Men of all ages and creeds have been dominating the “private sanctuary” game on social media for a long time now. With their whiskey, cigars, and sports podcasts, dudes have been crushing it. Women, often stereotyped as leaning towards public outings and trips, have been severely underrepresented…until now.
A woman’s man cave is called a “She Shed”. The space, much like the man cave, completely caters to the tastes and style of the owner. Various items and furniture pieces, consistent with the owner’s vision, can be brought in to add home comforts.
We explore a peaceful trend that is aggressively spreading like wildfire, as the girls highlight their resourcefulness and style to give the boys a run for their money. But what are female man caves all about?
What is a woman’s man cave called?
I must admit that my feelings regarding “Woman-cave” are still uncertain. On some days, I quite like it. On others, it is a little too much on the mouthful side, and, let’s just be honest, the word “cave” has subtle connotations that may be more acceptable for men than for women.
Luckily, political correctness is right on cue with the defused “She Shed”, apparently first coined in 2015 on the Today Show website. The alliteration is adorable enough, and it piques the interest of those who have never heard the term before. “No boys allowed” is the undertone, and there’s no escaping the feeling that the ladies are serious this time.
What should be in a Woman’s man cave?
Short answer? Anything she wants. Honest answer? Any she wants…that she can fit in there…and afford. The material items she surrounds herself with within her private escape are all secondary to the most important thing that belongs there. Her.
With that said, we take a closer look at some of the functional, design, collectible, and recreational items that could elevate a “good” she shed into a “great” she shed. Every woman is unique, so every she shed must be, at least, a little different from the last. Personal tastes, style, and memories are just a few factors that can inspire the décor and furniture choices.
Every she shed needs, at least, a comfortable set of leisurely chairs and a coffee table. Whether entertaining friends or just relaxing alone with a good book and a coffee, a good set of comfy armchairs will always be handy. You may strike gold at a local yard sale, so keep your eyes peeled. If you prefer brand new furniture, head over to Amazon, and find some awesome deals. A couch, or two, would also be perfect if space allows. Nothing like a lazy post-lunch nap on your comfortable couch, in your neat little she shed. Sweet bliss.
She shed, however, is not just some full-time self-pampering spa though. You have projects, research, studies, etc. You will need a functional workstation and, preferably, an office chair. Guest office chairs would also be a nice touch if space and budget permit. The compactness of modern computers means that a monstrously huge desk is largely unnecessary. A sleek and compact workstation will do fine for most purposes. Again, yard sales and second-hand stores are your friends here, with many a bargain to be had. Amazon is the best place to go for brand new desks and office chairs, with countless solutions to suit your specific space and budget needs.
A good, solid, bookshelf is a very simple piece of furniture that adds a world of sophistication to any room. Put one in your she shed and you will immediately come across as well-read and deeply cultured (even if you’re not). It’s a win-win actually because if you REALLY are into reading Shakespeare’s Othello, you will actually use the bookshelf. Books aside, the vertical storage capacity provided by bookshelves could also come in handy for various other small-ish items, especially when space in the She Shed is limited. Find the best bookshelf for you on Amazon.
Eats and refreshments will also need to be addressed. What is the point of having a private hide-away if you cannot use it for the occasional diet cheat meal, or three? You may also have to entertain a few visitors now and again, so your she shed must always be stocked with fresh snacks and beverages. Neat tea sets, cutlery, and wine glass sets are almost mandatory for any she shed worth its salt. A minifridge will ensure you are not always running back and forth between your she shed and the main house kitchen for snacks. Installation of floating wall shelves will also help with storage space for things like utensils, glass sets, or even bottles of liquor or juice.
One underrated pleasure in life is the feeling of a rich and soft rug between one’s toes and underfoot. Gorilla Commerce produces one of the most affordable, yet high-quality, rugs on the market today. With thick, soft, and wiry shag carpeting on the top, and the company’s patented GorillaGrip rubber surface on the bottom, expect this carpet to keep you snug as a bug in a…er…rug for many years to come. Check it out on Amazon.
Speaking of snug, let’s talk about heating and lighting. The style of lamps, lanterns, etc. chosen is completely a question of taste. Whatever lighting solution you opt for must be cozy and comforting at night. Outdoor lighting is also a good idea for security and ensuring that you, or your guests, do not accidentally misstep in the dark.
For heating, a fireplace is still the most romantic, and therapeutic, option. Electric or gas heaters are generally a more practical option than wood fireplaces, depending on where you live. However, if the aim of the She Shed is to be a place of total relaxation and peace, there are many unquantifiable reasons why a fireplace is best. The snap, crackle, and pop sounds of a fire on a quiet evening resonate deeply with something inside the human being. Perhaps it is an evolutionary thing, tracing back to the original “caves” of our primitive ancestors. Perhaps I just love fireplaces.
While it is good to read books and catch up on beauty sleep, let’s face it…we also want to binge on our favorite shows while wolfing down unhealthy quantities of chili Doritos. A media and entertainment solution for your She Shed may be the next thing you need to look at. It is important to note that some people are dead serious about using their She Sheds as an escape from everyday life’s vices, TV included. That is perfectly fine, and rather respectable. However, some people really NEED to know what happens in the new season of The Wonderful Mrs. Maisel, and they will find out by any means. Amazon probably has the widest range of monitors and televisions anywhere. A selection of Bluetooth speakers and smart speakers, such as Amazon’s Echo Dot, can instantly turn your quiet little literary retreat into the most “lit” spot in your neighborhood.
She shed ideas
The function of the She Shed, as stated earlier, is entirely up to the owner. When it comes to your She Shed, no idea is a bad idea as long as you have a clear plan of realizing it. Whether it is work or pleasure, there are many different uses for these cool structures.
One of the more common uses for she sheds is as a part-time art studio. Whether your job or hobby is painting, sculpting, pottery, or music, the studio she shed will have you covered as you take on your projects in peace.
She sheds can also be used as mechanical workshops. Who said ladies do not like getting their hands greasy? Many girls are donning overalls and picking up wrenches to repair their cars, car parts, or even boat engines, in the comfort of their own she shed.
Some ladies use their sheds as botanical head offices for their gardens. Various pots, plants, and freshly harvested goodies are a frequent sight in these gardening themed utopias.
Gals with a bit of an entrepreneurial spirit have also been known to run various businesses out of their She Sheds. If you have outdoor space and your area is rather busy, for instance, it could be a good idea to open, and operate, a coffee and doughnut shop out of your She Shed. You may strike gold with such ideas, especially if your She Shed is located along a busy commute route.
References
Little, S. (2018). “She Sheds” Are the New Man Caves. Pure Wow. Retrieved on 27/10/2020 from https://www.purewow.com/home/She-Sheds-Are-the-New-Man-Caves.