Designing A Man Cave: Bedroom Edition

Designing a bedroom for a man is a completely separate theme from other rooms in the house. The men’s bedroom usually meets two requirements: high functionality of the room and the absence of excess furniture and decorative objects. Men’s bedrooms are most often decorated in a minimalist style. Men strive for a simple and tidy look that is both comfortable and functional. Ideally, a man's bedroom should exude freedom, strength, masculinity, and intimacy.

There are several things to consider when designing a man's bedroom. Firstly, colour choices are important. Colours that exist in nature, such as grey, black, and brown, often dominate the spectrum chosen for such projects. Blue is also a popular choice as it is considered a masculine colour. The lighting and bold accents can also transform a room.

Secondly, pay attention to the choice of furniture. There are two main options: a folding bed, which is advisable for small rooms, or a large bed, which has the advantage of not needing to be made every time and always looks nice. Beds with high heads, upholstered in fabric or leather, are perfect for a man's bedroom.

Thirdly, consider the overall style of the property. If the rest of the house is minimalistic or modern, the bedroom should reflect that style to some degree.

Lastly, the most important part of any bedroom is the bed. Choose a comfortable mattress and consider the bed frame design, which can be a unique focal point of the room.

Colour schemes: dark hues, blues, greens and greys are traditional, but don't be afraid to experiment

Colour is an important element of any room's design, and this is no different when it comes to designing a bedroom for a man. The colours you choose can dictate the mood, feel and atmosphere of the space.

Dark hues, blues, greens and greys are traditional choices for a masculine bedroom. These colours can create a stylish, cave-like texture and feel to the room. For example, a base of a rich brown, similar to the best Belgian chocolate, can be combined with luxurious satin sheets and organic touches of wood and concrete to create a well-balanced, glamorous ambiance.

However, don't be afraid to experiment and add a little sparkle. You can create a stylish, masculine space with a colour palette of dark hues, but with added luminosity from trendy lamp designs and crisp white bed sheets. For a more traditional look, you can lean towards elegant monochromatic shades of grey, with secondary use of deep reds, blues or greens.

If you want to create a more casual, beach-inspired vibe, you can opt for a sequence of blues, creams, light pastels or brighter reds, combined with wooden elements. Muted greens and ocean hues are neutral and cool, perfect for a modern, dynamic lifestyle.

For a luxurious feel, you can introduce rich tactile sensations with velvet textures, satin sheets, smooth leather and high-quality furnishings. You can also add heavy tapestries and colours that represent the height of plush, royal living.

If you want to add a playful or quirky touch, you can incorporate fun accents and colourful accessories.

Masculine accents: focus on the bed as the room's focal point

When designing a man's bedroom, the bed is often the focal point of the room. To create a masculine space with the bed as the focal point, consider the following:

Choose a Simple Bed Frame

Select a bed frame with clean lines and a simple design. Avoid overly ornate or elaborate styles, opting instead for a soft grey fabric frame, a timber frame with warm tones, or a frame with a leather strap or pipe detail. A unique bed frame will elevate the space and enhance your sleeping experience.

Add Masculine Accents

Incorporate leather accents in a tasteful way, such as a leather strap on the headboard or a leather bench at the foot of the bed. Concrete elements can also add a masculine touch, whether it's a concrete wall or smaller decor pieces like bedside tables or chests of drawers.

Create a Moody Atmosphere

Use dark, moody colours like black, grey, or deep blue on an accent wall to add depth and a masculine vibe to the room. If you're hesitant to commit to a dark wall, consider using concrete paint to create a rough, rustic finish that feels inherently masculine.

Incorporate Geometric Patterns

Instead of floral or soft patterns, opt for geometric shapes, angular prints, and tribal influences in your bedding, throw pillows, or Roman shades. This adds character to the space while maintaining a masculine aesthetic.

Keep the Styling Minimal

When it comes to bedding, most men prefer a more minimal look. Stick to the essentials, such as a quilt cover set, sheet set, and perhaps one throw and a lumbar cushion. This creates a sleek and functional space.

Include Moody Artwork

Choose wall art that is moodier and more dominant. Abstract art or black-and-white photography in thin black frames with large white matt borders can add interest and a refined look to the room.

Lighting: use windows and appliances to create warm tones with minimal transitions

When designing a man's bedroom, lighting is an important element to consider. By using windows and appliances, you can create warm tones with minimal transitions to achieve a cohesive and inviting space. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Windows play a crucial role in lighting design. Maximise natural light by opting for large windows or floor-to-ceiling windows. Layer curtains in light and dark shades to control light and privacy while adding depth and dimension to the room. Consider the direction your windows face to take advantage of the most flattering natural light throughout the day.

For appliances, choose lighting fixtures that complement the room's decor and serve as functional statement pieces. Install a stylish hanging light fixture that provides both illumination and elegance. Opt for lamps with adjustable arms and sleek designs for bedside tables, providing task lighting for reading or other activities. Consider wall sconces or pendant lights to create a focal point and set the desired ambiance.

To create warm tones, opt for lighting fixtures that emit a warm glow rather than cool, white light. Look for light bulbs with a warm colour temperature, typically around 2700-3000 Kelvin. This will create a cosy and inviting atmosphere in the bedroom.

Minimal transitions in hues can be achieved by using lighting to create a consistent colour scheme throughout the room. Avoid stark contrasts and opt for subtle variations in colour temperature to create a seamless and relaxing space.

Remember that lighting can also be used to highlight specific areas or items in the room, such as artwork or collectibles. Picture lights or track lighting can be used to illuminate wall art, while recessed lighting or wall-mounted lights can showcase special items like vintage guitars or cameras.

Additionally, consider the placement of your lighting fixtures. Ensure bedside lamps are positioned to provide adequate light for reading. If you have a seating area, place floor lamps or table lamps in these areas to create a cosy atmosphere.

By thoughtfully combining natural light through windows and strategic placement of appliances, you can create a warm and inviting bedroom space with minimal transitions in lighting.

Artwork: a masterpiece can make your bedroom feel like home

Artwork is an integral part of any home decor and can be the difference between a house and a home. Choosing the right piece of art for your bedroom can be challenging, but it is an excellent way to express your personality and make the space feel truly yours.

When selecting artwork for your bedroom, it is essential to consider the overall mood and atmosphere you want to create. Do you want your bedroom to feel calm and serene, or would you prefer a more playful or sensual vibe? The right colours, decor accents, and artwork can help you achieve the desired mood.

For a tranquil and relaxing bedroom, traditional art choices include landscapes, garden scenes, botanical images, and ocean views. These types of images evoke a sense of peace and calm, perfect for a good night's sleep. If you want to add a touch of passion to your bedroom, consider artwork with deep, rich reds or subtle erotic portraits.

The size of your artwork is also important. In most rooms, bigger is better, as a small piece of artwork may get lost on a large wall. However, when grouping multiple smaller pieces together, they can have just as much impact as a single large piece. When hanging artwork above your bed, ensure that the bottom of the frame is 20-25 centimetres above the top of the bedhead to create a cohesive look.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different art styles and frame choices. A mix of frame styles can add an eclectic and edgy feel to your space. Consider using non-traditional artwork such as patterned wallpaper, mirrors, or even children's paintings.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose artwork that speaks to you and reflects your personal style. Your bedroom is your private oasis, so select pieces that will make you feel relaxed and inspired.

Storage: use under-bed storage to maximise space and maintain a sleek look

When designing a bedroom for a man, storage is an important consideration. One way to maximise space and maintain a sleek look is to utilise under-bed storage. This can be an excellent way to keep the bedroom clutter-free and organised, especially if you are dealing with a small space.

There are a variety of under-bed storage options available, from drawers and bins to boxes, bags, and baskets. When choosing under-bed storage, it is important to consider the size and number of units that will best utilise the space. Measure the area under the bed and choose storage that fits well, making the most of the available space. You may find that two or three smaller units fill the space more efficiently than one large one. Additionally, consider the height of the bed and choose low-profile storage that can easily slide underneath.

The type of material used for under-bed storage is also important. Look for materials that are durable and will hold up over time, such as non-woven fabric, plastic, or PVC. If the under-bed storage will be accessed frequently, you can also opt for more fashionable materials like leather, velvet, or wood. To maintain a sleek look, choose storage with clean and straight lines, avoiding overly elaborate designs.

Consider storage with features that enhance accessibility, such as handles or wheels, especially if you plan to store heavier items. Handles on all sides of the storage unit can make it easier to manoeuvre and access. Wheels are particularly useful if you need to move the storage unit frequently, but they may use up extra under-bed space.

Under-bed storage can be used to keep a variety of items organised, including books, clothing, bedding, towels, and shoes. Clear or transparent lids or windows can be helpful in locating items, while compartments or dividers can keep similar items together and prevent them from getting jumbled.

Frequently asked questions