Modern life is a massive battlefield. Seriously. The only difference between these and some more savage, albeit a lot simpler times, is that we no longer ride off into battle to protect our possessions on a mighty steed. Current battles are fought with mortgages, loans, debit cards, and other far less noble-sounding necessary evils. Is life, at least, easier now?
Physically? Probably. Mentally? Not even remotely.
The outcome, however, is just the same. A true warrior-king needs a stronghold where he can recover from wounds and enjoy good old venison, wine, and lutes. A real modern man needs a cave where he can take a short break from outside life and indulge himself a bit.
But, we have to agree that “true man” is a term so broad that it threatens to level us all to the same measures with the subtlety of a steamroller. Let us then take a look at a few different ideas for different warrior-kings of the 21st century.
1. Entrepreneur’s Man Cave
An entrepreneur’s lifestyle has a fair share of both pros and cons. One of the things we know the most about entrepreneurs, unfortunately, belongs to the latter group of characteristics – their work time is never truly over.
That is why an entrepreneur’s man cave should be less of a pleasure room and more of a place where they can retire and enjoy their hobbies while still being able to get the job done. What does that mean? A comfortable chair, wall-mounted TV,[1] spacious desk, sofa, and of course, an “executive” mini bar fridge to soothe the tired soul.
2. Movie-goer’s Man Cave
Every avid movie-goer knows how poor the theater experience can be these days. Cellphones, obnoxious people who can’t stop talking, and the mind-numbing sound of someone chewing popcorn. The answer to this problem is very obvious – build yourself a home theater.
All you need is a good projector,[2] loudspeaker system (you can get away with 5.1, but try going for 7.1), and a few comfortable recliners[3] (Chandler and Joey-style). Details like movie props, posters, or standees can only make the whole experience more special.
3. Rockstar’s Man Cave
If you are, on the other hand, more into music, you can turn your man cave into a small private venue where you can jam with your friends. So, in addition to everything we have come to expect in a man cave by now, it would be a good idea to throw some studio equipment[4] into the equation as well.
Keep in mind, though, that your neighbors may not share the same passion for music as you. Soundproof your cave so you don’t annoy them. Small, genre-centric details (e.g. rockabilly, 80s pop, heavy metal) are always a welcome addition.
4. Sportsman’s Man Cave
There are very few of us who haven’t been, at least few times in life, touched by a sports fever. How does this fever work? You start watching the games, and the more you watch them, more you want to train. The more you train, more you want to watch the games.
How to stop this fever? Why would you? Instead, decorate one of your rooms with jerseys, trophies, and sports memorabilia. Then move in a huge TV, even bigger couch, and a fridge. Finally, throw in some basic gym equipment[5] (dumbbells, bars, and treadmill) to you satisfy the other side of your inner sports devotee while you are waiting for the next game.
5. Gentleman’s Man Cave
Or in other words, a room for the ones with the more refined habits. What does that mean? Out with technology, in with good taste. A proper gentleman’s man cave should feature only a comfortable chair, small table (stylish and timeless pieces are highly preferable), a few wine racks, bookcases, and of course, an espresso machine.
Remember, you are going for quality, not quantity. If you like to listen to music, move in a gramophone. They feature a large amount of eye-candy, and their sound simply can’t be replaced. Install layered lighting,[6] and you will score a huge design point.
6. Gamer’s Man Cave
Let’s say everyone who considers himself a serious gamer already owns a powerful enough PC, extremely comfortable chair, loudspeakers (or headphones), and three-monitor setup. What’s missing to make this promising foundation into a man cave? Well, if you are old enough to actually make a man cave, you were probably growing up in the late ‘90s or early 2000s, so you know online multiplayer can’t hold a candle to local mayhem.
Now, bring in more of the same, make some room for your friends, pull the cables through the floor and the walls[7] so you don’t trip over them, and your LAN den will be ready to go.
7. Fantasy Man Cave
A room for all of us who wander but aren’t lost. Now, pulling off a fantasy-based man cave is somewhat tricky to do, because you have to incorporate a love for books, games, and movies all into one room. Look to the previous paragraphs for help. However, once you are done with boring technicalities, you’ll finally get the chance to populate the room with swords, flags, tapestries, and all sorts of Tolkien-inspired no-goods.[8]
The things you don’t want to miss are a comfortable rocking chair, and a substantial, Warhammer-friendly wooden table. Hidden doors (bookcase does seem like an excellent cover) are not necessary, but they are a very cool addition.
8. Traditional Man Cave
Essentially, a traditional man cave is a room that fits various tastes, but it’s slave to none of them; sort of the first thing that pops into your mind when you put the words “man” and “cave” together. So, what have you imagined? Okay, the usual suspects like the cozy sofa, huge TV, large fridge, and loudspeakers. But what else?
That’s right, the things like mini bar, billiard table, dart board, even the old-school arcade games. In other words, a traditional man cave should convey a very strong pub-like impression. Does that make pub the man’s lowest common denominator? Why not.
The modern world is full of twist and turns. Granted, our lives are better than they were a couple of centuries ago, and we know much more ways to have fun than our ancestors did. What we sorely lack is time to have that fun and a place where we won’t be distracted.
Should we then simply give up and surrender to a daily rut? No, we have to carve ourselves a place where we’ll be happy. Do you feel your life is not as awesome as you would like it to be?
Then give yourself the best man cave ever.
Featured photo credit: Elizabeth Anderson via flickr.com
