For years, men have carved out their own “man caves” filled with Star Wars memorabilia, football posters and beer coolers — but now a new trend is emerging: the “girl lair.”
While both spaces serve the same purpose of offering a place to relax and escape, interiors experts say the difference is that girl lairs are less about shutting yourself away and more about creating a personal sanctuary.
Unlike traditional man caves, a girl lair does not need to be a dedicated room. Instead, it can be a cosy corner, reading nook, dressing area or even a whole home designed around personal comfort and interests.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Victoria Robinson, trend expert at furniture company Hillarys, said the trend reflects a wider change in how women are using their homes.
"For years we've heard about the rise of the man cave, but the 'girl lair' is proving that women want a dedicated space of their own too," she said.
"For a long time, we've heard about man caves as a place to retreat and indulge hobbies, but I'm seeing more women wanting a dedicated space that's just for them too."
Traditional man cave with a focus on gaming
Victoria said the main difference is that girl lairs focus on creating a calming environment rather than simply having a place to escape.
"It could be a reading nook, a dressing room, a craft space or simply a cosy corner where you can enjoy a bit of peace and quiet. It's about having somewhere that helps you relax, recharge and express your personality."
She added that the trend has partly been driven by the fact that homes have had to serve more purposes in recent years, with many people working, relaxing and socialising in the same spaces.
"When your kitchen is also your office and your living room is where everyone gathers, having a space that's entirely your own can feel incredibly valuable," she said.
Creating a girl lair does not have to be expensive either, with experts saying personal touches can make the biggest difference.
Favourite colours, treasured keepsakes, soft textures, good lighting, candles and comfortable furniture can all help create a space that feels relaxing and personal.
Women have been sharing their own versions of girl lairs on social media, with many featuring soft fabrics, pastel colours, plush rugs, skincare areas, candles, books and carefully curated displays.
One creator shared her “Sunday reset” routine in her girl lair, showing herself using an LED mask while tidying, changing bedsheets and organising her space.
@cleaningwithida asmr rainy sunday reset 🎀🧸⛈️💞🫧 cleaning my entire house one room at a time 🫶🏼 happy sunday!!! @The Pink Stuff brand ambassador #sundayreset #cleaningmotivation #asmrcleaning #deepclean #cleaningroutine ♬ original sound - cleaningwithida
Others have taken a broader approach to the trend, showing entire homes decorated with colourful furniture, flowers and traditionally feminine touches.
Interior experts say the trend is not just another social media moment, but reflects a growing desire for homes that support personal wellbeing.
Sergiu Tulbur, Head of Product Innovation & Design at OPA Living, said: "The rise of the 'girl lair' reflects a genuine shift in how consumers are using their homes, rather than being just another social media trend."
"Instead, people are carving out rooms that are unapologetically personal and built around their own routines, interests and wellbeing."
He added that while the name itself may divide opinion, the idea behind it is likely to continue influencing interior trends.
"Whether you call it a girl lair, something subtler like sanctuary or simply a room of your own, the desire for dedicated spaces that support rest, creativity and identity is something we're seeing gain momentum across generations."
Interior expert Katie Malik also highlighted the importance of designing a space around personal routines and comfort.
"When a woman designs a space entirely around how she wants to feel, rather than negotiating every detail, the result is always more intentional, more nurturing, and more honest," she said.
@pigletinbed welcome to my rhubarb & custard lair 💛💗 @Yesenia ♬ original sound - Camille Alexandra Interiors
Interior design experts say creating a relaxing personal space does not require a huge budget or an extra room.
Some of the key features include:
Soft lighting
Warm table lamps and candles can help create a cosy atmosphere. Experts recommend avoiding harsh white lighting and choosing softer tones instead.
Comforting scents
Candles with scents such as rose, jasmine, lavender, vanilla or sandalwood can help create a relaxing environment.
Personal touches
Favourite books, photographs, keepsakes and items that reflect your personality can help turn a corner of your home into a space that feels uniquely yours.
