For many couples, home can be both a place of connection and a source of stress. According to new research from Alan’s Factory Outlet, personal retreat spaces such as garages, sheds, and hobby rooms may hold the key to relationship harmony.
Using a nationwide survey of U.S. couples, we explored how private areas like “man caves” and “she-sheds” impact happiness, communication, and emotional well-being. Carving out a little personal space may just make a bigger difference in maintaining a healthy partnership than you think.
Key Takeaways
- Over 3 in 5 couples living together (61%) say at least one partner has a personal space at home.
- Nearly 9 in 10 Americans (89%) say it’s important for both partners to have their own personal space.
- 1 in 4 men (24%) have a man cave, and roughly 1 in 7 women (14%) have a she-shed for their own personal space at home.
- Over 9 in 10 men and women with man caves or she-sheds say their space has strengthened their relationship.
- Americans say the secret to a healthy relationship is about 15 hours of alone time per week.
- 1 in 5 Americans (20%) have invested over $5,000 to create their personal retreat space, and over 1 in 10 (12%) have spent more than $10,000.
Building Better Bonds Through Personal Space
Having personal space at home is a key ingredient for stronger relationships. When couples create private areas like garages, sheds, or hobby rooms, they give themselves the freedom to recharge and reconnect in healthier ways.
Over 3 in 5 couples (61%) said that at least one partner has a personal retreat at home. Generationally, 63% of baby boomers, 59% of Gen X, 55% of millennials, and 53% of Gen Z said they have a personal retreat space at home. Home offices were the most common setup, followed by gaming
areas, craft rooms, and reading nooks/relaxation spaces. “Man caves,” “she-sheds,” and converted garages have also become popular.
The desire for a dedicated retreat runs deep. More than 4 in 5 Americans (82%) said they’d
build their own shed or garage getaway if space and cost weren’t barriers.
Some Americans are
willing to invest significantly in their sanctuaries, with 20% spending over $5,000 and 12%
more than $10,000. Among genders, 26% of men and 15% of women spent over $5,000 creating their space, while
15% of men and 9% of women invested over $10,000. Average spending also varied by generation as follows:
- Baby boomers: $850
- Gen X: $1,300
- Millennials: $1,400
- Gen Z: $1,300
Inside these retreats, Americans’ top activities were:
- Relaxing or decompressing: 58%
- Watching TV or playing games: 53%
- Listening to music or podcasts: 49%
- Pursuing hobbies or creative projects: 45%
- Reading: 44%
Others used the time for light work and planning (39%), exercising (25%), or meditating (24%). A
smaller share, around 10%, occasionally hosted friends or family there.
About a quarter of men (24%) reported having a man cave, and roughly 1 in 7 women (14%) said they have a she-shed for their own personal use at home. While both men and women valued having their own retreat, how they used the space often differed.
Men were most likely to spend time: watching TV or playing games, relaxing, listening to music/podcasts, and engaging in creative hobbies. Reading also ranked among their top five activities. Women’s top 5 activities included relaxing, listening to music/podcasts, watching TV or playing games, reading, and pursuing hobbies.
Despite these differences in priorities, both groups shared a common goal: to enjoy a sense of independence and comfort that helps them return to their relationships refreshed and more ready to reconnect.
How Personal Space Strengthens Relationships
Personal space gives couples room to breathe and often brings them closer together. When partners feel comfortable
taking time for themselves, it can lead to stronger emotional bonds and a more balanced home life.
Thirty percent of Americans admitted they sometimes feel like they spend too much time with their partner. Gen Z was the most likely to feel this way, at 36%. Nearly 9 in 10 Americans (89%) agreed that it’s important for both partners to have their own personal space, with the ideal alone time being around 15 hours per week. About 1 in 15 (7%) said spending 50 or more hours apart each week was best.
Nearly 3 in 4 Americans (73%) said both partners in their relationship enjoy equal access to personal space. However, 1 in 4 Americans (25%) said their partner has expressed jealousy or frustration about their alone time.
That tension can lead to guilt, which 34% of Americans admitted feeling when they ask for time to themselves. Feelings of guilt were most common among younger adults, with 44% of millennials and 37% of Gen Z admitting they struggled to ask for alone time, compared to 23% of Gen X and only 13% of baby boomers.
Those with a supportive partner were the happiest overall: 96% reported high relationship satisfaction, compared to 70% of people whose partners were jealous or resentful about their retreat space.
Personal spaces were credited with major benefits, including better mental health and reduced stress (50%), improved happiness at home (47%), and greater respect for personal boundaries (39%). Another 38% said they gained a stronger sense of independence, while others appreciated fewer fights (22%), a deeper emotional connection (20%), and better communication (18%).
To understand how these benefits differ between types of retreats, the study also compared couples with man caves and she-sheds.
She-shed owners most often reported reduced stress (53%) and better happiness at home (47%), along with more respect
for personal boundaries (43%) and increased independence (39%). Man cave owners echoed these sentiments, highlighting
improved happiness (48%), lower stress (46%), and a greater sense of independence (36%).
A Little Space Goes a Long Way
Whether it’s a she-shed, man cave, or converted garage, having personal space at home can make a meaningful
difference in relationships. The study found that time apart helps couples reconnect, reduce stress, and appreciate
each other more. As it turns out, creating a private retreat might not just enhance your home; it could help you build
a stronger, happier relationship for years to come.
Methodology
We surveyed 1,000 Americans to explore how personal retreats like “she-sheds,” “man caves,” and home sanctuaries affect relationship satisfaction, harmony, and emotional well-being among U.S. couples. The average age of respondents was 41. The generational breakdown of respondents was as follows: Gen Z (10%), millennials (51%), Gen X (34%), and baby boomers (5%). Due to rounding, some percentages in this study may not total 100% exactly.
About Alan’s Factory Outlet
Alan’s Factory Outlet provides durable and affordable metal buildings, garages, and carports to meet a variety of needs. With customization options to fit different lifestyles, Alan’s Factory Outlet helps homeowners make the most of their property, whether that means adding extra storage, shelter, or even creating new spaces like a garage office.
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