“Man-cave? You’re bragging about a man-cave? My father had a man-cave. It was THE HOUSE!”
– Sebastian Maniscalco, Aren’t You Embarrassed? (2014)
Remember the good ol’ late nineties and aughts? Back in those days, the home renovation project known as the “man cave” was all the rage. The set of The Man Show. Sydney Fife’s bro bungalow in I Love You, Man. The back room of the fuggin’ Bada Bing on The Sopranos. Vinnie Chase’s living room on Entourage. The rain main suite in The Hangover. The list goes on. The point is, from the big screen to the little screen and all over the country in-between, future Gallantry Men everywhere were looking to make their own dude hideaways and hangout spots for their own Wolfpacks, Rat Packs, Bro Packs, you name it - brocism-free zones where the boys could crack wise, play cards, drink scotch, smoke cigars, watch the game, kick back, whatever.
Danny Ocean (Frank Sinatra) and his crew play pool and plot in their Vegas man-cave in Ocean’s Eleven (1960).
Danny Ocean (Frank Sinatra) and his crew play pool and plot in their Vegas man-cave in Ocean’s Eleven (1960).When the recession hit, the man-cave revolution took a beating. However, believe it or not, the home refuge known as the man cave is making a full-throttled comeback.
“Men want to be alone, but we don’t want to be by ourselves.”
– The late, great Patrice O’Neal
It’s not at all surprising when you think about it, really. Modernity isn’t always so warm to the legendary testosterone-filled, forces of nature known as Gallantry Men, so it’s nice to have a nag-free space where can just do you and indulge in some much-needed “me time”. It’s nice to have a home base where you can unwind, reflect on simpler times, watch Sharon Stone do interesting stuff with her legs in Basic Instinct (without worrying about someone barging in and berating you for your viewing choices), max out on some wings, knock out some reps, and just decompress (hey, it’s healthy), a place where you can unabashedly be a man without fear of getting “cancelled”…just for being a man.
Joe Rogan’s new podcast studio/man-cave in Austin, Texas
Let’s get real, fellas. Navigating the modern world can be confusing and weird, so having a quiet spot where you can return your batteries back to neutral can be a truly money move. If men can’t go out and be their authentic selves in public spaces, they’ll inevitably kick back at home in their own shrines to their manliness. It ain’t rocket science, you know what we mean?
If you’re thinking about building out your own brand-new dude zone within your home or upgrading an existing man house or nook, we can’t blame you. In fact, we can’t blame you one bit. A fresh man cave can literally be a lifesaver for your mental health. So, with that being said, here are just a few of the simple ideas we’re digging these days for the Gallantry Man looking to make a legit Gallantry Man cave…
Mike Tyson’s man-cave in The Hangover (2009)
Mike Tyson’s man-cave in The Hangover (2009)
CHAIRS & SOFAS THAT ARE COMFORTABLE AF
Let’s get down to brass tacks, shall we? When you’re looking to make the perfect man-cave, having extremely cozy furniture is a necessity. This is, after all, where you and your boys will be parking butts when you want to lounge, chillax, watch movies, play video games, make private calls, or doze off boss-style.
“Welcome to Paradise. I built this little slice of heaven with my own two hands.”
- Bob (Vince Vaughn), The Watch
“It feels like this chair is inside me, bro.”
- Franklin (Jonah Hill), The Watch
“You like that thing, huh? I got it at a place called RelaxTheBack.com. It’s like Toys R Us for your ass and back.”
“It feels like a thousand little baby wizards are massaging my asscheeks with their little baby wands.”
“Powerful imagery, brother. I’m digging where you’re coming from. What’s your poison? You down with scotch?”
From luxe home theatre recliner sofas that have sweet features like devices and cup holders to La-Z-Boys, you’ve got plenty of options.
Peter Klaven (Paul Rudd) and Sydney Fife (Jason Segal) chill out in Sydney’s man-cave in I Love You, Man (2009).
Peter Klaven (Paul Rudd) and Sydney Fife (Jason Segal) chill out in Sydney’s man-cave in Once you’ve got your main seating taken care of, then you can, of course, figure out what you want to do in terms of side tables, ottomans, bar stools, etc. Nevertheless, first things first.
“I'm gonna make Gretzky's head bleed for super fan 99 over here.”
- Trent (Vince Vaughn), Swingers
BALLER WALLS
Having a nice wall in your man-cave is a clutch move. Not only are your man-cave walls a great way for you to personalize your space (via color, material, wallpaper, etc.), but they’re also a great place to prominently display your favorite framed cool prints and/or band/movie posters, hang musical instruments (you know, for those moments when you just need to have an impromptu rock out session), or add some shelving too.
“I LOVE GALLANTRY!”
“I LOVE GALLANTRY!” “You dudes get your EDC from Gallantry, too, right?”
“You dudes get your EDC from Gallantry, too, right?”
A LEGENDARY POKER TABLE
Having a sleek game table will, let’s just be totally honest here, take any man cave to the next level. Some might even say a man-cave can’t really be complete without one.
Dartboards, Ping-Pong tables, a pool table are clutch, but having a sweet poker table where you can obnoxiously toss diesel poker chips around, hustle, talk smack, smoke stogies, and booze is what’s up.
“You got this wine rack idea from my man-cave and you didn’t even give me credit. What kind of move is that?”
“You got this wine rack idea from my man-cave and you didn’t even give me credit. What kind of move is that?”
A MONEY LIQUOR CABINET AND/OR WINE RACK
Maybe you’re a wine drinker. Maybe you just like the liquor. Hey, maybe you’re a friggin’ mad scientist with your mixology game. Whatever the case may be, your guests will really (and we mean really) appreciate you for having a cool liquor cabinet and/or wine rack.
You don’t need to go balls out, either. Whether you’ve got a fancy built-in bar or a sleek rolling bar cart, it’s the thought that counts. What’s important is that you call one of your guests “old sport” like a jackass after mixing up an old-fashioned Don Draper style for him (just kidding, sort of).
Oh, and if you’re looking for a good Kentucky bourbon? Check out our “ Justified Guide to the Best Kentucky Bourbon Under $100” HERE.
A HUMIDOR FIT FOR TONY SOPRANO
You know what pairs money with that old-fashioned you just mixed up? A nice, fat stogie. You can get crazy with it and get a walk-in humidor or you can just get a nice, transportable high-quality humidor. It’s all good. What matters is that you’ve got some fat boys ready to go for when the “family” comes over. Capisce?
If you need help figuring out which cigars to stock, don’t forget to revisit our list of “The Best Cigars for The Gallantry Man in 2021” right HERE.
“Honey, can’t you see I’m watching the game in my man zone?”
“Honey, can’t you see I’m watching the game in my man zone?”
A BORDERLINE OBSCENE-SIZED SCREEN
Let’s be Frank Sinatra. No modern Gallantry Man media room and/or movie theater is complete without a massive, crisp television. This is one area where splurging might not be the worst idea. Popcorn makers, soda machines, and all that other jazz are very cool, but this is the essential item.
“Did you guys see the new Man Cave Ideas article up on Gallantry? It’s something else. Great EDC tool suggestions, too.”
“Did you guys see the new Man Cave Ideas article up on Gallantry? It’s something else. Great EDC tool suggestions, too.”MAN CAVE TOOLS FOR THE GALLANTRY MAN
Now that we’ve gone over a few fun Gallantry Man-Cave ideas, let’s get into the everyday carry. You see, when you’re planning your future man oasis, carrying strong with EDC like a tape measurer and a pen (for drawing your plans, of course) is a non-negotiable. So, without further adieu, let’s get into the knick-knacks you’ve just got to have.
THE STONEWASHED TI-TAPE TITANIUM TAPE MEASURE FROM TEC ACCESSORIES
The Ti-Tape is simply the smallest titanium tape measure in the world. Slightly larger than a US Quarter, it is the perfect tape measure for everyday carry. Why? Because it is super TINY, ultra-durable, and extremely lightweight. It also includes a removable keychain clip, so you can attach it anywhere to keep it with you at all times. As if that wasn't enough, the user-replaceable 3' measuring tape ensures you will never have to buy another portable tape measure again. Ever.
Ti-Tape Titanium Tape Measure
$44.95
[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] The Ti-Tape is simply the smallest titanium tape measure in the world. Slightly larger than a US Quarter, it is the perfect tape measure for everyday carry. Why? Because it is super TINY, ultra-durable, and… read more
THE COPPER CU-TAPE SPECIAL EDITION COPPER TAPE MEASURE FROM TEC ACCESSORIES
Based on the same design as the Ti-Tape micro-sized titanium tape measure, this Special Edition Cu-Tape is identical in every way except it is made from tellurium copper. The Cu-Tape is simply the smallest copper tape measure in the world. Slightly larger than a US Quarter, it is the perfect tape measure for everyday carry. Why? Because it is super TINY, ultra-durable, and extremely lightweight. It also includes a removable keychain clip, so you can attach it anywhere to keep it with you at all times. As if that wasn't enough, the user-replaceable 3' measuring tape ensures you will never have to buy another portable tape measure again. Ever.
Cu-Tape SPECIAL EDITION Copper Tape Measure
$46.95
[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] Based on the same design as the Ti-Tape micro-sized titanium tape measure, this Special Edition Cu-Tape is identical in every way except it is made from tellurium copper. The Cu-Tape is simply the smallest copper tape measure in… read more
THE CHROME BULLET PEN FROM FISHER SPACE PEN
Not often are the tools used to make art considered pieces of art themselves, but the styling of the Bullet has been exhibited in New York's Museum of Modern Art for years. This timeless American-made writing instrument is the perfect size for everyday carry when closed and opens into a perfectly balanced full-sized pen. And inside the tough brass exterior is a pressurized ink cartridge that works at any angle, in zero gravity, or even underwater.
THE TITANIUM POCKET PRO AUTO-ADJUSTING PEN FROM BIG IDEA DESIGN
Versatility is one of the most important parts of any everyday carry - and that should include pens. Most, however, only accept a few different types of refills, at best. Not the Ti Pocket Pro from Big Idea Design. This all-metal titanium twist-operated writing utensil can auto-adjust to accept over 80 different refill types - everything from ballpoint to rollerball, to specialty cartridges, and more. That means less time spent wandering the aisles of your local office supply shop and more time getting out in the world and documenting your adventures.
Available in Antique Black or Stonewashed
Titanium Pocket Pro Auto Adjusting Pen
$75.00
[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] Versatility is one of the most important parts of any everyday carry - and that should include pens. Most, however, only accept a few different types of refills, at best. Not the Ti Pocket Pro… read more
Titanium Pocket Pro Auto Adjusting Pen
$75.00
[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] Versatility is one of the most important parts of any everyday carry - and that should include pens. Most, however, only accept a few different types of refills, at best. Not the Ti Pocket Pro… read more
Remember, the man cave has been around since jump. If you can recall, after all, we were all cavemen at one time.
Believe us, even back then? Yeah, we really made those caves ours.
Times may change, but a Gallantry Man will always like and want his personal space.
A FEW LAST ITEMS OF GALLANTRY MAN BUSINESS…
Get a physical copy of Sebastian Maniscalco’s stand-up classic Aren’t You Embarrassed? in case the streaming pc police try to scrub it HERE.
Watch this “50 Awesome Man Caves For Men” featurette from Next Luxury HERE for some fresh inspiration.
“Can’t talk right now, babe. Reading the new man-cave article on Gallantry.”
