Bachelor Pad Decor Ideas: Awesome Room Ideas for Guys
In this post: Looking for bachelor pad decor ideas? For decorating tips for a man’s apartment, check out these awesome room ideas for guys.⇒
Not everything I do is French-inspired.
A few years ago, when my son moved to another state to start his career, I began helping him outfit his first bachelor pad in a way that would ensure his comfort, but also start him off right in terms of style and storage. I reasoned if he started off with an organized home, he would be free to concentrate on all the other new things in his life.
Apparently this is a concept that resonates with a lot of people, based on the popularity of my posts about the apartment (as well as his subsequent more modern apartment several years later). Imagine my surprise that despite all my posts about French country pretties and lovely table settings, the one that would garner the most interest featured young men’s styling.
Realizing the broad appeal of this topic, I decided to pull together a selection of decorated spaces that would work well for guys. The focus began as apartment decor, but all of the looks can be applied to any type and size of home. Some are simply modern spaces that appeal to all genders while others have a decidedly masculine look. The looks are certainly appropriate for couples, but the impetus for the post was to help anyone decorating a young man’s space, particularly a first apartment (or at least your first space that’s decorated with items other than cast-offs… ;-)).
Each room below has a unique aspect to it and I’ve added my commentary as to what I find especially interesting or most identifying. For further information, be sure to click on the the images. Many have additional views of the rooms and design information, as well. Then check out the tips at the bottom of this post for how to save money when decorating a bachelor pad.
This rustic living room has a modern sensibility, yet presented in rustic browns. The real identifying component for me is the geometric rug which pulls together the rugged tones but does so in a thoroughly modern way. I love that the tall bar cabinet adds variety in height to the room.
This wonderful space has a mid-century modern feel to it, with an eclectic mix of classic furniture and rustic, masculine elements. The white walls contrast beautifully with the wood beamed ceiling and I just love the bull skull wall decor.
The personality in this space is easily attributed to the fabulous dark walls and well picked lighting, but equally as important in my mind is the selection of wall decor. The triptych photo in black and white above the sofa is particularly impactful.
This industrial living room makes use of the rooms built in elements, including the exposed piping and open staircase, but tonal grays, citron accents and mid century furniture complements these features. Most compelling for me are the floating shelves, functioning as a bar.
This transitional living room makes a bold statement, primarily dependent on the vibrant royal blue chairs and graphic artwork. The harlequin throw blanket and numeric wall art subliminally remind me of a jockey at a horse track, yet the room’s bolder features are toned down by the indigo walls.
This light open space exudes a refined sense of style, smart and eclectic and oh-so-chic. The cow hide seating makes the most identifying statement to me, pulling together all the tonal browns and whites, while mixing sleek with rustic.
This industrial living room pairs a dark brick wall with floor to ceiling windows, a surprising mix of light and dark. The leather seating and factory shelving add character, but the brick red carpet takes it up another notch entirely.
This modern living room is all about drama, utilizing dark paint colors and rich textures including leather, velvet, and cowhide. Personalized artwork and unique accessories make this space warm, cozy, and inviting. The lush natural rug keeps things from getting too dark, as well.
This masculine living room is quite stylish, using tonal grays and clean modern lines to give it its identity. Yet the pop of the artwork is what really calls your attention, with the rustic painted Union Jack dominating the space. The additional red accents pull it all together.
This tiny living room is quite typical of city apartments and the space here is used quite well. Standouts for me are the cinnamon pillows against the dark sofa, the lettered wall art presented vertically and the floating shelves that are styled with collectibles.
This living space merges traditional with eclectic, using pattern mix to make its most significant statement. Tartan plaids, animal print and a floral rug peacefully co-exist, and the close hung artwork helps lighten the walls. For me the tiger print chair is the most key element, especially paired with the flag pillow. No doubt this room belongs to a strong, creative personality.
This wonderful living room is blessed with high ceiling and a spacious layout, plus a wall of windows, which is why it’s so successful at pulling off the dark wood wall. It’s a great example of mixing rustic with modern, as the accent pillows add a note of greenery to the room, playing off the fiddle fig tree.
Certainly this ultra modern space is all about mixing black and white, with the abstract rug being a key element, yet the shapely chairs are the defining aspect for me, taking the room from typical modern, to almost futuristic.
If you ever wondered if a piece of artwork could make a space, here is you proof. This industrial dining room is otherwise quite classic with a teak wood dining table and modern lighting and surfaces, but the brilliant artwork takes it from ordinary to unique and fabulous.
This large bachelor space includes built-in details and wood ceiling beams that create a rustic, industrial direction. A color palette of warm earth tones, cool grays and bold blacks continue the masculine vibe and the stone wall frames the chic bar. Industrial stools and lighting add character and definition.
This contemporary space features a neutral living room with pops of orange, but what most grabs my attention is the gallery wall, comprising varied size black and white photos in all black frames, grouped in a most engaging layout.
This well-lit living room has a funky vibe, with brick wall, exposed piping and factory windows lending an industrial backdrop to the space. Yet the geometric rug, animal print pillows, dark painted fireplace and modern end tables are what really make the room fun and unique.
This transitional living room combines an interesting mix of traditional wood library bookcases with more modern elements like sleek grey seating and ultra-modern lighting. It’s a bit retro, but blends varied time periods in one simple and comfortable space.
This open floor plan living area has a relaxed and easy vibe, with a classic layout for comfort and entertaining. The sharp lines of the furniture and modern use of color make it quite accessible, but the plaid chair, interesting wall art and leaning guitar add a note of personality.
This terrific contemporary space utilizes a surprising earth-toned color palette and chic artwork with picture lights to create a unique look, but it’s the clever use of space that I find most fascinating. I love the idea of a dining table between the chaise and accent chairs for extra seating at the table.
Tips for Saving Money When Decorating a Bachelor Pad
- Thrift Store Treasures: Scour local thrift stores for unique furniture and decor items at budget-friendly prices. You’d be surprised what hidden gems you can find!
- DIY Magic: Embrace your inner DIY enthusiast and take on projects like building your own bookshelves or painting furniture. It’s not only cost-effective but also adds a personal touch.
- Multi-Purpose Furniture: Invest in furniture that serves more than one purpose. A sofa bed or a coffee table with storage can save space and money.
- Mix Old and New: Don’t feel like you have to buy everything brand new. Blend vintage pieces with modern ones for an eclectic and stylish look.
- Garage Sales and Flea Markets: Explore local garage sales and flea markets for affordable decor items. Haggling can often get you a better deal!
- Online Marketplaces: Check out online marketplaces like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace for secondhand furniture and decor deals in your area.
- Neutral Palette: Stick to a neutral color scheme for your bachelor pad. It’s timeless, versatile, and easy to find budget-friendly items that fit the color scheme.
- Decorative Accessories: Add personality with inexpensive accessories like throw pillows, artwork, and rugs. These can instantly update your space without breaking the bank.
- Repurpose and Upcycle: Get creative by repurposing old items or upcycling furniture. A fresh coat of paint or new hardware can breathe new life into older pieces.
- Minimalism: Keep it simple and clutter-free. A minimalist approach can help you save money by focusing on quality over quantity.
Resource Guide
To get the look, click on the items below for direct links to the products. Where actual items were no longer available, I’ve provided similar options. If an item is out of stock but may be restocked, I left it on the list.
(This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.)
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This can only be filled with joy. Thanks for sharing.
Many blessings from South Africa
Sandra
Thank you Sandra… 🙂
Great board Lory, going to go clip and save it now!
Thanks Christine!! I loved yours too… 🙂
Nice post! It can be hard for men to decorate, they don’t often have a sense of decorative style. Many men do but the ones in my family don’t 🙁
I enjoyed the post and will be passing it on to my son, LOL!
Blessings,
Elizabeth
I’ve never had to decorate a man’s apartment but I have a husband and many of my decor ideas have been shot down, LOL! So there’s a special mindset when it comes to decorating for men. I’m certainly getting the hang of it though because many of our home decor pieces have been used in the so called ‘man caves’. But my husband is the designer so that explains it 🙂
I’m kind of lucky that the men in my life (my husband, my son) let me do what I want decor-wise. I’ve often wondered what it would be like to have to consider someone else’s tastes… lol! Not very fair of me, but I prefer to have carte blanche design-wise. Hubby only cares about comfort and to some extent practicality (and of course cost… ;-)). When I did my son’s apartment, it was kind of the same. I did show him everything and give him the opportunity to choose, but he didn’t really care that much.
“Budget Bachelor pads”
*Looks at very first item:* $1,500 leather sofa.
You have no idea what “Budget” means, do you?
Well, first, when I wrote the post in 2014, the sofa was less than $1000. Second, budget means less expensive than the item would normally cost. Everyone’s budget is different. A leather chesterfield sofa typically runs $3000-4000, so even $1500 is significantly less than that. The point of the post is to show style. You can easily get a similar room look but just sub in a $400 Ikea sofa, but it won’t look like a leather chesterfield sofa. I can show style ideas, but I cannot perform magic… 😉
I think it’s lovely. That being said, my son decorated his own apartment. As mommy, I stayed out of it. He’s not a child or my husband. His apartment looked great.
I suppose I was functioning more as his decorator than his mommy. I decorated my daughter’s apartment, as well. And several of her friends. But then again, it’s what I do for a living.
I Love the Look! Very masculine and even a Lil sexy! But I do have to agree with another post….THIS is Not Budget friendly for young people starting out (nor is it Budget friendly for Momma’s trying to help them start out!) Holy Cow I can’t afford That couch for My OWN house!!!!! Was looking for Realistic ideas for AFFORDABLY furnishing a new apartment. BoyOoooBoy Sure hope he appreciates the Gorgeous apartment Momma! Currently trying to help Our son start over (left everything for ex so she would be ok)
Must be nice…..
I’m so sorry – the sofa was half the price when I bought it. Prices have gone up SO much the last year or so. How about this one: https://rstyle.me/+F6TJOMXpV4qAknfby0xMwQ or this one: https://rstyle.me/+z_814HlpHmo7RUqit5qpNA
Hope that helps!