10 Mind-Blowing Man Caves from Across the Globe

About the Space:

The Smugglers Room is a Star Wars themed Man Cave designed by Brian Thompson, which began as a showcase for his enormous Star Wars collection and has since evolved into a masterpiece. While Star Wars is obviously the inspiration, Brian has been influenced by original artwork from Ralph McQuarrie, conceptual imagery from Lucasfilm, video game designers, and independent artists, and many others from his own Star Wars Room Builder Community.

Brian discovered that building the room and all of its features was the most exciting component of the project, which inspired him to create a YouTube channel where he shares the process of the build with others who are wanting to make similar. The current room design is the third variant, as Brian is obsessed with the degree of detail he wants for the entire room, which is a problem. Nothing leaves the shop or enters the room unless the details are perfect! It's come a long way, but there's still a long way to go before he can call it finished. We think it looks incredible!

Tips & Advice:

Brian recommends finding the tools that work best for you and invest in those tools. If you are going to build your room yourself, you do not want to waste time and money on tools that slow you down and give you poor results. He also warns not too rush the journey, as there is nothing worse than reaching the finish line and wishing you had taken more time to get something right.

Though the concepts are complete and some of the room build has been assembled, there are areas of the build that have not been fully designed. Brian never stops coming up with ideas, and that causes areas within the room to be altered. There are a few areas that he is working on right now, and with the attention to detail in this kind of project, time is the biggest enemy in getting the room finished.

Lastly, dream big and scale to fit your needs, and if you need more inspo then check out these cool Star Wars themed room ideas.

About the Space:

Welcome to The Cave, curated by Josh Havens, a passionate Chicago Bears fan whose journey began back in 2015. This ultimate man cave is located just 90 minutes from Chicago and features a Chicago Bears-inspired theme, a monument to Josh's devotion for the team.

A home bar adorned with a multitude of signed Bears memorabilia, as well as a remarkable assortment of 12 televisions, can be observed within these walls. The bar is known for its Sunday Ticket access, which provides a full sports bar experience by broadcasting all games simultaneiously.

Josh's skill for design shines through and he draws inspiration from social media and platforms such as Pinterest and Etsy. Working with genuine brick on the bar and back wall was a tedious but satisfying challenge. Josh says that the Mini Jumbotron was a lot of work but it’s well worth it!

Despite obstacles, The Cave is a monument to Josh's vision and determination, and we love how much effort has been put into this ultimate sports man cave.

Tips & Advice:

The two biggest tips Josh could give is to first be patient and do it right the first time round. Secondly, he recommends not buying cheap because you will just have to replace it further down the line. He's regretted making cheap purchases for The Cave just to have to replace them later. But if you take your time, challenge yourself and stay positive you can build an awesome unique fan cave.

About the Space:

In 2018, Jim set out on a DIY adventure, building an amazing bar at the bottom of his garden. What started out as a weekend endeavour turned into something incredible. A fully equipped bar area (which is studded with 10,000 pennies) features fridges, ice makers & more. Behind the bar there are numerous cool gadgets, such as a CO₂ glass froster, a concealed glass washer, and a secret entrance leading to the kitchen. An ice bin and cupboards for expensive spirits are hidden behind the bar. The entertainment list does not disappoint, with everything from a dartboard, pool table, and slot machines to high-speed internet and full cable TV with an endless selection of films and live sports.

Tips & Advice:

Jim says, "The biggest challenge at the moment is finding decent neon signs, we're still actively collecting but nothing intersting is available at the moment."

"For anyone building their own home bar, the biggest tip would be to think about size, and make it as big as you possibly can! I see so many shed bars that after the novelty wore off hardly get used. Insulation is also a must, so it can be utilised in the winter months, and if possible include toilet facilities!"

About the Space:

Bar 51 is a seasonal lodge nestled within Pequot Lakes, Minnesota. Tony Policano, along with Randy Rager, Klaus Alberts, and Zach Iverson have built this man cave between them. A summer hotspot for campers and a year-round labour of love.

Over the years they have in invested roughly $10,000 which covers everything from construction to insulation and windows. But what sets it apart? The eclectic-themed bar boasts a 6-line soda gun featuring Coke, Diet Coke, Mountain Dew, Sprite, Orange Juice, & Cranberry Juice. Equipped with an ice maker, 2 beer fridges, a 4-shot chill dispenser, and 2 TVs. An iPad controls the lights, music, curtains and even alerts their secret Snapchat group when the bar is open - where's our invite?

Tips & Advice:

The inspiration has always been about creating an enticing hangout, which began by transforming a derelict screened porch into Bar 51. Tony, the genius behind it, understands the difficulty of revitalising neglected locations. His advice is to visit antique stores during the off season winter months to collect vintage beer signs and Coca-Cola memorabilia for the walls.

Tony says, "Our biggest challenge was power, we had to bring in our electrician to add a sub panel. This is a season resort that I manage and live at year round. We love to change it up every winter so it’s a new experience for our friends returning in the spring."

About the Space:

This cinematic Star Wars themed man cave in Flower Mound, Texas, named "Props and Villainy," is a sincere commitment to the Force. The space was design and constructed by Kelly Sterne, a talented prop builder whose devotion exceeds his self-proclaimed amateur status. "I forged the media room for family movie nights in a galaxy far, far away," Kelly stated. "My kids will remember their dad building a spaceship!"

Kelly's concept is a work of art, inspired by Galaxy's Edge and the saga's original trilogy. "Not the best carpenter," he discloses, "but I tackle it." On the other hand, Kelly's prop-making ability emphasises each meticulous detail. The build honours the Force's energy and creativity by pulling inspiration from other room builders such as "The Smugglers Room" and others. "Judge me by my size, do you?" Yoda would ask. In this case, size doesn't matter because Kelly's tribute to the Force is massive!

Tips & Advice:

Kelly made tiny efforts at first, doodling ideas on walls and ceilings with blue tape to provide a visual starting point. His advise to the future themed room builders is to "gather references, design patiently, and skip the fancy tools." He did 95% of the job himself, using only a budget table saw and a jigsaw.

Kelly harbours regrets, wishing he had created a more considered design, avoiding rash decisions. "Seven years taught me," he said. "I'd change much if given another chance." However, the end result is an amazing space filled with Star Wars nostalgia, and his family and guests love it.

About the Space:

George Petro, president of Play Mechanix, has created this nostalgia-filled tribute to retro gaming. This home arcade is set in the basement of a gorgeous New England-style abode in Glen Ellyn and is bursting with carefully crafted nods to gaming history.

Petro's concept comes to life through a design that captures the essence of classic arcade games. With a Pac-Man-themed bar and motherboard-inspired wall. An immersive experience developed from the partnership of architect Jamie Simoneit and designer Amy Storm.

The ceiling is adorned with 1,000-pixel video screens which transforms into a massive 10x16-foot overhead canvas, setting the stage for varied entertainment. With multiple TV displays and a beautifully built console table with popup outlets for multiplayer action.

The immersive environment is finished with arcade games, Pac-Man-inspired shelves, Q*bert-inspired patterns, and pixelated carpet tiles. Amy says, "I was not aware of how extreme the arcade was going to be, but it truly honours the games and the owner's love for them." Petro's man cave is more than a space, it's a tribute to gaming.

Tips & Advice:

Crafting the back bar shelves to resemble the Pac-Man style graphics seemed straightforward, but the quest for an authentic arcade look was complex. It ended up involving a team of eight, including designers, lighting experts, electricians, and contractors, to achieve the desired arcade effect.

It's worth using plywood with metal for weight support, use exact measurements. Don't forget a cavity for lighting, and think about plexiglass opacity for the best glow.

About the Space:

If you're a fan of Batman, you will be blown away by this Batcave in Orange County. Pull on a specific book and the entire bookshelf swings open to reveal a secret Batcave that will amaze you. This cave boasts a home cinema and a full arcade with ten stand-up games.

Inside is a jaw-dropping cinema room and a life-size Batman model. The cinema includes stadium seating, leather recliner chairs, and capacity for nine people.

Converted from a garage, this cave resembles a true underground setting, complete with dark rocky walls and atmospheric lighting. A six-panel video screen displays Batman surveilling Gotham City while a life-size Batman stands guard. Turn on thematic music to enhance the true Gotham experience.

About the Space:

Mondo Video! An 80s themed Mom & Pop Video Store located in Atlanta, Georgia created by Anthony Sant’Anselmo.  Anthony grew up in Los Angeles, California, having an interest for filmmaking (as well as making cheesy horror/comedy short films with his friends.) His father is the co-creator of the 1980s toy Teddy Ruxpin, and he used to take him to his office on weekends, where he discovered his love of writing. Anthony currently works as a South Park animator, writer/director, and video "store" operator. Anthony envisioned his basement as a blank canvas after moving to Woodstock, igniting the desire to build a vintage-style video store. His desire to create an immersive homage was inspired by memories of 1980s Mom & Pop businesses.

Anthony's painstaking planning transformed seven rooms into a practical mix: a production office, gym, home theatre, and an eclectic main area, channelling his childhood memories into an ambitious basement project. Initially considering a Haunted Mansion theme, he changed his mind and decided to establish an authentic '80s video store, curating a nostalgic movie collection from thrift stores and VHS groups. His attention to detail resulted in themed sections, distressed faux brick panelling, and neon lighting, offering the space an authentic '80s vibe.

Tips & Advice:

Despite sleepless nights and flooring issues, Anthony's basement, dubbed 'One More Thing Video!' by his wife, became a testament to his dedication and nostalgic passion, resonating with internet viewers and signifying a personal accomplishment in recreating a bygone cinematic era. Unexpected attention from nostalgic audiences has validated his efforts, which have resonated with many.

Anthony adds, "for anyone who wishes to donate their old physical media: VHS, Beta, CED's, Laserdiscs or VCR's, I'd love to give them a forever home here." And if any local performers, producers, or camera crew want to collaborate on some projects and make some fun stuff in the video store, let him know!

About the Space:

Step inside "Den Gule Enke," an elegant irish themed home pub named after a famous French champagne and the colours of the owner, Anders Soelvsteen's local football team. The construction of a dividing wall separating the workshop and bar area began the transformation of this humble shed into a stunning home irish pub. Anders intended to infuse the space with the mood of a typical Danish "Ølstue" while pulling inspiration from British/Irish pubs by choosing dark green shades to compliment the yellow memorabilia.

The bar and TV are central to the room, where friends gather during football games. Every corner tells a tale, with retired jerseys, stadium memories, and eccentric bar signs purchased from eBay and other marketplaces. Anders' love of beer led to the installation of a draft beer system, which was one of his best decisions.

Despite the fact that the project was initially completed in two focused months, the pandemic extended the project's timeline. Anders, like many mancave owners, admits to the project's never-ending nature. Despite being satisfied with the finished bar, thoughts of redoing the entire space remain, a never-ending pursuit of perfection.

About the Space:

Gathering friends and family at home is becoming more and more common in the daily life of Curitibanos. So having an organised functional space with an interior that shows off the personality of the hosts is perfect for enjoying special moments.

The pub has an area of ​​45m² that was once abandoned at the back of the house. The purpose was to look like a commercial environment, giving the occupants the feeling of not being at home, but in a real bar. The environment is fully equipped with sound and light and includes a dance floor, a bar area complete with an island for 6 seats, barbecue, jacuzzi, arcade, jukebox, lounge area among other leisure facilities.

The space’s designer, Elyse Bacila was inspired by the rock ages from 50’s/60’s to the 80’s/90’s. She created personalised utensils with the logo created especially for the pub. The end result was an incredible environment, with personality and a lot of fun.

Tips & Advice:

The challenge was to look like a commercial environment whilst giving the occupants the feeling of not being at home, but rather in a real bar.

The owner Simone says, "Don’t forget to do soundproofing, unfortunately I only thought about it when I was halfway through the work; It was no longer viable to do so. Being in a condominium of houses, it was the right thing to do." We hear you... who wouldn't want to crank the volume up to the max on that jukebox?