Here we share our man cave lighting guide including the different fixtures that provide illumination, where to install them, and DIY man cave lighting ideas.
Like any other room in the house, choosing the correct lighting for a man cave reflects one’s preferences. It can be dim for gaming purposes or flashy and glitzy for a rollicking night with the boys.
Whatever lighting a person chooses, it would be wise to check these man cave lighting options.
Man Cave Light Fixtures
Man cave lighting fixtures depend on what things are present in the room. For example, a bar or kitchenette can benefit from ceiling lights to make food and drinks preparation a cinch.
Backlighting the gaming console and large-screen TV is a popular option in modern man caves. Trophies, collector’s items, and other memorabilia will look more impressive with wall lights or shelf lights.
Ceiling Lights
These fixtures spread more light than recessed lights, making for a livelier man cave. If the man cave also happens to be a workshop for trying out various experiments or coming up with the next-big-thing project, a utility ceiling light will be an excellent choice.
There is also indirect lighting, pointing the light towards the ceiling. The reflected light creates a softer glow to the rest of the man cave, an excellent choice during game days with the boys. Read more about our guide on the different types of ceiling lights here.
Hanging Lights
Hanging lights are perfect for illuminating a corner of the man cave, such as the bar or kitchenette. It can also be functional above a pool or billiards table.
Pendant Lighting
Most people confuse it with a chandelier, but a pendant light only has a single bulb. On the other hand, a chandelier will have many light bulbs connected to a single lighting fixture.
Pendant lights are perfect for man cave countertops, kitchenette, or bar. It should make crafting beers and preparing Super Bowl-worthy foods a breeze.
Bar Lights
One can also use bar lights to showcase collections or memorabilia. People position the lights at an angle to direct light into the wall or display cabinet.
Wall Lights
Depending on the choice of wall light style, this fixture can draw attention to a prized possession on the wall. It can be a priceless painting, a once-in-a-lifetime recognition plaque, or some other memorabilia.
LED Lighting
One can have different colors to turn the man cave into a disco room, a billiards hall, a game space, or a beer nook with a simple button press. Read more about our guide on the pros and cons of LED lights here.
Blacklight
This lighting fixture is perfect on ingress and egress points, allowing guests to see the way to the restroom during a break on movie nights. If one has a fascination for the stars, sticking glow-in-the-dark decals on the ceiling should complete the man cave’s transformation.
String Lights
One can also pick string lights in different colors to produce a more festive, carnival-like vibe. Read more about our guide on how to hang string lights here.
Shelf Lights
This lighting type does not illuminate the man cave. Instead, it adds a touch of sophistication to that part of the room one wants to highlight.
Backlight for TV
One will appreciate more vibrant colors and remarkable contrasts, perfect for watching action-packed films and other movies.
Mood Lighting
One can pick a soft light to set the tone for a solitary time with the guitar or a pulsating light for fun times with friends.
Neon Lights
DIY Man Cave Lighting
Choosing the most appropriate man cave lighting is a matter of knowing what people want. They can always use a combination of illuminating fixtures and accent lights to make the man cave functional and safe.
See more related content at our article about the different man cave ideas for a small room on this page.