Personal retreat spaces at home, including garages, sheds, and hobby rooms, may play a meaningful role in improving relationship satisfaction among couples, according to new research from Alan’s Factory Outlet.
The nationwide survey examined how dedicated personal spaces, often referred to as “man caves” and “she-sheds”, relate to happiness, communication, and emotional well-being among couples living together.
Personal space is widely valued
More than 3 in 5 couples living together (61%) said at least one partner has a personal space at home. Nearly 9 in 10 Americans (89%) said it is important for both partners to have their own space, with respondents suggesting an average of around 15 hours of alone time per week as ideal.
Thirty percent of Americans said they sometimes feel they spend too much time with their partner, rising to 36% among Gen Z. A smaller group, 7%, said they preferred 50 or more hours of time apart each week.
Personal retreat ownership varied slightly by generation:
- Baby boomers, 63%
- Gen X, 59%
- Millennials, 55%
- Gen Z, 53%
Common setups included home offices, gaming areas, craft rooms, reading nooks, relaxation spaces, converted garages, “man caves”, and “she-sheds”. Interest in these spaces was high, with 82% saying they would build a shed or garage retreat if space and cost were not barriers.
Gender differences in space and use
Around 1 in 4 men (24%) reported having a man cave, compared with roughly 1 in 7 women (14%) who had a she-shed. Despite differences in layout and activities, more than 9 in 10 men and women with a dedicated retreat said their space had strengthened their relationship.
Activities in personal spaces included:
- Relaxing or decompressing, 58%
- Watching TV or playing games, 53%
- Listening to music or podcasts, 49%
- Pursuing hobbies or creative projects, 45%
- Reading, 44%
- Light work or planning, 39%
- Exercising, 25%
- Meditating, 24%
- Hosting friends or family, around 10%
Men were more likely to prioritise watching TV or gaming, relaxing, listening to music or podcasts, creative hobbies, and reading. Women most often used their space for relaxing, listening to music or podcasts, watching TV or gaming, reading, and hobbies.
Investment levels and spending patterns
One in 5 Americans (20%) said they had spent more than $5,000 creating their personal retreat, while 12% reported spending more than $10,000.
Men were more likely to invest higher amounts. Twenty-six percent of men spent over $5,000, compared with 15% of women, while 15% of men and 9% of women spent more than $10,000.
Average spending by generation was:
- Baby boomers, $850
- Gen X, $1,300
- Millennials, $1,400
- Gen Z, $1,300
Impact on relationships and well-being
Nearly 3 in 4 respondents (73%) said both partners had equal access to personal space. However, 25% reported that their partner had expressed jealousy or frustration about time spent alone. This contributed to feelings of guilt for 34% of respondents when asking for personal time, rising to 44% among millennials and 37% among Gen Z.
Relationship satisfaction was notably higher among those with supportive partners. Ninety-six percent of respondents with understanding partners reported high relationship happiness, compared with 70% where jealousy or frustration existed.
Reported benefits of having personal space included:
- Better mental health and reduced stress, 50%
- Improved happiness at home, 47%
- Greater respect for boundaries, 39%
- Stronger independence, 38%
- Fewer arguments, 22%
- Deeper emotional connection, 20%
- Better communication, 18%
She-shed owners most often cited reduced stress (53%), improved happiness (47%), greater boundary respect (43%), and increased independence (39%). Man cave owners reported improved happiness (48%), lower stress (46%), and stronger independence (36%).
The findings suggest that even modest personal retreat spaces can help couples maintain balance, reduce tension, and return to their relationships feeling refreshed and more appreciative.
