It’s finished — our industrial military office is finally complete. After months of planning, DIY projects, and thrift-store finds, the space is exactly what we envisioned: a masculine office full of meaningful military mementos and practical, industrial style.
Here’s what this room looked like just three months ago:
Robert has always wanted a dedicated man cave where he could display items from his military service — a place to reflect, work, and spend quiet moments. Designing a masculine office around his collection felt like the best way to honor his service and give him a room that truly feels like his.
There was only one small thing left to finish the space: the ceiling light fixture. The old flush-mount — you know the kind — had to go. Thankfully, Del Mar Fans and Lighting supplied the new fixture, and it completely changed the room.
We chose the Quoizel Wilder Drum Pendant, which makes a bold statement in the room. It’s larger than expected, but that scale fits the industrial aesthetic and anchors the space beautifully.
Robert led most of the design decisions since this room is for him. I’m thrilled that his military items are now displayed where he can see and appreciate them each day. Every time he walks into his new office, he lights up — and that reaction made all the work worth it.
Ready for the tour? Below are the highlights and the DIY touches that brought this industrial military office to life. (Sources and a full budget breakdown follow.)
One of my favorite DIYs was a large vintage-style pull-down map made from an inexpensive poster. It gives the wall real character without the cost of an original antique map.
We installed industrial shelving and styled it with pieces Robert already owned, family heirlooms, and thrift-store finds. Most of the decor didn’t cost much because we repurposed and reused items that already had meaning.
Seeing Robert’s boots on display — boots that once crossed desert landscapes — and the small Bible he carried overseas makes the room feel deeply personal. These items tell a story, and their presence here brings the room to life.
I also refreshed the books by painting or recovering many of them for a unified, clean look. It’s a small detail, but it helps the shelves read like intentional decor rather than clutter.
A thrifted typewriter I found for $9 now sits on a shelf and perfectly complements the military-inspired theme.
An old suitcase from my grandmother stores our family photos so they’re easily accessible for reflection and nostalgia. Nearby, my grandfather’s horse-head bookends — another family link to military service — sit proudly on the shelf.
I added practical desk accessories — a wooden desk calendar and a metal letter tray — to help keep things organized and to reinforce the industrial aesthetic.
We also transformed the closet area with a small vintage-style office sign, gave an old safe a faux-zinc finish, and styled the top with thrifted finds. A previously cluttered wall is now a curated gallery of Robert’s accolades and a DIY yardstick flag piece we made.
To frame the window we used Craftsman-style trim and recycled existing blinds into Roman shades with olive-drab burlap for a rugged, textured look. An olive-and-jute herringbone rug adds warmth and ties the room together.
Del Mar Fans and Lighting will also be hosting a giveaway, so if you’re hoping to replace a dated flush-mount fixture in your own home, keep an eye out for their social posts.
Budget and sources
- Wall Color | Sherwin Williams Pediment – $0 (leftover paint)
- Desk | Craigslist find – $180 (originally from Pottery Barn)
- Chair | Craigslist find – $65
- Light Fixture | Del Mar Fans and Lighting – $389
- Shelving | Home Depot – $210 for all three shelves
- Herringbone Rug | World Market – $80 (on sale, with coupon)
- Craftsman Window Trim | DIY – $60
- Burlap Roman Shades | DIY – $50 for both
- Zinc Safe | DIY – $50
- Office Sign | DIY – $18
- “Pull Down” Map | DIY – $48
- Wall Frames | Michaels – $40 for all four (on sale)
- Yardstick Flag Art | DIY – $50
- Clipboard Frame | Michaels – $10 (on sale)
- Vintage Tin War Loan Sign | Local Antique Shop – $12
- Vintage Military Trunk | Thrift Store – $5
- Office Supply Organizer | DIY – Free
- Artificial Plants | IKEA – $6 each
- Wooden Desk Calendar | World Market – $21 (with coupon)
- Pencil Cup | World Market – $7 (with coupon)
- Paper Tier Tray | World Market – $25 (with coupon)
- Desk Globe | World Market – $20 (with coupon)
- Typewriter | Thrift Store – $9
- All remaining decor was items we already owned (free).
Grand Total: $1,379 — Not the least expensive room we’ve made, but considering we furnished the space from an empty slate, the cost felt reasonable. After selling a pair of bookcases for $100, the effective total was closer to $1,279.
Does it live up to the title “man cave”? Absolutely. This is the most masculine room in our house and a space that honors Robert’s hard work behind the scenes and his service. There’s no better way I can think of to show my appreciation than giving him a room that’s truly his.
