Gone are the days of a lame basement with wood wall paneling and vinyl or carpet tiles on the floor. Modern man caves rival the coolest bars and look more like a private club. From the ceiling down, your man cave can look and feel like a reflection of who you are. Rip that old paneling down, paint the walls a charcoal grey or bold red, and add a funky rug.

Cover that old vinyl up or rip it out completely and replace it with a modern wood laminate. Then arrange an area rug before adding furniture. These man cave rugs will add style and a personalized flair to your man cave.

Conclusion

While all these rugs are fantastic, our top pick for the best man cave rug is the nuLOOM Contemporary Thigpen Area Rug because it has a subtle masculine feel that will complement a man cave. It also comes in several colors, shapes, and sizes for easy decorating. Its high-quality construction will ensure it lasts while the polypropylene makes for easy cleaning.

For people who have a fireplace, this dream is possible. But for the rest of us, we have to make do with the fireplace video on the TV. This isn’t ideal, though. While it looks nice, you are stuck watching the fireplace and can’t watch a movie. There’s also no heat coming from the fireplace, which kind of takes away from the experience.

The solution is to install an electric fireplace. These slimline, wall-mounted fireplaces come with several features and can produce heat.

This list of the best electric fireplace heaters will help you

Best Buy

1. R.W. Flame 36 Inch Recessed and Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace

Check Price

This wall-mount electric fireplace comes in a range of sizes, from 36 inches to 68 inches long. A nice feature is that it’s less than four inches deep, making it easier to place in the wall where there can be little room.

You’ll also appreciate the placement of the power box and main cable that make it easier to mount in the wall. Use the touchscreen or remote control to select from 12 flame color modes, five flame speed modes, and five brightness levels.

This recessed electric fireplace is also an electric heater. You can use it as a supplemental heating source to warm up to 400 square feet. Thanks to the ETL Certification and auto-heat kill safe, feel safe using this fireplace.

One drawback of this fireplace is the remote. The signal is weak, and you must stand right in front of the fireplace to get it to work. This can be frustrating if you install it in a large room. There is also no realistic wood fire option for a traditional look.

2. Homedex 36-Inch Recessed Mounted Electric Fireplace

Check Price

This wall-mount electric fireplace comes in a range of sizes, from 36 inches to 68 inches long. A nice feature is that it’s less than four inches deep, making it easier to place in the wall where there can be little room.

You’ll also appreciate the placement of the power box and main cable that make it easier to mount in the wall. Use the touchscreen or remote control to select from 12 flame color modes, five flame speed modes, and five brightness levels.

This recessed electric fireplace is also an electric heater. You can use it as a supplemental heating source to warm up to 400 square feet. Thanks to the ETL Certification and auto-heat kill safe, feel safe using this fireplace.

One drawback of this fireplace is the remote. The signal is weak, and you must stand right in front of the fireplace to get it to work. This can be frustrating if you install it in a large room. There is also no realistic wood fire option for a traditional look.

3. Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove With Remote Control

Check Price

This vintage-inspired wood-burning fireplace can give your living room or bedroom an authentic farmhouse feel. It comes in eight colors, so you can choose the perfect shade that blends with your decor or adds a pop of color.

It measures 24 x 13.07 x 23.4 inches so that you can place it in a nonworking fireplace or a dead corner. Because it’s a freestanding electric fireplace, you can move it around your home as needed, making it useful as supplemental heating.

The 5,200 BTU quartz infrared heater can warm a space up to 1,000 square feet. Should this unit overheat, it will automatically shut off. There are five adjustable brightness levels to choose from for the advanced 3D flame effects.

The potential problem with this electric fireplace stove is that it uses infrared heat, which isn’t as effective as other heating elements on this list. It also doesn’t get as hot as other fireplaces on this list.

4. Touchstone 80014 Sideline Electric Fireplace

Check Price

This real flame fireplace heater comes in a range of sizes from 28 to 100 inches in length. It has five flame settings that have an unmatched realistic flame effect.

It will trick people into thinking there’s a real fire going. This is helped by the faux-fire logs and crystals that come with it. There are two heat settings to choose from, along with multiple modes for creating your desired aesthetic.

A timer will automatically turn off the fireplace at your set time, which can be between 30 minutes and 7.5 hours. All features and settings are operable through the included remote.

Be aware that you’ll need a lot of clearance for this wall-mounted fireplace. Not only do you need over five inches of depth, but you also need eight inches of clearance around it.

This means you can’t install it too close to your fireplace mantel or TV. This electric fireplace is best left for installing into an existing fireplace space that you no longer want to use for burning actual logs. It would also be nice if there were more than two heat settings as this is quite limiting.

5. PuraFlame Alice 40 Inches Recessed Electric Fireplace

Check Price

Choose from either 40 or 50 inches for your wall-mounted fireplace. You have the option of plugging it in or hardwiring it. It uses ultra-high-intensity LED lights that can create four different flame effects. You can also choose between wood logs or ice-like crystals.

Choose from 13 colors for the LED lighting of the fuel bed. You also have the option of using the heat setting or leaving it off for year-round enjoyment of your electric fireplace.

Use the timer to turn on the heat blower for 30 minutes or up to nine hours. It’s safe to use as a supplemental heating source. Choose a temperature setting between 60 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit.

This realistic electric fireplace leaves a bit to be desired with the quality of the flames. They aren’t as realistic as other fireplaces on this list. However, you get a nice glow from this one, making it ideal for setting the mood and atmosphere.

6. Silverton 48-Inch Electric Fireplace

Check Price

Unlike other electric fireplaces on this list, this one looks like a real fireplace. Instead of being narrow and long, this one is square and comes with a fireplace surround. It will sit in front of the wall instead of getting mounted flush with the wall.

You can choose from white, black, and dark mahogany for the fireplace surround. You can play the fire or use the heat feature that’s capable of warming a space up to 1,000 square feet.

Choose from temperature heat settings that range from 72 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit. The entire unit measures 19.875 inches high by 23.375 inches long by 8.75 inches deep.

Unfortunately, the logs could look more realistic, which is a dead giveaway that your fireplace is electric and not real.

This fireplace also takes up significantly more space because it sits in front of your wall and cannot be mounted in it. Finally, the construction could be better with gaps in some of the seams where the pieces don’t sit flush with each other.

7. Antarctic Star 30-Inch Electric Fireplace

Check Price

You will find the flame brightness impressive on this electric fireplace insert. The lifelike flames use innovative electric fireplace technology that mimics the look of real fires in traditional fireplaces. Choose from sizes that range from 30 to 68 inches.

The depth is less than four inches, making it easier to install than other fireplaces on this list. There are 12 colors to choose from for the ultra-high-intensity LED light and 12 colors for the crystal flame bed. This gives you countless color combination options.

The remote control works from up to 26 feet away, or you can use the integrated touchscreen. There is also a timer that can automatically turn off the fireplace after one to eight hours. Two heating modes can warm a space up to 400 square feet.

Unfortunately, you may find the flames to look faint or not be as big as you’d like. So if you’re looking for a roaring fire, this may not be it. You also can’t use the heating function without the fireplace feature.

How Do Electric Fireplaces Work?

These modern fireplaces use LEDs and a mirror element to mimic the look of real flames. Simple fireplaces have a single line of LEDs, while more upscale models can have multiple rows for a more dynamic and realistic display. They typically use 120-volt outlets for the power source.

Many of them also come with a heating element, which lends some authenticity to the fireplace. These units have either heating coils or infrared quartz. These elements are located inside the fireplace and heat up to the desired temperature.

Then there is a blower fan that moves the warmed air out of the fireplace and into the room. When this happens, cold air gets sucked in and subsequently warmed.

How Much Space Do Electric Fireplaces Heat?

The amount of space your electric fireplace can heat will depend on the size and strength of your fireplace. Typically, an electric fireplace about 30 to 36 inches in length and mounted flush with the wall can warm a 400 square foot space.

Freestanding electric fireplaces can emit warmth from all sides to warm slightly larger rooms, typically around 1,000 square feet. If you choose a large electric fireplace, it could help warm a space over 1,000 square feet.

However, keep in mind that all electric fireplaces are designed and intended to be supplemental heating. You should never solely depend on your electric fireplace as your source for heat.

Are Electric Fireplaces Safe?

Yes, they are safer than a traditional fireplace because there is no actual flame. There is nothing to burn someone on. There are also no toxic emissions, so you don’t have to worry about air pollution.

Because these fireplaces are electric, you should check to ensure the fireplace you buy is certified safe. You don’t want your new fireplace to cause a real fire because unreliable wiring causes a short or spark that started a fire. As long as your fireplace is safety certified, you don’t have anything to worry about.

Can You Install an Electric Fireplace Under a TV?

Yes, you can! Many people don’t realize this, but the chimney above a real fireplace gets incredibly hot, and this is damaging to your flat-screen TV mounted over your fireplace. Instead, an electric fireplace doesn’t have this problem, so you are safe to install your TV over it.

However, you’ll want to give the electric fireplace plenty of clearance, so don’t mount them too close to each other.

Additionally, your fireplace should have front or bottom vents for the heating element. This directs the hot air away from the TV and reduces the heat exposure to the delicate electrical components in the TV.

Can You Install an Electric Fireplace Outside?

This is a common question as more people turn their backyards into outdoor living spaces. If you want to create a living room feel, a fireplace is a must. You can use an electric fireplace for your outdoor living room, bathroom, patio, or anywhere else outside that you would like to create ambiance.

You should only use electric fireplaces that are outdoor rated. This means their construction is sealed to prevent moisture from coming into contact with the electric components, as this would create a safety risk.

Never install an indoor-only electric fireplace outside. Where it can be exposed to the elements.

What Features Should I Look For?

The number of features your electric fireplace has will depend on your budget. If you have a small budget, then look for the basic must-have features that provide satisfactory functionality. If your budget has some flexibility, then consider the nice-to-have features that can elevate your user experience.

Basic Must-Have Features

• You should be able to control your fireplace with a remote to turn the flames on and off when you want.
• On-demand heater functionality is also a must.
• A timer is also a must because this ensures your fireplace isn’t left running for an endless amount of time.
• You should also look for safety features like an auto shut-off should the unit get too hot.
• Finally, some level of temperature and flame display adjustability is also a must. This lets you choose how hot you want it to heat and the type of fire you want it to produce.

Nice To Have Extra Features

While having a remote is excellent, a touchscreen is even nicer. Modern high-end fireplaces come with a touchscreen that makes it easy to choose your settings. These fireplaces also have a lot more settings to choose from. For example, instead of one or two heat temperature settings, they can have five or as many as 10.

The same applies to the flame display. There will be size, brightness, and color options to choose from. Many high-quality fireplaces also have multiple flame bed options, such as crystals or wood logs.

Innovative Features

Electric fireplaces have come a long way since they were first introduced. These days manufacturers are looking for better ways to replicate the look of fire for the most realistic display.

They are also adding innovative features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. These will let you control your fireplace from your phone, sync with other devices, and integrate the controls into your smart home system. Some fireplaces also have speakers built into the unit.

Types of Electric Fireplaces

When buying an electric fireplace, think about where and how you plan to install it in your home. This will help you decide which type of electric fireplace is best. Similar to traditional fireplaces, you want the one you choose to complement your home’s architecture and design. In addition, it should look purposeful and as if it was always a part of the home.

Wall Mounted

These flat electric fireplaces are perfect for apartments or rental homes. They hang on the wall like a flat-screen TV. This is good because there’s no permanent damage to the wall.

Someone with little experience can install them, and they only require an outlet to run. This gives you a lot more freedom in where you install your electric fireplace, such as over your bed, in the kitchen, bathroom, or home office.

You can easily take down the fireplace and brackets and take them with you when you move. The downside of these fireplaces is that they don’t look as authentic because they are hung on the wall. They also don’t produce heat or as much heat as larger units.

Built-In

A built-in electric fireplace has an authentic look because they sit flush with the wall. They are a great alternative to gas fireplaces. These units require more knowledge, skill, and experience because you will need to create a hole in the wall where the unit will sit.

They also require hardwiring. It’s best to have a professional assist with this part of the installation.

Once your fireplace is installed, you won’t take it out when you move as it’s now a part of the house. If you want a realistic square shape for your electric fireplace, these are great options.

Keep in mind that some of these models are over five inches thick. This can create installation issues, and you may need to build out the wall on the backside.

Recessed

These fireplaces have a shallow depth because they are meant for installation in an already-built wall. They are called 2×4 installs because you can recess them into a 2×4 wall without having to build out on the other side of the wall to accommodate the depth of the fireplace.

The majority of these models are under four inches in depth. Some are slightly deeper, but they stick out from the wall on the front side.

Recessed units can come with a plug, but they are typically designed for hard-wiring them into your home’s existing electrical.

Three Sided

A three-sided electric fireplace can work with your architecture if you have unique architecture. It makes a bold statement as you can view the flames from three sides. If needed, you could make it two-sided by only exposing two of the three sides.

You could recess it into the wall with only one side exposed for a more realistic flame display than what you can get with other recessed fireplaces.

Electric fireplaces with three sides are perfect when you have a more open floor plan or two rooms that connect with a wall between them. The fireplace is then viewable from both sides so that you can have warmth and ambiance in both rooms.

Two-Sided

Instead of three sides, there are electric fireplaces with two sides. These get mounted in the wall in the same fashion as a recessed fireplace, but it is flush-mounted on both sides. This is ideal when you have two rooms that share a wall but are closed off from each other with a wall.

For the most functionality, look for one that has a privacy screen. That way, you can prevent people in one from looking into the other.

Inserts

If you have an existing wood or gas-burning fireplace in your home, you can easily convert it into an electric one with an insert. These units are shaped to snugly fit into the firebox of a traditional fireplace.

The other insert type is electric log inserts. Instead of being a large box that looks similar to other electric fireplaces, these are a grate with logs that you place in your traditional firebox.

This looks the most realistic since you have an actual fireplace, blending the electric elements in with it.

Free Standing

If you are looking to upgrade the furniture in your home, a freestanding electric fireplace is a great option. The most common type of freestanding electric fireplace is a media cabinet.

You place the cabinet under your big screen TV in your living room or bedroom. These units are nice because you can move them around, they serve multiple purposes to reduce the number of furniture pieces in the room, and you won’t have to sacrifice features. Their downside is that you tend to be limited when it comes to size.

With Mantels

This type of electric fireplace combines the charm of a traditional fireplace with the convenience of a modern electric one. Unlike other types on this list, you don’t mount this one into the wall.

It sits in front of the wall, but unlike one that hangs on the wall, this one is mounted in a frame that mimics the look of a real fireplace with a surround and mantel.

This gives you the look of a real fireplace without having to make any major changes to your home. You can arrange decorative items on the mantel as you would with a real fireplace.

Conclusion

If we had to pick just one electric fireplace to recommend, it would be the R.W.FLAME 36-Inch Recessed and Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace because it comes in a wide range of sizes, has plenty of options for customization, and can effectively heat a small room. In addition, the shallow depth of the fireplace helps to make it easier to install in smaller spaces. You’ll also find the remote convenient.

Well, if you like spending time in your garage, you need to add some more light. The amount and type of light you add will depend on how you like to spend time in your garage.

These best garage lighting ideas will help you understand your options and how each light will work. Isn’t it time you were able to see better and actually use your garage?

1. Shop Lights

This simple, cost-effective lighting is perfect for your garage because it creates plenty of ambient lighting. It’s the next generation after traditional fluorescent lighting. That’s why you typically see them in commercial garages.

They are energy efficient, last longer than fluorescent bulbs, and have a balanced color to reduce the stress on your eyes. This general lighting is ideal if you plan to use your garage as a workshop.

You could even hook them up to a motion sensor and have them turn on and off by simply entering and leaving the garage.

What’s nice about these lights is that they are relatively easy to install with retrofit options. As a result, you can install them with minimal experience or electrical knowledge.

2. Flush Mount Lighting

Sometimes flush mount lights are referred to as surface mount lights. They are installed right up against the ceiling. This light style works well in a garage because they stay tucked up and out of the way.

You also don’t have to worry about these lighting fixtures interfering with the functioning of your garage door. These lights work well to provide plenty of ambient light. They may not be as bright as shop lights, but they will have a bigger impact when it comes to style.

This light style works best when you want to use your garage for storage and need the maximum amount of space or if you plan to use your garage as a man cave and want lighting that looks more like indoor lighting than commercial lighting.

3. High Bay Lighting

If you have an unusually large garage, then high bay lights are the type of light fixture you need. These lights are incredibly bright and cover a large area. To install these lights, all you need to do is suspend them from the ceiling by chains and hooks.

The higher you mount them, the more area they can illuminate. This means they work best when your garage ceiling is higher than usual. While you can buy this light style with multiple types of bulbs, the LED varieties are the best.

You will mostly see high bay lights in industrial and commercial places, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use them in your garage, especially if you are going for an industrial look.

4. Fluorescent Bulbs

Fluorescent fixtures are what you see commonly used in commercial spaces. They are incredibly efficient and effective at illuminating large spaces. The light is also friendly to the human eye, making them popular in commercial spaces.

Fluorescent lighting features long tube lights that are filled with mercury vapor. When the mercury atoms ionize, they produce light. They rely on a ballast to control the electricity to protect the circuitry.

When compared to incandescent bulbs, they are twice as efficient. The problem with fluorescent lights is that temperatures significantly impact the performance of the lights. If the temperature becomes too low, the mercury becomes a liquid instead of a vapor, which causes the bulbs to malfunction.

5. Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFL)

These lights are a type of fluorescent light bulb. They stand out because they are compact in size and are more energy-efficient. The goal of these lights is to provide a better version of traditional fluorescent light bulbs.

Unlike long straight fluorescent light bulbs, these have a curve or twist to them that allows them to fit in smaller spaces. This gives you more light with less bulk.

You’ll like the bright natural-hued light, making them less stressful on your eyes. These bulbs also last 10 times longer than traditional fluorescent bulbs.

The major drawback is that the purchase price is noticeably higher. However, the upfront investment does translate to long-term savings. There are two types of CFL bulbs., integrated and non-integrated.

There is a ballast that works with the bulb, so an integrated bulb has everything compactly built into one unit. A non-integrated bulb has the ballast installed on the luminaire.

6. Halogen Bulbs

These bulbs work in a similar manner to incandescent bulbs. There is a filament that gets hot inside of the bulb. When this happens, it produces light.

The difference between these bulbs and incandescent is that they use a lot less energy. These bulbs get their name from the gas that’s inside of the bulb as it comes from the halogen gas group.

However, there is more to these bulbs. Tungsten vapor is also mixed in. Over time the heat from the bulb causes the tungsten vapor to deposit on the filament. You can expect your halogen bulbs to last about a year.

The typical light they produce is a bright, mid-day light. This makes them good for use in track lighting, pendant lights, and cabinet light fixtures. It also makes them good for use in your garage.

7. LED Lights

Led garage lighting is the modern lighting option for your garage. There are LED bulbs and LED strips. The type you choose will depend on the type of light you’re trying to create. LED strips are good for accent lighting. You can add LED lighting under the shelves or strip lights in the ceiling.

For the easiest installation, look for LED garage ceiling lights that come as a complete unit. These LED garage lights are the easiest to install. They are also the smartest option because LED light bulbs are longer lasting and more energy-efficient than traditional bulb options.

The bulbs stay cool to the touch, meaning they are safer to run. They also don’t require any warm-up time, making them more reliable in cold temperatures.

The biggest problem with LED shop lights is that these bulbs are directional. This means you’ll need to be careful when installing them to ensure you get the light where you need it.

8. Incandescent Light Bulbs

Incandescent bulbs are the most popular type of light bulb. You will see them used everywhere, from the bedroom to the bathroom and even the garage. They create light by heating a filament that’s located inside the bulb.

Incandescent lights are the oldest type of light bulb and the one we know Thomas Edison to have invented. These bulbs are the most affordable to produce, making them the cheapest option.

However, they are one of the most expensive in the long run because they are the least energy-efficient and require more frequent replacement. They also produce a light that is warm and yellow, which is often not as bright as other types of bulbs.

9. Recessed Lighting

If you are looking for a low-profile lighting solution, then recessed lights are the way to go. Also known as pot lights, the bulbs are sunk into holes in the ceiling.

You will need to use multiple lights to illuminate your entire space because these bulbs create a strong directed light that illuminates the space directly under them. They work well in your garage ceiling if you have a workbench area.

They also are nice to elevate the look of your garage and turn it into a showroom. If you plan your light placement carefully, you can have even coverage of light across your entire garage. This is a big advantage over other types of lights. You also get this coverage without having multiple light fixtures cluttering up your garage ceiling.

What Type of Light Is Best for a Garage?

The best garage light is a bright daylight color of light. This is light that is around 6500K daylight, which is right in the middle of the scale. It is the right balance between warm and color temperatures. The color isn’t too yellow or too blue. This will also give you plenty of brightness for anything you would want to do in your garage. You could work on your car, tinker with your motorcycle, or spend time at your workbench. The possibilities are endless with the right light.

You will probably get a few gifts from your closest friends, some you may even be able to use as decor. However, it is up to you to outfit the space with furniture and decorative items.

One of the easiest ways to decorate your man cave is by adding a rug or hanging art or signs on the walls. It adds color and visual interest to the room while reinforcing the theme.

If you’re unsure of what type of sign to choose, read on, as we detail all the different types of signs and even include the five best man cave signs you can kick your man cave off with.

How To Choose a Man Cave Sign

Choosing the right sign for your man cave is about knowing your end goal. Decide how you will use your man cave and the aesthetic you want to create. This can help you narrow down your options and choose the right sign to complement the rest of your decor.

Size

Look at the wall space you have available and find a sign that fits in this space. Do not just eyeball the wall and guess its dimensions. Get out your tape measure and know the height and width of the available space. Always check the dimensions of the sign you want to buy before you purchase it to confirm its size before ordering.

You do not want to find the perfect sign, only for it to arrive, and find out it is the size of a plaque instead of a wall piece. If you want to fill the wall with a single sign, then you need larger dimensions. However, you could create a gallery wall with multiple smaller signs.

Style

The style of the sign you choose needs to complement the rest of the man cave’s style. If you have a more sophisticated man cave, then consider skipping the kitschy signs and instead look for a sign that is more like art. A rustic man cave can support signs that are not perfectly crafted with a more handmade feel. A minimalist man cave should have signs that are simple with minimal decoration and design.

Theme

The theme of your sign is different from the style. For example, you could have a rustic man cave sign that has a fishing, sports, or rules theme. Or you could have a vintage sign that has an automotive, beer, or farmhouse theme.

The theme of your man cave sign should reflect your interests and passions. This is not about matching the decor or having the sign look good. It’s about you looking at the sign and enjoying it.

Construction

Most man cave signs are wood, tin, stainless steel, or aluminum. These are inexpensive materials that look great and are durable. Aluminum and tin tend to be more lightweight than wood or steel. The construction of the sign should be solid and durable to ensure it lasts. This includes both the body of the sign, the design application, and the hardware to hang it.

Mounting Method

The mounting method is how you get the sign to hang on the wall. The simplest of signs have holes that you use to hook over a nail in the wall. This method is simple and fast but not the most attractive. This is the most common method on tin and aluminum signs because they are so thin.

A nicer-looking and slightly more complicated mounting method is a picture hanger on the back. This completely hides the mounting hardware and is typically used on wooden signs.

A third option is metal loops that you hook over a nail or picture hanging hook. These are typically used on wood or neon signs.

Types of Man Cave Signs

Pixabay

The majority of man-cave-specific signs can be categorized into five groups. Depending on the vibe and theme you choose for your man cave, you could have one or more types of these signs.

Neon

These are illuminated signs that add a pop of color and brightness to your man cave. They tend to be the most expensive of the sign types but offer complete customization. This would give your man cave sign a personal touch. You will need to mount your sign near a power source to ensure you can turn it on. These funky signs are perfect for a bar, game room, or club.

Wooden

A wooden man cave sign will have durability that cannot be beaten. They tend to have a more rustic feel, making them perfect for someone who loves the outdoors, country, hunting, fishing, or camping.

Depending on the finish and style, you can make a wood sign work for any design theme. A sign made from light wood with a simple design could work in a modern, contemporary, or Scandinavian-designed man cave. A darker finish can look more sophisticated. A rough finish feels more rustic, while one with a high-shine varnish or lacquer looks more polished and elegant.

If you have experience working with wood, you can make your own personalized man cave sign.

Road

These man cave signs take on the look and feel of classic road signs but with different messages. They are perfect for those who love to travel or have a passion for automobiles or motorcycles.

You can choose from modern or vintage-styled road signs, letting you tailor your choice to the vibe you have created. For example, there’s the classic “Route 66” or perhaps a modern street sign with a customized street name on it.

Warning

These fun signs add a bit of personality and humor to your man cave. They typically feature the classic large red warning image at the top with white space underneath where you can add your customized warning. These signs are best for the man cave that features an eclectic vibe.

Rules

Every man with a man cave has a set of rules that he expects his guests to follow. Having the rules prominently posted on a sign makes it simple to enforce the rules when the guys come over.

This sign is perfect for the take-command type of guy who wants to be the king of his man cave castle. You can keep the rule sign simple by writing the single most important rule for the man cave or get more in-depth and list several rules.

Lit or Non-Lit Sign?

Alibaba

Should you hang a lit or non-lit sign in your man cave? You do not want your man cave to look like it is Christmas year-round with multi-colored lights. However, the right type of neon light can give your man cave an old school bar or pub feel. The colored light casts a gentle glow that’s just bright enough to create a festive mood.

Unlit signs are easy to hang because you do not have to worry about placing them within reach of a power source. There are also many more options when you do not have to deal with lights. Typically, the lit signs are made of metal. But unlit signs can be made from metal, wood, or plastic.

5 Best Man Cave Signs

Best Buy

1. Man Cave Rules Sign

Check Price

This rustic-inspired wood sign is the perfect addition to the man cave decor in a dad’s personal space. It features a simple design that proudly states the man cave rules.

There are six rules listed on this wooden sign, letting guests know what is expected when they decide to enter the man cave. The rules listed are:

1. My cave, my rules
2. No sitting in my chair
3. Hands off the remote
4. Drink beer
5. Women by invitation only
6. Any objection to the rules, please refer to rule 1

The sign measures 14 x 11 x 1 inches, making it a decent size for any wall. It is constructed of three wooden planks that are held together by a cross piece on the back.

A nice touch is that it comes ready for hanging with a metal sawtooth hanger. This sign is perfect for a basement or one that is in a farmhouse, country cottage, or rustic-inspired space.

The lettering and artistic design have a vintage feel that would help it to blend well with other vintage or antique signs.

The finish on this wood sign is quite dark, making it less than ideal for man caves that have a Scandinavian, contemporary, or modern design. It also will not make sense for anyone who does not enjoy drinking beer.

Conclusion

If we had to pick just one man cave sign to recommend, it would be the Man Cave Rules Sign because it is a nice size and has a fun message that sets the tone for your man cave. The real wood construction makes it durable and gives it a high-quality feel. In addition, the included sawtooth hanger makes mounting this sign on your man cave’s walls simple and fast.

Even if you don’t use it, just having a fireplace creates a cozy feeling. However, if you use your fireplace, you will have real warmth and natural light from the fire.

Like everything else in your home, required maintenance comes along with use. You need to clean your fireplace to remove the soot and creosote that builds up on the bricks lining your firebox and the chimney shaft.

These different methods will help you know how to clean a brick fireplace.

How Often Should You Clean Your Fireplace?

Before we get into all of the ways you can clean your brick fireplace, you need to know how often you should clean it. Soot buildup accumulates as you use your fireplace. This soot creates a smell that will not go away and can permeate the rest of the textiles in the room.

If you neglect cleaning for long enough, the soot will eventually cause permanent damage to the bricks and other fireplace materials.

Cleaning brick should be done once you have at least 1/8th of an inch of soot buildup. So, the more often you use it, the more often you will have to clean it.

The sooner you clean your fireplace after using it, the easier it will be to remove the soot. It is best to clean it at least once a year no matter how often you use it.

You may be able to wait a bit longer if your fireplace has sealed brick. A clean fireplace is a nice-looking one and a safe one.

Gather the Supplies

Before you get started cleaning fireplace brick, gather the supplies you will need to do the job. This will make the project go faster and easier because you won’t have to stop and run to the store every time you discover that you are missing a cleaning solution or tool.

While we will cover several different methods for cleaning soot, there are some common supplies that every method will require.

• Two buckets
• Spray bottle
• Stiff bristled scrub brush
• Two sponges
• Paper towels
• Water
• Drop cloth
• Gloves

Prepare To Clean

Before you start cleaning, you need to prepare your fireplace. Always start with a cold fireplace. The bricks in your fireplace get incredibly hot when you have a fire going. Trying to clean when the bricks are hot puts you at risk of getting burned.

Remove your grate and any remaining ashes or debris. Use a vacuum to clean up all of the loose dirt and debris. Use a stiff-bristled brush to knock any debris loose that you can then vacuum up.

Prepare the area around your fireplace by removing everything from your mantel. This reduces your work later by preventing any airborne soot from settling on your decor that you will then have to clean up later. Spread a waterproof drop cloth on the ground in front of your fireplace to protect your floors from spills and drips while cleaning.

Brick Fireplace Cleaning Methods

1. Detergent and Salt

Always start with the gentlest method when cleaning brick fireplaces. This means starting with a detergent and salt method. You will need dishwashing liquid, table salt, water, and distilled white vinegar.

Mix one gallon of warm water with two tablespoons of dishwashing liquid in one bucket and one gallon of water, and one cup of distilled white vinegar in the other bucket. Finally, fill a spray bottle with plain water.

To clean the soot stains, use the spray bottle to get the bricks wet. Getting the bricks wet before you try to clean them is a must.

Bricks are porous, so saturating them prevents them from absorbing the cleaning liquid. Preventing this is essential because you need the cleaning solution to stay on the surface of the bricks where it is meant to clean.

You also do not want the cleaning solution to remain in the bricks where it can release harmful vapors the next time you light a fire. Then dip your scrub brush into the cleaning solution and liberally distribute the salt on the bristles. Now get to work scrubbing so you can clean soot off of the bricks. Work in sections, so the bricks do not dry out.

Finish by using a sponge and your vinegar-water solution to rinse the bricks clean. The vinegar in the water removes any lingering fire smells and cuts through any soap residue.

A word of caution: people often use bleach to disinfect and clean their homes. Never mix bleach with vinegar. When combined, they create chlorine gas, which is highly toxic and can cause irreversible damage to the body.

2. Dishwashing Liquid, Ammonia and Pumice

If you struggle to remove the more stubborn stains, then you may need to step up your cleaning efforts. For this method, you will need dish soap, powdered pumice, ammonia, water, and distilled white vinegar.

First, take the cleaning solution from the previous method and add 1/4-1/2 of a cup of household ammonia. Then replace the table salt with powdered pumice.

Follow the same steps as the previous cleaning method to get clean bricks. This fireplace cleaner relies on the abrasive nature of the powdered pumice to remove the soot, so you will still need plenty of elbow grease. Be sure to ventilate the room well because the ammonia fumes can quickly become overwhelming.

3. Vinegar and Baking Soda

If you need a bit more help to remove stubborn soot and stains, then you can put the scrubbing bubbles of baking soda to work on your fireplace.

Stir together equal amounts of dish soap, table salt, and baking soda together with water to make a creamy paste. Use just enough water to blend the ingredients while still keeping it thick.

Use a cloth or paper towel to create a layer of paste over the bricks you want to clean. Leave the paste on the bricks for about ten to 15 minutes. Then use a scrub brush to work the paste over the bricks.

Work from the top down and scrub in a circular motion. If you find the paste getting too dry, you can use your water spray bottle to add some moisture. Finish by rinsing clean with your sponge and clean water bucket.

4. Borax

If the gentle abrasive and dish soap are not cutting through the soot, then it is time to take your cleaning efforts up a notch. Use your spray bottle to mix four cups of hot water with a squirt of dish soap and two tablespoons of borax.

Shake the bottle well to mix everything thoroughly. Spray the bricks to coat them and have plenty of cleaning solution on them. Use your brush to get to work removing the soot. Finish with a clean rinse and repeat the process of spraying and scrubbing until your fireplace is clean.

5. Specialty Fireplace Cleaners

If you are not interested in mixing your own cleaning solution at home, you can purchase one of the many available fireplace cleaning solutions. The most common are Quick N Brite and Spray Nine. If using an environmentally safe solution is important to you, then Quick N Brite is the solution for you. To use it, you will scrub with a brush and rinse clean when finished.

If the idea of scrubbing until your arm is sore is not appealing, then Spray Nine is your best bet. It is an ammonia-based cleaning solution that is formulated to target carbon-based stains or dirt, like soot.

6. Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) or Muriatic Acid

If the gentler methods do not work on your fireplace, then you can up your efforts to a more caustic cleaner. These are dangerous and harmful cleaners, so they should only be used on the most stubborn smoke stains.

Before using trisodium phosphate (TSP) or muriatic acid, you need to fully protect yourself and the fireplace surround. TSP will damage fabric, paint, carpet, metal, and tile.

Before you start, change your clothes so that you are wearing long pants and a long sleeve shirt. Then put on gloves, goggles, and a respirator. You do not want to risk these solutions getting on your skin even momentarily. Finally, wear protective shoes with high socks that go up under your pants.

To start, mix your cleaning solution by using MasonrySaver Safer Brick & Masonry Cleaner or TSP in a bucket according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Most solutions require you to mix the cleaner with water. Then fill your second bucket with clean water for rinsing. Get some of the cleaning solution on your scrub brush and begin to scrub the stubborn stains.

Once you have cleaned the fireplace bricks, use a sponge to rinse the area with water from your clean bucket. Wipe the area with clean water until you have rinsed away the remaining soot and cleaning solution.

Repeat this process until you have removed all of the soot. These cleaning solutions are highly toxic and cannot be disposed of by pouring down the drain or onto the ground outside. You will need to contact your local municipality for proper and safe disposal.

7. Creosote Sweeping Fire Log

You may see fireplace logs like these Pine Mountain logs. which are sold as a fireplace cleaning solution. They are called creosote sweeping logs because they help you remove the creosote buildup. This is what builds when you burn green or less dried-out wood.

The smoke condenses at a lower burning temperature, which creates a thicker layer of gunky soot on your fireplace. They do not remove the creosote or soot just by burning the log.

When you burn the log, the chemicals that get released make the creosote flaky, and then you can easily brush or scrape it off. These logs work great for maintenance cleaning if you use your fireplace a lot.

However, they do not replace the need for your once-yearly chimney cleaning. Depending on how often you use your fireplace, you can burn one of these logs once a month or a week and enjoy relatively clean fireplace brick year-round.

Tiles are a great option because they can create the custom look you desire. This could be a professionally laid floor that is both elegant and durable. Or it could be the perfect DIY project to give your floor protection.

This guide will help you understand your options so that you can choose the perfect tile flooring option for your garage.

These are the best garage floor tiles to cover your concrete garage floor.

Exploring the Top Styles: Best Garage Floor Tile Options

1. Porcelain Tile

Some people claim that porcelain is not a suitable tile for your garage floor. However, this simply is not the case. Porcelain is dense clay and not very porous, making it durable and strong.

The harder surface makes it durable from the heavy abuse that can happen in a garage. In addition, the low porosity helps to make it impervious to water. The drawback of porcelain is that it is more expensive, making it best suited for those who have a large budget for their garage flooring project.

If you don’t have tiling experience, you will need a professional to install the tile, which can add to the cost of your new floor. However, it is permanent, so you won’t have to worry about replacing pieces in the future as you would with peel and stick or glue on flooring.

2. Rubber Tiles

If you want to use your garage as a home gym, rubber flooring tiles are necessary. These thick and heavyweight tiles are made of dense rubber that will cushion your concrete floors from the impact of heavy weights or equipment.

As a result, you do not have to worry about the concrete getting chipped or cracked. When buying these tiles, pay attention to how they lock together and their thickness. A tile that is too flexible won’t be durable enough. Tiles that are too big are going to be too heavy to move around, like a large rubber garage mat.

You should also purchase edging for your interlocking floor tiles to give your flooring a professional finish. For the lowest maintenance option, choose an interlocking tile that has holes in it. This will allow for drainage and ventilation, keeping your floor dry and mold-free.

3. Hard Plastic Tile

These floor tiles are made from high-impact polymer (high-impact polypropylene copolymer). They have a rigid strength that is capable of withstanding high amounts of weight or sudden impacts.

The formula typically includes UV-resistant additives that protect the tiles from becoming brittle. You’ll love how lightweight the tiles are, making them incredibly easy to install. Despite this, they can also support a large amount of weight.

You will like how easy they are to keep clean with simple soap and water. They also are naturally stain resistant, which keeps them looking beautiful. One of the biggest complaints about rubber tiles is that they smell weird; you won’t have this problem with hard plastic tiles.

4. Soft Plastic Tile

Unlike hard plastic tiles, these are made from flexible PVC (flexible polyvinyl chloride). This is a special type of polymer that is both flexible and strong. You will see it most often used in commercial flooring, which means it is strong enough to use in your home garage.

Some of these tiles feel more like rubber and less like plastic. They can also have UV protection, which helps the tiles to stay strong and flexible. For the longest durability, look for one that is mildew and mold resistant.

They should also have holes to make them vented tiles. The tile will have shaped teeth on all four sides that interlock with the teeth on other tiles. This creates a smooth surface that will cover your entire garage floor.

5. Carpet Tiles

These are the tiles you typically see in large offices or commercial spaces. They stick to the floor underneath and create a single carpet layer on the floor. They are perfect for commercial and private garages because they are easier to replace than a single roll of carpet.

If you stain a carpet square in a spill, you can peel up the individual square and replace it without disrupting the rest of the floor.

The carpet used for these tiles is durable, making it good in high-traffic areas. The added textile will dampen sound and help insulate your garage. There are two types of carpet tiles, ones that require glue and others that are peel and stick.

6. Vinyl Tiles

Old school vinyl tiles are square and ugly. They use glue to adhere to the floor. Over time, the corners often pick up and break off, which leaves you with an ugly-looking floor. Modern vinyl floors are innovative and nothing like their predecessors.

They come in squares or planks and have a peel-and-stick backing. This makes them fast and easy to install, requiring no tools. If you have a limited budget, these are a great alternative that is cost-effective and simple to lay.

For the greatest durability, look for one that has extra features, like stain-resistant, non-slip, and scuff-resistant. Vinyl is also incredibly easy to care for, just sweep, dust, and damp mop. It won’t pick up with hot tires, chip, or crack when heavy tools are dropped or dented. However, it will scratch with sharp edges or corners.

7. Painted-On Tiles

Instead of laying down tiles, you can paint your garage floor to look like tile. This gives you the look for a fraction of the expense. This also gives you more options for customizing your floor since you can paint any design you want with as few or as many colors as you want.

Using the right paint will create a durable finish that you can walk, work, and drive on. However, no paint is as durable as the actual tiles on this list. You can extend your painted floor’s useful life by only using paint meant for use on a garage floor.

You should also rough up the surface of your smooth concrete with a chemical etcher. Apply multiple thin layers of paint and not one thick layer that won’t dry properly. The key to a professional-looking paint job is in the prep work.

First, thoroughly clean the floor to remove all dust and dirt. Then tape off the area you intend to paint. This will give you crisp lines and a clean application. Another option is to use concrete stain to mimic the look of natural stone tiles. You may also want to seal your painted design with a clear epoxy coating or concrete sealer.

What Is an Alternative to Garage Tiles?

Tiles are not the only durable flooring option for your garage flooring. Epoxy floor paint is a protective coating that is stronger and more durable than standard latex paint. It comes in single and two-stage formulas that you brush or roller onto your floor.

You can then decorate your garage floor coating with metallic or flat paint chips. Epoxy paint takes several hours to dry and several days to fully cure and become safe to park on.

Once cured, the epoxy is like a hard shell on the concrete that blocks moisture and spills from getting into the concrete.

What you need are a few unused fireplace ideas to get you inspired. Think beyond the mantel and use the fireplace as an opportunity to create your own display as a focal point.

These ideas will show you how to decorate an unused fireplace so that it adds to your decor.

1. Hide It With a Screen

The simplest and easiest decorating idea is to hide the open space with a fireplace screen. With this approach, you don’t have to worry about cleaning or painting the firebox to make it presentable.

This solution is nice because it leaves the option open for using the fireplace in the future.

When choosing your screen, look for one that has a decorative design and blocks your ability to see through it.

The screen should extend from one wall to the other so that the entire front of the fireplace is blocked.

Match the design of the screen to the interior design theme in the rest of the room. A modern room will look nice with a simple square that’s dark grey or black. A rustic, farmhouse or bohemian room will look beautiful with a woven screen.

2. Create a Faux Display

You know your fireplace doesn’t work, but that doesn’t mean anyone else needs to know. Instead, style your fireplace and hearth as if it was a working fireplace.

Leave the chimney intact and style a faux fireplace arrangement in the firebox. Start by placing a grate in the middle.

Scale the size of the grate to the space available. Then place a few logs on the grate. You could choose real dried-out wood logs or faux ones that look like wood but aren’t.

Place a fireplace tool rack next to the opening on the hearth. It would have a small broom, poker, and everything you need to tend to a fire.

3. Use a Flower Arrangement

Place a large vase in your fireplace and use it to hold greenery or fresh flowers. The Vasesource black ceramic planter has a nice low design, giving you plenty of room for your larger potted plants. Its simple design gives it a modern feel that will look beautiful in a contemporary home.

This rustic and weathered oak wood barrel is perfect for a flowering house plant or fresh-cut flowers. Its rustic design and wine barrel shape make it perfect for a rustic or farmhouse interior design.

Keep in mind the amount of light that reaches your fireplace. If it’s a low-light area, then you’ll want to use a hardy houseplant, like pothos, English ivy, or a snake plant. These are all easy to keep alive, have low light requirements, and aren’t demanding water requirements.

4. Light It With Lanterns

Create a soft glowing light similar to when there is a fire burning. You could use pillar candles, but that is overdone. Instead, place an arrangement of candle holders that range in width and height. This style of arrangement creates visual interest by having variety.

Another great option is to use metal floor lanterns with either white candles or fairy lights. Choose an odd number of lanterns that vary in size. Then place a string of battery-powered fairy lights in each lantern.

5. Stack Wood Logs

A natural solution for your unused fireplace is to fill it with wood. This makes sense because fireplaces are meant for burning wood. Stacked wood stays true to its original use while giving it a fresh look.

You have plenty of options when choosing the wood you use. A common choice is to use chopped wood that looks like stacked firewood. These are log pieces that have been split. Another option is to use logs that are still around.

Stack the wood so that it fits together and fills the space with the ends showing. If this feels too plain, you can paint the end of the logs for a pop of color. If the idea of using real logs isn’t appealing, you can buy a Birch Fill a Space design that does all of the work for you.

6. Organize Your Magazines

Are you an avid magazine reader? Then you know the struggle of having stacks of magazines cluttering your flat surfaces. Your non-working fireplace is the perfect place for storing your magazine collection.

Purchase a magazine rack and place it in the firebox where the fire grate would normally sit. Then you can fill it with magazines. The Mkono macrame magazine rack (shown above) is perfect for complementing your bohemian decor ideas. Its handmade look adds plenty of texture to the room. It also doesn’t look like a typical magazine rack, helping it to look more decorative than functional, yet its large size means it can hold plenty of magazines.

7. Display Decor

Instead of leaving a single display up year-round, consider using your unused fireplace as a seasonal decor opportunity. For example, use pumpkins, pine cones, dried flowers, and fall leaves for Thanksgiving. Then finally, change the fireplace decor to have a winter or holiday theme for Christmas.

For spring, you could have Easter-inspired decorations or fresh blooms. Halloween is the perfect time to break out your spookiest decorations. During July, add red, white, and blue decor for a patriotic display.

8. Add Tile

Instead of leaving your fireplace with its original brick or painting it, give it a fresh and modern feel by tiling over it. You’ll see decorating ideas that use large-scale tiles for a modern look, marble for a luxurious feel, or mosaic tiles for an artistic touch.

While rectangle subway tiles never go out of style, don’t be afraid to use tiles with different shapes. Fish scale and geometric patterns are currently trending. Using tile is a creative way of updating your fireplace while keeping it true to its original purpose. The tile is durable and heat resistant.

9. Add a Space Heater

The whole point of having a fireplace is to add heat to the room. If your fireplace isn’t working, then you are missing out on this heat source. This may not be a big deal for modern homes with state-of-the-art HVAC systems. However, for older homes, this can result in drafty rooms that are uncomfortable to be in.

Instead of making the fireplace usable again, consider adding a space heater. You could choose one that’s styled to look like a vintage stove. With this approach, you are adding heat back into the room while also adding a decorative piece.

The vintage stove look is perfect for a rustic room. If you prefer a more modern feel, you can have a square space heater set into the opening with a screen that digitally displays a fire. Now you have the best of both worlds.

10. Make a Bookshelf

Turn your fireplace into a built-in bookshelf. Start by painting the inside of the firebox. Then paint boards to match. Mount the boards in the firebox space. You should be able to comfortably fit one or two shelves.

Now you have extra storage space that doesn’t take away from your floor space. Use this extra storage space as a mini library, display your prized collection figurines or anything else that you would like to make the focal point of the room.

11. Baskets

One popular decorating tip is to have a basket where you store your extra throw pillows and blankets. Now you have a large basket that you have to put somewhere in your living room. An unused fireplace is a perfect spot.

You could paint the inside of the firebox or leave it untouched. Clean the space and remove any residual soot and ash. Place a large woven basket that comfortably fills the space but leaves room for you to fill it with pillows and blankets. Then, you can pull it out when you need it and tuck it away when you don’t.

Having this basket on display helps to create a cozy feeling in the room. While you could do this idea in any design theme, it works especially well in a Scandinavian-inspired or farmhouse room.

Your garage floor experiences a lot of abuse, which means you can’t use just any interior or exterior oil-based paint. The best garage floor paint is actually epoxy. It rolls on just like regular paint but cures to become a durable protective layer. These coatings come in various colors, making it possible to customize the look of your garage floor.

These concrete paints will withstand your vehicle getting parked on it, lots of foot traffic, and spills. Below is an in-depth look at five of the best garage floor paints along with a look at the types of garage floor paint and an explanation of how to paint your own garage floor.

Different Types of Garage Floor Paint

Doralin Samuel Tunas/Shutterstock

You will see the term epoxy coating, garage floor paint, or concrete stain on different products. However, not all paints are formulated the same, have the same durability, or look the same.

Acrylic Paint

This chemical-based paint suspends the pigment in an acrylic polymer. It dries quickly, making it challenging to work with when painting a large garage floor. However, this is also an advantage because it means you can start using your garage again sooner. Once dry, chemical additives help it to be durable and water-resistant.

Latex

This type of paint is similar to acrylic paint because it’s water-based and formulated from an acrylic resin. However, it differs because it’s easier to buy in larger quantities. This makes it a better option for painting your garage floor. You’ll find latex paint is easier to clean up because it’s water-based. Although, this quality also means that it won’t expand and contract as well as acrylic paint.

One and Two-Part Epoxy

An epoxy coating creates a hard shell over the concrete surface that’s durable and glossy-looking. Unlike acrylic paint, epoxy is nonporous. Epoxy is the most expensive option, but it’s also the most durable and protective.

Epoxy comes in one or two-step. A one-step epoxy is ready to use right out of the can. A two-step epoxy requires you to mix the ingredients before using it. There are also several types of epoxy formulations. For example; polyurea, urethane, and polyaspartic floor coating.

5 Best Garage Floor Paints

Different Types of Garage Floor Paint

Doralin Samuel Tunas/Shutterstock

You will see the term epoxy coating, garage floor paint, or concrete stain on different products. However, not all paints are formulated the same, have the same durability, or look the same. Here’s a breakdown of these terms and what they mean.

Acrylic Paint

This chemical-based paint suspends the pigment in an acrylic polymer. It dries quickly, making it challenging to work with when painting a large garage floor. However, this is also an advantage because it means you can start using your garage again sooner. Once dry, chemical additives help it to be durable and water-resistant.

Latex

This type of paint is similar to acrylic paint because it’s water-based and formulated from an acrylic resin. However, it differs because it’s easier to buy in larger quantities. This makes it a better option for painting your garage floor. You’ll find latex paint is easier to clean up because it’s water-based. Although, this quality also means that it won’t expand and contract as well as acrylic paint.

One and Two-Part Epoxy

An epoxy coating creates a hard shell over the concrete surface that’s durable and glossy-looking. Unlike acrylic paint, epoxy is nonporous. Epoxy is the most expensive option, but it’s also the most durable and protective.

Epoxy comes in one or two-step. A one-step epoxy is ready to use right out of the can. A two-step epoxy requires you to mix the ingredients before using it. There are also several types of epoxy formulations. For example; polyurea, urethane, and polyaspartic floor coating.

How to Apply Epoxy Garage Floor Paint

Your first task is to gather all of the necessary materials for your project. Working with epoxy resin is a time-sensitive project, so you don’t want to find out too late that you are missing a much-needed piece of equipment.

1. Gather Supplies

To apply epoxy paint, you need the epoxy floor coating, brush, roller, etching solution, and decorative colored paint or metallic chips. It can also help to have gloves, masks, and rags on hand. Some epoxy garage floor paint comes in a kit, which makes it easy to get started because it will have everything you need.

2. Preparation

To get the most professional finish, you need to prepare your garage floor before you even think about applying the epoxy. Start by sweeping and vacuuming your garage floor to remove any dust, dirt, and debris. Use a concrete patching product to fill in any cracks or chips. If needed, sand it smooth and then remove the dust.

If your garage floor isn’t new, it probably has grease or oil on it. Wash the entire floor to remove these. Then apply an etching solution that will chemically rough up the surface of the concrete. You will need to let the concrete dry for several days before you can epoxy your clean and etched garage floor.

3. Mix the Epoxy

Now that you are ready to paint your garage floor, start by mixing the epoxy. One part epoxy does not need mixing. Two-part epoxy will require you to combine the resin (paint) with the catalyst (hardener). Once you combine them, you will need to work quickly to apply the epoxy before it hardens. Typically, you have one to two hours.

4. Apply the Epoxy

Use your paintbrush to paint along the outside edge of the garage floor. Then roller the epoxy onto the center area of the garage floor. For the easiest application, start at the back wall of your garage and work your way out towards the garage door.

Be sure to leave another door to your house unlocked so you can get back into your house. Try to work in 10-foot sections to make things easier. It can also help to have someone helping you. One person can do the cutting while the other does the rolling.

If you decide to add paint chips, do so as you work. It’s easier when you have multiple sections done before you add paint chips. To get the paint chips to spread evenly, take a small amount in your hand and toss them up into the air. They will spread more evenly as they flutter down. If you plan to apply two coats, wait to add the paint chips until the second coat.

5. Leave It Alone

The last step is to leave your garage floor alone. Don’t touch it, walk on it, or drive your car on it. While most manufacturers recommend you wait at least 24 hours, it’s best to wait several days or even a week.

How To Buy Enough To Coat Your Garage Flooring

When buying an epoxy coat, it will state a range of square footage that the epoxy floor coating can cover. There’s a range because it’s hard to precisely predict how the concrete coating will perform on your specific concrete floor.

If the concrete is more porous, then more of the coating will sink into the concrete, causing it to cover a small square footage. If your application is thick, it will also use up the coating faster and ultimately cover a small area.

You don’t want to find yourself short with more garage floor to cover and no more epoxy to use. Measure the length and width of your garage floor and multiply these two numbers together to get the total square footage. Then buy enough coating to cover that square footage and then some.

A safe approach is to use the lower range number when calculating coverage. You should also consider whether or not you want to apply more than one coat. If you decide to do multiple thin coats, you will need to double the amount of square footage you need to cover your floor.

Conclusion

If we had to pick just one best garage floor paint to recommend, it would be the KILZ L377611 1-Part Epoxy Acrylic Concrete and Garage Floor Paint because it’s a simple one-step application process. The versatility of the paint makes it nice because you can use it in other places throughout your property for a cohesive look. It’s also from a well-established and reputable brand that you can trust.

It’s time to change that. Sure, you can use a part of your garage as storage, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use another part for something else.

Start your basement remodel by deciding how you want to use the space. This will help you decide what flooring type will work best.

These basement floor ideas will get you inspired to finally finish your basement and start enjoying it.

70 Basement Floor Ideas to Elevate Your Space

1. Cozy Carpet Flooring

Give your basement a living room feel by covering the floor with carpet. What’s nice about this flooring solution is that it will dampen sound and help to insulate the space.

This will cut the echo and chill in the room. However, you’ll want to be careful about moisture. You don’t want mold to grow because the carpet never gets fully dry.

Instead of laying down a full single sheet of carpet, you can lay down individual carpet tiles.

You can easily pick one up and re-lay another should one get damaged or stained. This makes for a smart flooring solution if you have small children.

2. Beauty and Durability

Your unfinished basement probably already has a concrete floor. This is the concrete slab that was poured when building the foundation of your home.

A simple and affordable method for finishing your basement remodel is to embrace the concrete flooring and leave it exposed.

However, you need to give your concrete basement floor a treatment to make it look nice and not like a construction site. Try a stained concrete look.

There are several colors available, and you can combine colors for a marbled look. Then finish the concrete with a sealant to give you a smooth finish.

3. DIY Flooring Solutions

You can have a beautifully finished basement by putting in some elbow grease and doing a DIY project.

One popular basement flooring idea is to lay down rubber flooring. This gives you a tough and durable floor covering that’s also impervious to water.

The flooring comes in rolls or squares that you lock together. You can then use your basement as a home gym, man cave, workshop, or children’s playroom. The rubberized floor will cushion the floor, protecting both you and the concrete flooring underneath.

4. Trendy Flooring Options

Consider using a modern flooring material for your basement finishing. Bamboo and cork floorings are environmentally friendly.

You can choose flooring of varying thicknesses to find the perfect amount of cushion and durability. What’s nice about cork is that it will bounce back, so you don’t have to worry about it permanently denting from heavy furniture.

Bamboo flooring is a great choice if you plan to use your basement heavily. It’s harder than hardwood flooring and is extremely scratch-resistant.

Look for a strand-woven floor for even more strength and durability. It’s also affordable and gives your basement a contemporary look.

5. Add a Splash of Color

A simple weekend project would be to paint your basement floor. Don’t use just any wall paint; this won’t be durable and look terrible as it quickly starts to peel and chip.

Instead, invest in epoxy basement floor paint. This will bond to the concrete floor and create a durable finish.

You can get creative with this flooring idea. Add color chips to create a more durable and colorful flooring material. Use multiple colors to paint a pattern or large-scale design.

Always follow the manufacturer’s directions closely to ensure you have a professionally finished product. Many paint manufacturers require that you apply a primer before the paint and a masonry sealer afterward.

6. Timeless Elegance

Choosing to tile your basement is a smart idea because porcelain tile is durable and impervious to water. Ceramic tile flooring is also a smart alternative.

This type of floor tile is most often used in wet rooms of your home, like the bathroom, kitchen, or mudroom. Basement remodels that include adding a kitchen should include tile flooring because of this.

The only drawback of a tile floor is that it can be more expensive than other flooring options.

You’ll also want to hire a professional to install the tile if you don’t have experience. This can increase the installation cost.

The tile can make your basement feel colder and create echoes. You’ll want to lay down a few rugs to combat these issues.

7. Embrace the Charm of Unfinished Floors

If you don’t want to finish your basement, then you don’t need to bother finishing the flooring. One smart basement flooring option is to seal the concrete. This prevents moisture from seeping into the basement.

Sealing the concrete also protects the concrete and makes it more durable. Epoxy paint can also keep your unfinished basement floor protected by creating a moisture barrier.

Consider polishing the concrete to give it a smooth texture. This will help the concrete to shine and look finished while requiring minimal maintenance. Use a self-leveling sealant or epoxy to create a smooth surface.

8. Versatile and Resilient

Laying vinyl plank flooring or a laminate floor can mimic the look of a hardwood floor. These are engineered planks that you clip together.

Most modern options don’t require you to lay down a vapor barrier because this and a cushion pad are built into the vinyl planks. Luxury vinyl flooring is multi-dimensional and textured to feel like the real thing.

You don’t have to commit to wood flooring if you want to use vinyl. Other options are vinyl tiles or sheet vinyl.

Tiles are individual squares that you’ll glue to the floor. Match up the seams of each square to create a continuous pattern. Sheet vinyl is a large roll that you lay down and unroll while gluing it to the floor underneath.

9. Warmth and Character

Wood flooring in your basement will give it a warmer feeling. If you have the budget, you could use hardwood flooring.

However, a more affordable option is to use engineered wood flooring. These are easy-to-assemble planks that connect together to provide you the look of a hardwood floor but are more affordable.

Engineered hardwood comes in varying qualities, so look for the best quality you can afford to ensure longevity and looks.

Some high-quality wood floor options accurately mimic the look and feel of real hardwood. Consider laying down an additional vapor barrier before laying your floor. This will protect your flooring from moisture.

You don’t want to paint all of the walls dark brown, though. This will make your living room very dark and close the room in. Instead, you could paint one wall dark and leave the other light. Or you can look for ways to add brown to the room in the furniture or decor. These brown living room ideas will help you add beautiful browns to your living room.

1. Creating a Striking Focal Point

A brown wall is perfect for creating an accent. It’ll add warmth to the space and make it feel cozier. Choose a shade that will complement the rest of the decor. Some shades have a slightly reddish hue that will complement wood with red tones.

A rich chocolate brown will look beautiful with dark woods, light grey, or light cream. You could also choose a color that’s a lighter shade of brown, which will help to keep your living room feeling light and bright.

2. Boho Style Inspirations

Create a bohemian feel in your living room by embracing an earthy-hued color scheme. You could have a dark brown sofa, textured fabric brown shades, and a patterned area rug.

If you choose to have a brown leather sofa, use fabric accent pillows to add punches of color. An alternative is to have a fabric sofa that you place leather throw pillows on.

Leather is a perfect way to add brown hues to your living room while also creating a boho feel. Look for pieces that are one of a kind or are handmade. This will give your living room a craftsman or worldly feel.

3. Sleek and Timeless

Stick to a lighter shade of brown when designing a contemporary look in your living room. Hues that will work well for this modern feel are colors like light beach, teak, pine, birch, spruce, light elm, light walnut, or rustic oak. As you can see, many brown paint colors come with names that are reminiscent of the wood that it’s similar to.

Other popular living room ideas add brown with natural materials. You could install faux stone panels on a wall for a natural look. Choose wood furniture for the shelving, built-ins, or entertainment center. You can also pick naturally brown living room decor as well as wood, leather, or metal accent pieces.

4. Intimate and Dramatic

Using a dark shade of brown paint on your walls, such as chocolate brown, can give your living room a sophisticated and elegant feel. However, you need to decorate the room carefully to prevent your living room from looking like a dark brown hole.

Accent this darker paint color with lighter pieces. Brass and gold metal accents can add to the room’s ambiance and help elevate the space’s feel. These warmer-toned metals can help the space feel welcoming.

5. Enhancing Decor Elegance

You can add more brown living room decor than just accent pillows. Hang wood shelves on the walls or place wood sculptures on floating shelves.

Look for other decorative pieces that are made out of natural materials. You can find pieces that are made out of grasses, wicker, or rattan. These will add natural brown hues while also adding texture.

You can also add more subtle accents, such as wood picture frames. Or add accent beams to your ceiling. Or choose light fixtures that have wood or brown metal accents.

6. Stylish Comfort

Dark brown furniture is perfect for homes with pets or children. The darker color of a brown sofa hides stains and spills, so there’s no worry about little ones drinking or eating while sitting on your brown furniture.

Everything immediately thinks of a leather sofa when you tell them to buy a brown couch. However, this isn’t your only option. A suede or microfiber sofa will be a soft and cozy feeling, giving your living room a warmer feeling. Throw some woven wool or fur pillows on it, and you have the perfect spot for curling up and watching a movie.

7. Industrial Touches

Brown is a perfect color to use in your color scheme when creating an industrial look in your living room. You’ll want to focus on using wrought iron, worn wood, and aged leather.

A vintage brown leather sofa, accent chair, or loveseat will give your living room an authentic feel. Look for a Chesterfield design that’s immediately recognizable for its rolled armrests, tufted back, and plush seats.

Pair this with a coffee table that is made from a metal frame with a wood top. Then spread out cowhides on the floor instead of a rug. This will give your living room a masculine feel while also honoring industrial elements.

8. Opulence and Sophistication

Elevate the look of your living room by using expensive materials. Choose leather furniture that’s constructed of top-quality leather. It could have gold metal frames. Then pair it with a coffee table that has a marble top.

Tie the entire room together with a large area rug. Oriental rugs that are handwoven from silk are the most expensive rugs you could buy. However, you could choose a woven wool rug for more durability.

Another easy way to make your living room feel luxurious is with light fixtures. Hang a chandelier in the center of your living room for a central focal point and statement piece.

9. A Refreshing Take

Pair your brown tones with other colors to give your living room a modern feel. You’ll see teal used in a lot of modern decorating ideas. The bright teal balances out the neutral brown shades. It looks beautiful with lighter sand shades and darker brown hues.

For a modern feel, keep the walls a lighter color and choose darker brown furniture. Then use teal and turquoise as the accent color. You can find glass elements that have green hues that are perfect for accenting your living room and giving it a modern feel.

10. Versatility of Neutral Tones

Not all brown living rooms need to be chocolate brown. Embrace lighter neutral colors like beige. Then you can use a darker brown as the accent color. Choose the right lighter shades of brown and tan, and you can mix them with shades of grey for a sleek modern look.

By using different shades of neutrals, you can add depth and dimension to your neutral room. This keeps it from falling flat and looking dull or boring.

You should also look for ways you can add texture. This creates visual interest and breaks up the room so that everything doesn’t blend together.

11. Nature’s Warmth

Rustic living rooms embrace natural woods, leather, and soft accents. The difference is that the pieces you choose should have a well-worn or vintage feel. Rustic pieces have rough edges or are well-worn. They could look handmade and unique.

Look for ways you can channel a farmhouse in your living room. You could create an accent wall that’s made of salvaged wood planks. Or add decorative wooden beams to your ceiling. Hang a vintage chandelier that’s made from a wagon wheel, and has lanterns or antlers on it.

12. Setting the Tone

When choosing your wall color for a small living room, you want to choose a hue that will add to your room’s look. This means considering the size of the room and the amount of light that it has.

Smaller and naturally darker living rooms should have lighter walls. While a larger living room or one with a lot of natural light can support a darker color.

If you have your heart set on a darker color but it won’t work on its own, try using it with a lighter color. Paint the bottom half of your walls a dark color and the upper half a lighter color.

This keeps the dark color’s heaviness towards the bottom of the room, while the lighter color on top keeps the room feeling open.

13. Unveiling Texture and Pattern

Look for a brown wallpaper with a pattern or texture. This will add depth and dimension to the room. It’ll also give it more visual interest than just plain brown, which is something you can accomplish by just painting the wall brown.

For a traditional look, try a repeating pattern or a damask. A modern wallpaper will have a mural or large-scale design. You can also add visual interest by choosing a wallpaper with texture or metallic accents.

Modern wallpapers are easy to apply and can be done yourself as a weekend project. Some are temporary with an adhesive on the back so that you can easily remove them when you’re ready for a change.

14. Embracing Natural Beauty

Using wood lets you add natural brown tones to your living room. You can skip the flat brown paint that tends to lack dimension and instead opt for a rich-hued piece of wood.

There will be lights and darks filtered together to create depth and luster. Wood also has a natural texture that’s perfect for creating texture in a neutral living room.

For lighter browns, stick to light woods like basswood, pine, sycamore, maple, cedar, and poplar. Medium brown hues are accomplished with walnut, teak, or cypress. Dark browns can be added with woods like stained walnut or mahogany.