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World Cup 2026 fever is building, and so is interest in setting up the perfect “man cave”, say interior designers and home entertainment experts.
Sometimes just a shed or a garage, but often a lot more luxurious, these spaces are designed for entertainment – a retreat for both sexes from the chores and grind of the main house.
They are frequently home to giant TVs, comfy couches and beer/wine fridges, but some of the more opulent “caves” feature golf simulators and hidden sound systems.
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According to Auckland interior designer Mal Corboy, the best caves create an immersive experience. Think sports bars, American diners, nightclubs.
Designer Mal Corboy: “Don’t ever think about resale.” Photo / Supplied
Corboy says the ones he’s designed reflect the owners’ passions and hobbies. He’s turned Porsche seats into armchairs and created custom wall shelving decorated with vinyl collections and turntables.
“A man cave is really a themed room,” he tells OneRoof, noting that it’s not about creating a space for resale or adding value to your home.
Getting started
If screen time is your thing, the first question to ask is, what size TV can your room handle.
Smart Installations general manager Wayne Luke says his reply is always the same: “As much room as you’ve got, the bigger screen you can get.”
His team has created spaces that can shift from “sports mode” to “movie mode” at the touch of a button, where the blinds lower automatically, the lights dim, and the climate changes.
“There are a lot of clients we do work for that we obviously can’t name. We just did an incredible space with golf simulators.”
He says clients wanting to level up are choosing golf simulators that can double as sports screens. He recommends Trackman, but alternatives include Premium Golf Simulators and Golf Technologies.
Ready for the big game? Samsung’s 75-inch 4K Vision AI Smart TV. Photo / Supplied
Not everyone has the budget to cope with that, and will be looking at either standard smart TVs or picture-frame versions for a more minimalist look.
Interior designer Janine King also recommends “man-cavers” go large. “For sport, especially rugby, I’d recommend a minimum 75-inch smart TV with an anti-glare finish and high refresh rate,” she says.
That refresh rate matters because fast-moving sports can appear blurry on cheaper televisions, especially during quick transitions, kick chases and aerial camera shots. Luke adds that buyers should also consider NVIDIA Shield for reliable streaming.
Sit back and relax
Once the TV is sorted, move on to seating. King recommends oversized modular couches. “An L-shape or U-shape couch big enough for at least six people is ideal,” she says. “Modular sofas work really well because you can reconfigure them depending on how many people are coming over for the big game.”
Leather also remains popular because it is durable, easy to clean and survives inevitable drink spills. She says Coco Republic and King Living are good places to start your search.
“These spaces need to survive beverage spills and potentially a Tom Cruise-style couch-jumping celebration after a big try,” she says.
A bookcase that turns into a bed from Eurobeds NZ. Photo / Supplied
Many man caves also incorporate a hybrid office setup with wall units that turn into a spare bed for the mate who won’t make it home after the big game.
King also recommends Pimp My Garage for clever storage solutions or complete garage makeovers.
Sounds entertaining
While screens get most of the attention, sound is what really transforms a room from a lounge into a sports stadium. “If you’re really into it, I would definitely bring in a sound specialist,” Mal says.
Luke says many homeowners are installing premium audio systems, and paying top dollar for them. “Some people are quite okay to spend $60,000 just on the sound,” he says.
Top-of-the-line Magnepan ribbon speakers are popular with buyers with big budgets, and modern setups often hide systems behind timber panelling or integrate them into cabinetry for a cleaner look.
Luke also recommends acoustic treatments, such as wall and floor coverings, which will keep the sound in the cave and allow the rest of the household to ignore every contested referee decision and goal.
King is a fan of floor rugs, such as Furtex, for creating zones and taking the edge off harsher sounds.
What have you got to drink?
“A fridge or wine cellar within arm’s reach is pretty much a must,” King says.
Glass-door fridges, such as those from Haier, Husky and Sheffield, remain one of the easiest upgrades for a sports room because they add convenience and make a visual statement.
League of Brewers or Brew Shop also provide everything you need to set up your own bar to pull pints, if brewing your own small batch craft beer is your thing.
Make it personal
All three experts say the best man caves aren’t generic media rooms but spaces that reflect their owner’s personality. “It’s really stacking it with memorabilia, whether it be framed rugby jumpers or that sort of thing,” Corboy says.
“I’m from Perth, so if I were going to create a man cave, it would probably be Aussie Rules. I’ve lived in New Zealand for years, but I still prefer Aussie Rules over rugby.”
Old school arcade games can add a nostalgic touch to a gamer’s man cave. Photo / Supplied
Signed jerseys, dart boards, pool tables, arcade games, or even items that reflect a particular heritage are popular decor choices, he says.
The most important piece of advice Corboy gives his clients is simple: create a room you genuinely love. “Don’t ever think about resale,” he says. “You do a house for yourself, and you’re creating a space you genuinely want to spend time in.”
