Ever since mankind emerged from, well, caves, men have longed after a space of their own. A treehouse. A local pub. A shed. But, the sign of a life truly well lived is a man cave all of your own, in your own home no less. A place to go and think. Or drink. To house and watch a needlessly big TV. Indulge a hobby. But where to begin?

Building a man cave takes creativity – there’s more to it than sticking a sofa and the old TV in the spare room. Nor do you have to be Bruce Wayne with enough money and space to build a full-scale suburban Bat Cave. Our guide to some of the coolest man cave ideas will help you upgrade whatever space you’ve got to work with, complete with expert tips on how to get the look.

The Bar: Man Cave Ideas For The Drinks Lover

A man’s taste in bars is as unique as he is. Otherwise, we’d all be happy drinking at TGI Fridays. For some men, it’s all about high-end IPAs. For others, carefully matured whisky. Others still might opt for tequila, no matter what night of the week it is.

What most drinkers do have in common is appreciating the communal aspect of getting together with friends to put the world to rights over a few jars. Which is why we’re big fans of the set-up in the image above – circular seating is a great way to maximize space in a social area. With inviting oversized loungers in brown leather, it’s clear that comfort comes first.

“A natural focal point can be a circular table surrounded by chairs, which is great since you can alter the tables and chairs in a way that suits the room,” says furniture designer Vanessa Arbuthnott.

“Leather is softening and contemporary, rugs keep the heat longer, and cushions make it feel cosy and warm. A man cave doesn’t need much in terms of accessories, but a few items make a long-lasting difference to the overall ambience,” she adds.