[SOUTHPAW]

Gun Room, Man Cave, whatever you want to call it, I'm converting a spare bedroom into my firearm inspired lair. :)

I have 3 bedrooms; the master (where the "magic" happens), the smaller spare (converted to my GF's office), and the "STORAGE" room. Back when I was living with my ex, the room HAD to be a spare bedroom. Why we needed two damn spare bedrooms was beyond me... especially when we used them once in 5 years. So now we are actually putting the space to good use. I took all the junk out, packed the attic and did a dump run, and painted the room last weekend.

The room is about 10'x12' and has a good sized closet that currently houses my gun safe. Since this is going to now be MY room, and the safe is not bolted down yet, I don't mind having the safe out on display now. I'm going to put in a simple, utilitarian desk (for gun work/cleaning and a laptop), a couch, some furniture for storage etc., and a flat screen TV. I'm still kicking around the idea of keeping the safe in the closet, but I guess it's going to come down to how "cluttered" it looks.

Anyway, the "help" I need is with decor. ;) Now I wouldn't normally seek interior design help from you guys but the decor I'm interested in in all firearm/weapon inspired. From pictures/posters, to replica weapons. For example, I was interested in a replica 1911 to keep on display on a pistol stand, but I came to find out, the replicas are almost as expensive as the real things! I'm going to take a trip to a military surplus store. A claymore on the bookshelf for example would just really tie the room together. ;).

All I have is a crappy pic of half the room that my girlfriend took right after we finished painting, but I will update this thread with lots of pics until it's complete. :cool: So does anyone have any suggestions on items/websites that can help me find some kick-ass stuff for this thing?

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c83/turb0_t0m/1619cfdb.jpg

[nosmr2]

How about some nice reproduction WW2 posters matted and framed...

http://www.zazzle.com/ww2+posters

[RevolvingGarbage]

If you want replica weapons, why not get ones you can use for target practice?

http://www.airsoftatlanta.com/

FYI, its perfectly legal to remove the orange marking on the barrel of an airsoft gun, which would otherwise make a nice replica unsightly and unrealistic. The only thing that the orange marking is required for is shipping into the country and over state lines.

[MartinS]

Maybe a bit of camo netting from the surplus store and some of the lovely ad art of yesteryear.

http://www.memories-mall.com/hunt_fish_signs.html

[Dr_2_B]

This should be interesting. At this point the only thing I can think of is to get rid of the Pamela Anderson breast hanging from the ceiling.

Actually, the camo netting (understated) would be really good. Some simple targets, again understated, might work well too.

[SOUTHPAW]

Nice! Keep the suggestions coming guys! I actually thought about a couple of AirSoft guns for display. It just sucks that I'm spending hundreds on one that could be going towards the real thing. ;). Also, I have a couple of my personal targets that will be framed....

[gym]

I would secure those windows first, either with unbreakable plastic, or shutters, and an alarm system.Maybe a beam that you can set at night or when you ar away, that runs into the central.

[Just One Shot]

First thing is to put bars on the windows for security reasons.

As far as decor goes, framed reproductions of the Constitution and Bill of Rights would be a tastful addition to any gun room.

[Rembrandt]

I've spent thousands on remodeling trophy rooms and man caves over the years, the best source of ideas came from observing decor in Cabela's and Bass Pro. Another source is a 5 volume series of coffee table books from Safari Press called "Great Hunters & Their Trophy Rooms". The photos and decor is unmatched.

Decorating speaks to what a person's interests and character is....as evidenced by tasteful classy decor or a room full of pin-ups and a beer can collection. Should be done in a way that women find it appealing and not offensive.

Here's one that got my attention and tastefully done.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v405/Rembrandt51/Wildlife/Library1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v405/Rembrandt51/home_top.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v405/Rembrandt51/home_bot.jpg

[Jumping Frog]

A room that size also needs to have a reloading bench.

[HGUNHNTR]

Nice framed photos of your previous exploits be it target shooting, or photos of deer camp, turkey hunts etc.

Each year I take a photo of our deer camp. I now have about 11 photos waiting to be framed that will be a tastefull and memory jogging bit of wall art.

[SOUTHPAW]

Wow Rembrandt! That room is amazing! I think the look I'm going for on this room is more contemporary. Furniture will be more modern, etc.

As far as the windows go, I will be getting blinds and the room is on the 2nd floor and facing the street in a nice suburban neighborhood, so we're good with the bars. ;)

[SOUTHPAW]

Haha the other day I ordered a mat for my non-existant desk...

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c83/turb0_t0m/6a7f4082.jpg

[bigfatdave]

http://www.thecmp.org/images/CMP2008web.jpg
http://www.thecmp.org/images/CMP2004web.jpg

CMP posters, perhaps?

There were more historical WWII era (style) posters at the North store, too

[Oregun89]

You should have done an earth tone on the walls to compliment the wood floors. Gray looks like a Dentists office, i'm just sayin'...

As far as stuff, novelty posters, gun blow-apart diagrams, WW2 surplus junk, recessed picture boxes with junk in them, replace that light fixture. There is so much stuff on the market to fill up a space like this, you'll have fun at the surplus store.

[RevolvingGarbage]

Buy a few nice higher dollar spring powered pistols. The nicest and most expensive won't run you more than $60 and will be highly accurate, detailed and durable. You can even get some very nice GBB pistols from the budget manufacturers for only around $120, though you wont want to be shooting those indoors as the smell of propane or green gas (aside from the gas itself being combustible!) is very unpleasant to say the least.

If I had a "gun room", one thing I would really LOVE to have on display would be some high quality, well framed copies of the U.S Constitution and/or Declaration of Independence, and maybe a few other choice pieces of historical literature.

[kingpin008]

I dunno, if I were designing a Man Cave it'd look a lot like the rest of my house - monster movie posters, lots of shelves for books and collectibles/memorabilia, etc. Of course guns are a part of that too - but I'd be hard pressed to seperate out two of my biggest interests into distinct areas.

[kd7nqb]

One of the best gun decorating idea I saw was using "gun junk". If you ask around at your local range or even just other gun guys people give them old ammo that they find in a basement when they move into a new house or whatever. I recently helped clean out my GF parents house before a move and we found 5 boxes of old 12gauge shells from sears priced at like 2.00/box. Well I would run those shells through my gun but the boxes make great book ends and look cool. If you ask around this stuff pops up all the time. Even the old Hoppes bottles look pretty cool.

As far as posters there are tons, and of course some Oleg Volk prints would be cool.

Also if your looking for weapon stuff why not just go by a mosin with a crappy bore. You can find ones with good wood and crappy barrels for like $50 and plus its a real gun.

[jonboynumba1]

consider putting shallow decorative shelving around the top 10 inches down from the cieling and putting ducks and decoys old shotshell boxes *(vintage) ect on display but out of the way along with the metal remington and winchester sighns ect on the walls...very cool...i did a "man bathroom" that way in my old house-LOL

[Big Boy]

I've always wanted a gun room. Would probably decorate it a lot like the picture in post #9, but the things that have always been in my mind are putting security film on the windows to prevent break ins, and putting a Simplex door lock (http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=simplex+lock&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&cid=1150648546884228120&ei=z9TRS--qGYncNbn6lOgJ&sa=title&ved=0CBgQ8wIwBDgA#p) on the door to make the whole room sort of like a safe. I would actually have my real weapons shevled and displayed that way.

[SOUTHPAW]

You should have done an earth tone on the walls to compliment the wood floors. Gray looks like a Dentists office, i'm just sayin'...

Actually, the old color was earth tone! Haha, the whole house is eath tone tans and browns. It gets really really boring when every room is almost the same color. My GF painted her room red! :eek:

As mentioned, I'm really looking to go very modern/industrial themed. Very contemporary and kind of, well, dentist office-like. :D Not looking to do the woodsman/hunting thing (ducks, etc.).

[Zack]

I like the blue trim :D or is that painting tape :confused:

[HGUNHNTR]

Personally I have an extreme distaste for memorabilia, trinkets, novelty crap, clutter making junk that needs to be dusted and serves no purpose. It sounds like y'all want him to make it into a male version of an old ladies living room.

It is a small room, attempting to re-create the grand scene Rembrandt posted will look silly in a room of this size. Kinda like people that put fountains and gazebos in their yards thinking it makes it look "elegant".

Lining the walls with boxes in which to hold other people's junk seems rediculous.

Sorry 'bout the rant I work from home and I don't have anyone to vent too. :o

[Rembrandt]

.....attempting to re-create the grand scene Rembrandt posted will look silly in a room of this size.

You missed the point.....take ideas (bits & pieces) from things you like or have seen elsewhere and incorporate them into the parameters you have to work with.

[SOUTHPAW]

I like the blue trim :D or is that painting tape :confused:

Haha yeah it's tape. I mentioned in the OP that the pic was taken right after we painted.

Personally I have an extreme distaste for memorabilia, trinkets, novelty crap, clutter making junk that needs to be dusted and serves no purpose. It sounds like y'all want him to make it into a male version of an old ladies living room.

It is a small room, attempting to re-create the grand scene Rembrandt posted will look silly in a room of this size. Kinda like people that put fountains and gazebos in their yards thinking it makes it look "elegant".

Lining the walls with boxes in which to hold other people's junk seems rediculous.

Sorry 'bout the rant I work from home and I don't have anyone to vent too.

I agree! That's why I'm going for a modern, minimalist design. Just wanted some ideas where I could get a few items that would compliment the fact that it's, well, a gun room.

[Keauxbi]

Gotta have a poster with dogs playing poker. Must have!

[SOUTHPAW]

Gotta have a poster with dogs playing poker. Must have!
Hahaha. Already have one in the formal dining room! ;)

[frankiestoys]

Maybe a theme or something, depends on your firearm taste. Cowboy, military, maybe you like black guns just make it a place you won't mind hanging out in for a few hours ,but its gotta have one thing a mini !


No not mini 14 a mini frigerator :D

[gym]

A small pool table surrounded by guns with nice low voltage halogens, maybe some framed pictures of field dogs, a couple of remington "copies". And your gun safe. if you have the room. Otherwise a big leather couch and a table made of slate or a tree cut in half. You could set up your reloading bench off to the side, or maybe have it hinged to the wall to save space. then some old wooden shelving for all your stuff built into the wall. It can be as simple or as complicated as you like. Take your time

[Oregun89]

Actually, the old color was earth tone! Haha, the whole house is eath tone tans and browns. It gets really really boring when every room is almost the same color. My GF painted her room red! :eek:

As mentioned, I'm really looking to go very modern/industrial themed. Very contemporary and kind of, well, dentist office-like. :D Not looking to do the woodsman/hunting thing (ducks, etc.).

I fully understand, and I think it'll look great with a contemporary style. I personally can't stand the wood, books and trophy look, as posted in a pic earlier. I think your room would look good with technical diagrams, and clean dark furniture with strong lines, and glass.

If you want to keep it modern and industrial, all but a few things you might find at the surplus store will turn it tacky real quickly. If it were me, this is where I would keep my gear, I use clean and tight hanging systems, box shelving, and pretty much paint it all black. I would replace the light (as previously mentioned) and build/re-furbish a beautiful reloading bench. If you don't reload, I think this would be an excellent time to start.

As for technical drawings/posters, here's a site I've bought a few things from to fill up wall space, they have just about everything, All Posters (http://www.allposters.com/gallery.asp?startat=/gallery.asp&CID=D5B73D8AB6044919BDD317932CDC581E&txtSearch=guns/), it's not the very best selection of gun related images, but its a start, and they're reliable, and fast on shipping.

[Oregun89]

Also, I would sort through my current photography collection and possibly blow up some of my own photographs (poster size) for wall arrangements. If you're not into photography then forget it, but since it's abundantly clear that you have a genuine interest in guns, I'd venture to say that you must use them to some degree, whether you're a hunter, or simply a range junkie, beautiful photography can be taken anywhere. I envy you for your free bedroom, I would be having a lot of fun in your shoes, as i'm sure you are.

[Tacbandit]

Hey SOUTHPAW...try this link...Really cool...
www.cabelas.com/p-0018793610020a.shtml:)

If it doesn't come through, on the Cabela's page, type in Tatonka rifle cartridge board in the search block...They also have handgun cartridges, cowboy cartridges, etc...
Just a thought...Good luck,
Tac

[noskilz]

Now I wouldn't normally seek interior design help from you guys

This may qualify for understatement of the year . . .

[heron]

Well, Southpaw, you've got a good start with that battleship-gray paint . . . you weren't in the Navy, by chance, were you? :)

[Gewehrmann]

SOUTHPAW,

Posters are great, but I made a list of my favorite western and action movies. Then went on E-Bay to find photos of the stars with their guns. Like:
Steve McQueen
Glen Ford
Gary Cooper
Clark Gable
Gregory Peck
Clint Eastwood
Marlon Brando
Ronald Reagan
Burt Lancaster
Dean Martin
John Wayne
…and a lot more.

Have fun decorating!

[Doug S]

My "Man Cave" isn't "tasteful", "fancy", or "female friendly". In fact the entrace to my "Cave" is posted with a slight tweak on a Henrik Ibsen quote which reads, "A woman cannot (nor should she try to) be herself in the society of the present day ("Man Cave"), which is an exclusively masculine society, with laws framed by men and with a judicial system that judges feminine conduct from a masculine point of view."

Nevertheless, I had a partially finished basement with a fireplace and a bunch of collections taking up space in closets around the house, and so I decided to take over the basement and make it my room. It now has a number of "vignettes". One corner contains my World War II collection of firearms, helmets, wooden crates, ammo cans, photos, posters and miscellaneous other military stuff. On the walls are framed, authentic World War II era newspapers, including headlines on the Normandy Invasion, Wake Island, Bombing of Pearl Harbor, Battle of the Buldge, Iwo Jima, the Japanese and German surrender, etc. I also have a Japanese and German newspaper. Other areas of the room contain prehistoric and historic artifact displays, and fossil collections. My books, my desk with laptop, etc.

[Buck Nekkid]

I started my "man cave" with a Winchester safe. That lead to the Winchester framed posters and tin signs. Then a Winchester clock. If you're into S&W's or Rugers, etc. there is a bunch of items to spruce up the 'ol cave.

[clarence222]

If you are into the technical drawing stuff there is guy on the 1919 board selling function drawings of the 1919a4. They are informative and look decent when framed

[msb45]

I'll second framed copies of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. NRA also sells framed pictures showing the evolution of the service rifles and handguns. I think it'd be cool to link freedom to the guns that kept us free.

[zootsuit002]

Shotgun shell shot glasses

http://www.after5catalog.com/12gauge-shot-glasses-set-p-13.html?cPath=1_6_12

[MattTheHat]

A Couple of Lester's Ammo re-prints. You know, "America's Cheapest Ammo" that "Usually Works". You can even even order one of them customized with your name directly from the artists' website: ]http://www.blueloonfinearts.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/LestersAmmo_bear450.jpg

-Matt
http://www.blueloonfinearts.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/LestersAmmo_bear450.jpg
http://www.blueloonfinearts.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/Lesters_Moose450.jpg
http://www.blueloonfinearts.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/LestersAmmo_lionframed450.jpg

[searcher451]

I'm with Just One Shot: Secure the windows and install a superb security system before you drop a lot of money into the bells and whistles that everyone will appreciate when they walk into the room.

It's a terrific idea -- hope it works out well for you.

[bigfatdave]

MattTheHat, thanks for the great posters!
Your link, however, is borked ... here's one to the "Gloden Age Parodies" on that site:
http://www.blueloonfinearts.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=GoldenAgeParodies

[Tacbandit]

SOUTHPAW...if it's gonna be a gun room, you've gotta have this...
http://candy-crate.stores.yahoo.net/barfifsecag.html

You have to show us pics when you're done...
Tac

[PandaBearBG]

I say don't worry about posters and decorations, you need something solid, commanding and solely yells I love my guns and this room is dedicated to them, a poster and a book won't do. I say remove your closet doors, build a nice glass display case (in addition to your safe) and/or display table making your previous closet into a gun cache niche. Like the cabela gun room only much smaller. It's a gun room, a room where you want to look and just soak in the pride of owning fine firearms that are yours. Memorabilia and little decoration will always come but a closet turned built in firearm sanctuary, now that is a manly thing!

[oneounceload]

If you hunt, mounted animals (you can buy them from taxidermists and make up stories)

If you reload, put the bench in the closet to keep the clutter out of sight.

A nice decanter set with some premium beverage and crystal tumblers is nice as would a repro Remington bronze

One of the bullet displays can be nice if framed well, or an arrowhead display framed nicely

Some nice dark beadboard wainscoating and a few of the 30's style club chairs for enjoying that premium beverage.

One of the electronic shooting games on the wall might be fun a,so.

Good luck!

[SOUTHPAW]

I say don't worry about posters and decorations, you need something solid, commanding and solely yells I love my guns and this room is dedicated to them, a poster and a book won't do. I say remove your closet doors, build a nice glass display case (in addition to your safe) and/or display table making your previous closet into a gun cache niche. Like the cabela gun room only much smaller. It's a gun room, a room where you want to look and just soak in the pride of owning fine firearms that are yours. Memorabilia and little decoration will always come but a closet turned built in firearm sanctuary, now that is a manly thing!
That's an amazing idea, and it's actually EXACTLY what I have in mind for my ultimate gun room. Unfortunately, the level of modification (custom cut Lexan panel, framework, patching it into the home alarm) is all do-able, but I am thinking about selling the house in the next 5 years or less, so it won't be wise to construct something like that. :(

As far as updates go, I got all the furnature this weekend, minus seating. Still looking for a sofa I like besides the $500 Ikea piece. I also need to get a flatscreen an blinds. Pics will be up when it's done...

[T191032]

"SOUTHPAW...if it's gonna be a gun room, you've gotta have this...
http://candy-crate.stores.yahoo.net/barfifsecag.html"

Was I destined to find this thread? Not too long ago I had a dream about a new TV show. It was called "The Barney Fife Show". Period Black and White, he was going to be a Sheriff in a new town. How long has Don Knotts been dead now? Yea, Ole Don was a funny guy, and good shot from what I hear.

[Doug S]

I didn't have a bunch of money to put into my "Man Cave", so I just tried to utilize the available space, and mostly items that I already had on hand. The picture below is of my humble WWII gun collection (from left to right - 1942 Izzy Mosin Nagant, 1940 Nagoya Type 38 w/bayonet and intact Mum, 1939 Tula Nagant Revolver, 1943 BSA No4 MK1 Enfield w/bayonet attached, 1944 Rockola M1 Carbine in an older hi-wood stock that has two "kill" notches carved into the buttstock, a 1944 Springfield M1 Garand, and 1938 Mauser K98) . I've been working on some plans with a friend, for a wall mounted display, but here is what it looks like at present. The books in the foreground are from a men's Bible study that I have in my "Cave" each week. You can also see some of the other items, like the fossils on the fireplace, old crocks, antique hunting supplies, and pocket knife collection on the corner cupboard, a couple of "Star and Stripes", etc. Althought it may not look all that great, I find the space very comfortable.

http://i396.photobucket.com/albums/pp42/dmattaponi/ManCave-WWII.jpg

[Rembrandt]

.....picture below is of my humble WWII gun collection.....books in the foreground are from a men's Bible study that I have in my "Cave" each week


I remember hearing something about those people that "cling to God and Guns".....glad to know I'm not the only one. http://www.thehighroad.org/images/icons/icon14.gif

[Doug S]

I remember hearing something about those people that "cling to God and Guns".....glad to know I'm not the only one.

Likewise.:)

[mothermopar]

Perfection would be a built in gun safe, climate controlled, with bullet proof glass on the door(s) to allow admiration from afar whilst still providing excellent security. Add a wood laminate exterior to the safe to kick it up a notch.

[shotgunjoel]

as would a repro Remington bronze
You mean the artist Remington, not the gun company, right?

[cbrgator]

I think you need a poster of Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima and Washington Crossing the Delaware

[AKElroy]

Not looking to do the woodsman/hunting thing (ducks, etc.).

How about a woodsman/hunting thing? (ducks, maybe?)

[FN_man_08]

I have always liked these...

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/horizontal-pod.jsp?id=0018793&navCount=4&parentId=cat20696&masterpathid=&navAction=push&cmCat=MainCatcat20656-cat20696&parentType=index&indexId=cat20696&rid=

[ccsniper]

how about examples of the best shooting you have ever done? You could frame a target that is the best you can do, and then when you do better put that target up next to the first to show your progress.

[SOUTHPAW]

Doug, that WWII theme is outstanding! You have designed that room perfectly. What I'm looking to do is similar, but more modern. Not to say I only want to have modern weapons and accessories on display, but I want the "atmosphere" to be more like a 21st century weapon room... It's hard to explain but will make sense once it's done. I have a great idea for a wall-piece that I'm starting to work on, that will be relatively low-cost, an non-perminent compared to the built-in, lexan gun vault display. Stay tuned for that. ;)

Unfortunately, funds are running low. I still need the following:

•Seating (desk chair and sofa or 2 chairs) $400-$500
•Laptop computer - $400-$600
•Flatpanel TV - $300-$500

Naturally these are the most expensive parts of the build and happen to be the last big items I need. Besides that it's all decor and that can be done piece-by-piece over time, although I am amassing quite a few things I want now. This build really couldn't come at a worse time, considering I need a new bedroom set and central air. :(

[Doug S]

Doug, that WWII theme is outstanding! You have designed that room perfectly. What I'm looking to do is similar, but more modern.

Thanks for the compliment, and good luck with your endeavor. I look forward to seeing some pictures when you get it all worked out. It is a fun thing to do, and it's very nice to have a space with items that you like, instead of keeping everything locked away where you don't get to enjoy them as much.

[lonegunman]

Put what you like and enjoy, the man cave is supposed to make you smile as soon as you walk thru the door. I built a shop for my recreation area and have my cave in the back of it. One flick of the light switch and I smile everytime I walk in the place.

If you are using a spare room secure it with good bars or roll down shutters and I replaced the hollow core interior door with a steel fire door. I had to beef up the door frame and wall area but it made the room fairly secure.

[oneounceload]

You mean the artist Remington, not the gun company, right?

Absolutely!....(should have made that more clear I guess)

[Freedomv]

It looks like you will be on a scavanger hunt for things of interest to display.
Have fun!
I have always placed a "World Map" within easy access on a wall somewhere in my "Go to Room". This allows me to look for places that I have been or read about, teach my Grandchildren about the planet that we live on and the world that we live in etc.
If you can locate an antique style map they are very pleasant to look at. No harsh glare of plastic over lay etc.

My current map is 32" X 48" and my 3 year old garandson can locate where we live (Iowa) and where his Daddy is Stationed (Kuwait) along with several other items of interest.