mug makes the item feel extremely durable. Great for morning coffees or a sneaky mid-morning beer.
Lucky Shot manufactures a unique sort of short cut that ties into their brand name. The .308 bullet shot glass literally has a genuine .308 copper bullet that is hand embedded into the side of the glass, which gives the illusion that the glass was shot and caught the bullet. An awesome party piece for any man cave bar.
15. Shelves and cabinets
In a small man cave, several items will have to marry decorative appeal with functionality. This is especially true for storage furnishings. Stands and cabinets need to serve multiple roles so they can justify the huge amounts of space they tend to take up.
The DKLGG TV stand is one such versatile piece of furniture. It features several doors and cabinets for your entertainment center devices and reading material. The stand can support televisions of up to 60 inches. It also features a walk line hole to help you organize your media cabling neatly.
Shelves are also underrated as decorative pieces, and they are mighty useful, especially as the lower back begins to get creaky with time. The SUPERJARE wall mounted floating shelves (set of two) have a very minimalistic appeal to them, and they will help you save floor space because they are fixed directly to the walls. They are also available in different sizes, which allows for varied uses. Store your tools, stationery, or books with ease and save precious square-footage while you do it.