Design Musts: How to Create the True Gentleman’s Bachelor Pad

Go Big on the Sofa

Guys generally take up more space and like to stretch out on furniture. But aside from this, the sofa is where you’ll being working, reading, or kicking back with some friends, so you’ll want it to be large and comfortable. What kind of sofa should you buy? The classic bachelor pad choice is the leather sofa, and it’s the classic choice for a reason: leather is durable, easy to clean, and there’s something innately strapping about the tough fabric (learn more about why we love leather here).

If you’re more of a rustic guy, a deep and traditional brown will ground your living area. For those who want a more approachable look, upholster your sofa in velvet, suede, or a dark linen (like in the photo below) for an affable space while still making a sexy statement. Regardless of your fabric choice, it’s fair to say that the most gentlemanly of sofa silhouettes is the Chesterfield, featured in the above left photo. Shop our Custom Upholstery Shop to easily get the best fabrics your sofa needs to impress your friends (and the ladies). 

Having a Stylish Kitchen & Dining Room is a Necessity

For the bachelor, we love kitchens with dark, moody walls and stainless steel appliances. Make sure the kitchen area has a bright light for cooking but a dimming option available for eating (we suggest two or three industrial pendants for above the kitchen island, read more here). A few great bar stools are also essentials to give your kitchen space some personality.

Your bachelor pad needs a dining table. A dining table makes it much easier to entertain and host dinners, and you can choose fun and modern dining chairs for some added attitude (or opt for something more traditional for a chic and mature look). Matching flatware and dishes are also not a bad idea.  

The Gentleman’s Study is the most Iconic of Masculine Looks

Here are your main ingredients: a great leather armchair with masculine angular arms, a scholarly bookcase (filled with James Joyce and Cormac McCarthy), a statement desk large enough to spread out your laptop and papers, and framed wall art (note: empty walls scream, “a bachelor is living here!”).

Just imagine the perfect gentleman scholar sitting on that nailhead-accented armchair, reading the Sunday NYT with a cigar resting in his outstretched hand, feet up on a leather ottoman. This room is just gushing aesthetic. The use of animal iconography also creates a defined masculine look by elevating the decor. We have our eyes on that handsome hide rug and love the polished sportsman appeal of the faux taxidermy above the mantle.

A True Gentleman needs an Impressive Bedroom with Sophisticated Design

Start with a simple, comfortable mattress (we love Casper or Tuft&Needle for great customer service), and then class it up by not forgetting a headboard and always having fresh white sheets. For bedding, stick to whites, greys, and other solid colors. Textured bedding is okay, but too much pattern or design will read dorm room. Our favorite bachelor pad bedrooms are overall neutral with bold, eclectic decor.