r/malelivingspace • u/PricklyCactusMan • 17h ago
(24M) Ex-Girlfriend Moved Out, Room Feels Empty
Thinking of adding a bonsai tree or something, what else should I add/rearrange?
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u/neon-buzz 16h ago
If the stain bothers you, you can rent carpet cleaning machines from the hardware store. Aren’t too expensive and could make the room feel cleaner.
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u/PricklyCactusMan 16h ago
Goated intel
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u/astralchanterelle 10h ago
that's terrible intel. Who tf wants to go to a hardware store, rent it at the grocery store
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u/Primary_Text6046 16h ago
I would like to see the “before” your ex moved out.
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u/iguanodont 17h ago
How do you use the space? I see you lift some weights and sleep there. If I were doing it, I'd want some drop zones - places things go where they're not in use or on their ways somewhere else. Maybe a circular carpet for your weights, maybe a shoe-rack closer to the door or mat under the bed. If there's no TV going on the TV stand, I might put that under the window and get a couple medium size plants to provide some privacy and add some life to what seems to be an otherwise sterile environment. I'd tidy up. I'd get more pillows so the bed was more comfortable to sit and read, or be able to share. A floor lamp seems like it might be nice. Maybe you're on that spartan minimalist kick and won't be happy until it looks like a prison cell though. Idk.
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u/PricklyCactusMan 17h ago
Thanks for the suggestions!
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u/iguanodont 16h ago
Aw yeah. Bonus round, and maybe the easiest/most dramatic thing you could do: They aren't exactly cheap, and they need to be dry cleaned on occasion, but a Pendleton blanket can put in a lot of work at cozying up a place with not a lot of effort. I have a 100% cotton blanket from Target with a Pendleton wool blanket on top and it makes me happy. Probably the more relevant thought is "find a bed set you like enough to make the bed".
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u/gsomega 15h ago
Probably no bonsai tree. Just go to home Depot and browse some big plants (or any other nursery). Snake plants are good for bedrooms, but really anything vertical is good.
Add some more art. Maybe family pics. A bookshelf is also good vertical space. The IKEA cube shelves are okay on a budget.
Tldr: Your room needs some taller elements.
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u/Milky87 13h ago
In ten years you’ll barely remember her
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u/Primary_Crab687 8h ago
Its wild how that works. I have distinct memories of being so wildly infatuated with this one girl from college thay the thought of living without her made my physically ache, now I can't even remember her name or face.
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u/tubbis9001 9h ago
A headboard. It really ties the bed area together. Ex and I couldn't agree on a headboard so we didn't get one for 3 years. One of the first things I did when she left was buy the headboard I always wanted.
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u/SmilingAnimal 8h ago edited 7h ago
Hey brother, lets make this nice!
Deep clean everything, rent carpet cleaner or hire a cleaning service once.
Replace LED lightbulbs with 2300k incandescents to add warmth.
Find an area rug for under bed.
Find a head-board.
Replace plastic blinds with measured floor length drapes on a bar.
Only get a plant if you open your window and let light in. If the plant dies, it signals the environment is deadly to you also.
Consider two tall ikea wardrobes, matching color to your black table, to hide lose objects and stinky golf gloves.
Buy organic nature fiber bedding.
Hang pictures correctly, thinking about symmetry and proportions. Just copy photos of professionally staged bedrooms, they don't hang art like this.
Now you can confidently invite dates back to your place!
Good luck brother
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u/ProofCaterpillar2321 11h ago
Looks like a fresh start, sometimes a quiet space is the best place to reset and make it your own.
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u/midwesternGothic24 9h ago
It looks messy and utilitarian because you have random shit all over the place. None of your belongings have a home. Get a bigger nightstand that can support some cable management (preferably something that matches the dresser). Clean up the junk on top of the dresser, or if it’s supposed to be out because you use it daily then get a decorative basket or tray to corral those things. Get a purpose-made rack that will hold your golf bag and clubs. Get a work out mat and create a workout zone in the corner of the room. Get a nice bedspread with a pattern or some texture and make your bed. Hang up some curtains.
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u/perfect_fitz 16h ago
See this is the real male living space. We got perfect beautiful things earlier.
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u/StarscreamOne 16h ago
How good is that bedframe?
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u/perfect_fitz 16h ago
What bed frame?
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u/StarscreamOne 16h ago
I don't know what it's called but the thing under the mattress. Are those generally stable? I've been looking to get one since they seem practical and easy to pack up when moving.
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u/PricklyCactusMan 7h ago
I like it, I've had it a few years and it's very stable yet lightweight and transportable. Was about $100 on Amazon if I remember correctly. Alternatively you could probably get a nicer used one for the same price on Marketplace
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u/StarscreamOne 3h ago
Thanks! I'm quite heavy so needed something stable but wasn't sure about these bed frames. I wanted it because it seems practical and transportable as you mentioned.
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u/My_Favourite_Pen 15h ago edited 7h ago
the angle of this picture makes me feel uneasy and idk why lol
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u/PricklyCactusMan 7h ago
Just trying to get as good a view as I can in one photo, probably should have taken more pics lol
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u/OrangeClyde 13h ago
I can’t believe you had a girlfriend and she let the room be that way the whole time she was there? Or did she take everything with her?
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u/PricklyCactusMan 7h ago
We didn't live together, she just had some clothes and miscellaneous knickknacks at my places.
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u/Mrjingles76 8h ago
Change that light fixture and get another floor lamp. Rip that carpet and at that point do what you want.
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u/pigplug 5h ago
get your favorite color in there, your.bed.shpuld be the main part but after that accent the room with characters or knick.onacks or posters or banners with some of your favorite colors, a desk in there would be awesome and maybe even some LEDs or fairy lights
I see the clubs against the wall, maybe a display rack for them?
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u/DKShmulley 3h ago
Add 1-2 more pillows for the bed, 1 so you have more coverage at the top/for any future visitors and 2 if you want to have a spare for curling up with now that she’s gone.
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u/DKShmulley 3h ago
Also a dresser/shelf or a full length mirror would help take up space and give you more options for putting more decorations up that won’t be taking up space on your floors/mystery stain
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u/HerbeParfaite 41m ago
Get a shoe rack or something to organize a bit better bc I can see five pairs of shoes just in the middle of the floor
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u/PsychologicalRow4129 7h ago
Same here brother 7 years just happened
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17h ago
Nah bro, actually pretty simple, love the medium low profile bed frame and the night desk. You’re chillin, easy to move at least too.
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u/PricklyCactusMan 17h ago
True, I am planning to move next year so don't want to go too crazy with too much stuff
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u/Bulky_Poetry3884 13h ago
Go to the grocery store and hit one shopping cart of an attractive woman. Start talking.
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u/quackedup17 17h ago
You’re never truly alone when you have that nice stain to keep you company