A Man's Home

Forget the Man Cave. You Want a Gentleman's Study.

Forget the Man Cave.
You Want a Gentleman's Study.

Forget the Man Cave.
You Want a Gentleman's Study.

A look inside actor Rainn Wilson's study in Los Angeles.

I've never really liked the term "man cave." It's almost dismissive. As in, look dude, this house isn't for you. Go crawl into this dark hole, give into your baser instincts and try to relive your college dorm days. Here's a neon beer sign and a beanbag chair. After all, we men do more than watch sports and play video games. We don't need a cave. We need a study.

Apex shelving unit, $937 / $749 at Dot & Bo; Wireless turntable, $180 by Audio-Techinca; Crosby wingback sofa, $919 by West Elm; Tournament dartboard set, $295 at Restoration Hardware; Oversized bar tray, $90 by Izola

The study was once a place for a man to retire to after a long day. He'd hang up his jacket and sit down in a well-worn leather chair. Maybe he'd read or work on a hobby. Maybe he'd just pour himself a drink and enjoy the solitude. Of course, times have changed. Floor-plans have opened up, leaving less space for studies. But that doesn't mean you can't make one for yourself. All you need is a few well-chosen pieces.

Eames-inspired lounge chair and ottoman, $994 by MHD; Retro flip calendar clock, $180 by Twemco; Compact wireless speaker, $199 by Sonos; Framed woodblock print, $260 by Anthony Burrill; Brass and wood tripod table lamp, $24.99 by Room Essentials

The lounge chair is a necessity. It's a comfortable place to relax at the end of the day—a place of reflection and contemplation. Proper shelving to store items you hold near and dear will come in handy as well. So will a tray to store your booze. Maybe a old-timey game piece to get you and your friends off the Xbox. Or a turntable that syncs with your wireless speakers. After all, times change, but the appeal of this personal haven is the same as when your grandfather used to sip Scotch in the safe seclusion of his own study.

Get It

Clockwise, from top left:
Apex shelving unit, $937 / $749 at Dot & Bo; Wireless turntable, $180 by Audio-Techinca; Crosby wingback sofa, $919 by West Elm; Tournament dartboard set, $295 at Restoration Hardware; Oversized bar tray, $90 by Izola

Clockwise, from top left:
Eames-inspired lounge chair and ottoman, $994 by MHD; Retro flip calendar clock, $180 by Twemco; Compact wireless speaker, $199 by Sonos; Framed woodblock print, $260 by Anthony Burrill; Brass and wood tripod table lamp, $24.99 by Room Essentials

The Studies of Famous Men

Ernest Hemingway's writing room, Mark Twain's billiards room, Ralph Lauren's library and Mickey Drexler's home office.

The Studies of Famous Men

Ernest Hemingway's writing room, Mark Twain's billiards room, Ralph Lauren's library and Mickey Drexler's home office.