Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more

For years, men have carved out 'dens' and 'caves' filled with Star Wars memorabilia, football posters and sophisticated beer coolers.

And now, a new contender has emerged - the 'girl lair'.

Both set-ups cater to the same need for rest and relaxation, promising a hub of escapism.

And while both lean ever so slightly on gender stereotypes, 'girl lairs' are much less about shutting yourself away and more so about curating a 'sanctuary', an interiors expert has revealed.

Hence, it doesn't need to be isolated in a dedicated slot of the house: rather, can sprawl throughout the whole abode.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Victoria Robinson, trend expert at furniture company Hillarys, shared it also 'reflects a wider shift 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 explained.

'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.

'For me, what makes a girl lair different is that it's less about shutting yourself away and more about creating a sanctuary.

'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.'

Matilda, from the UK, also applied an expansive definition of 'girl lair' as she showed off her whole flat adorned with traditionally 'feminine' decor, featuring flowers, colourful furniture, and an entirely pink tiled bathroom

London-based Sasha posted a 'Sunday reset' in her 'girl lair', showing herself wearing an LED mask as she tidied up, did laundry, changed her sheets and curated her space to be exactly as she wanted

Victoria added that the trend, in part, has been 'fuelled by the fact that our homes have had to work harder than ever over the past few years'.

'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 continued.

'You don't need a huge budget or an extra room to achieve the look either. I always say it's the personal touches that make the biggest difference.

'Favourite colours, treasured keepsakes, soft textures and good lighting all help create a space that feels comforting and uplifting.

'Window dressings are a simple but effective way to make a room feel more private and cocooning.

'I find that soft curtains, textured fabrics and Roman blinds can instantly make a space feel warmer and more inviting.

'Ultimately, I don't see the girl lair as the female equivalent of the man cave. I see it as women giving themselves permission to take up space in their own homes and create somewhere that's designed entirely around what makes them happy.'

Women have been taking to social media to share their cosy 'girl lairs', which often feature soft fabrics, pastel colours, and plush rugs.

Matilda showed off an entirely pink, all-tiled bathroom

Another account, Interiorwithmex , gave a tour of a cosy 'girly lair', which featured space for her many shoes, a space to display aesthetically pleasing purchases and a special little bowl to display her myriad of lip glosses and perfumes

Elsewhere, there is also usually a dedicated space curated for skincare, candles, tech or books.

London-based Sasha posted a 'Sunday reset' in her 'girl lair', showing herself wearing an LED mask as she tidied up, did laundry, changed her sheets and curated her space to be exactly as she wanted.

Elsewhere, Matilda, from the UK, also applied an expansive definition of 'girl lair' as she showed off her whole flat adorned with traditionally 'feminine' decor, featuring flowers, colourful furniture, and an entirely pink tiled bathroom.

In another video, Interiorwithmex, gave a tour of a cosy 'girly lair', which featured space for her many shoes, a space to display aesthetically pleasing purchases and a special little bowl to display her myriad of lip glosses and perfumes.

'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,' said Sergiu Tulbur, Head of Product Innovation \& Design at OPA Living.

'We monitor consumer behaviour and interior trends closely, and what we're seeing is a move away from designing homes solely around shared spaces.

'Instead, people are carving out rooms that are unapologetically personal and built around their own routines, interests and wellbeing.'

He added: 'I think the name itself will inevitably spark debate, but the underlying trend has real staying power.

'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.

'As homes continue to work harder than ever before, I expect this to influence product design and interior trends well beyond the current social media cycle.'

Interiors expert Katie Malik also stressed the importance of curation when it comes to girl lairs.

'Everything is curated around my morning and evening routine and beyond - from beautiful journals, candles, objects and books stacked exactly where I know I'll reach for them, to the blanket placed on the right side of the armchair, ready to cover my forever-freezing feet when they turn into two little icicles in the evening,' she added.

'Are girl lairs the answer to years of man dens? I think so. The rise of single, independent women - or even women in happy relationships - needing their own healing space where they can recharge, revitalise, and yes, paint the wall pink if they want to, is the direct reaction to all those years of compromise. It was always 'he needs his space' - but what about a space for her?

'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. I would say that's not indulgent- that's good design.'

HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN 'GIRL LAIR'

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Melissa Denham, interior design expert at Hammonds Furniture, said there are specific features which can add to the nurturing quality of a 'girl lair'...

Soft ambient lighting with table lamps and candles

'Soft ambient lighting with table lamps and candles help create a relaxing atmosphere that feels inviting and cosy. Adding a lamp that sets a relaxing mood is key, so avoid harsh white light and opt for a warm glow instead.

'Candles are also essential to the trend. Soft florals like rose, jasmine, and lavender help set the tone for winding down. For those who prefer something richer, a hint of vanilla or sandalwood will add warmth to the room.'

Create a gallery wall feature personal interests and memories

'Creating a gallery wall featuring personal interests and memories is another effective way to bring personality into a room, helping to showcase everything from favourite artwork to treasured photographs and keepsakes.'

Style your nightstand with little details

'Ornate elements like perfume bottles, trinket trays and photos can provide a lovely touch to your nightstand.

'Print out an inspirational quote and place it on your nightstand. This will be one of the first things you'll see in the morning and could give you the extra boost you need for a positively productive day.'

Book heaven

'A girl's lair is an essential quiet and uninterrupted space that is perfect for getting lost in a good book.

'Think about styling your bookshelves to add personality to your room, by layering in smaller decorative pieces or vintage ornaments. You could also try arranging your books on shelves according to their colour to create an eye-catching visual display.'

Incorporate soft furnishings such as textured throws

'Adding cosy textures wherever possible can really help with this. Introducing decorative furnishings such as rugs into a room can provide a soft landing for feet when you step out of and into bed. A deep-pile rug can feel luxurious and make the journey out of bed in the morning a little bit easier.

'Layers of blankets and throws on your bed will not only look inviting but will enable you to adjust your temperature throughout the night. The introduction of different colours and textures of blankets and cushions is not only cosy, but the "layering" effect they create can make your home look more luxurious and sophisticated too.

'For example, choosing throw pillows in a variety of materials and textures, from fluffy finishes to a smoother cotton or satin, will add extra interest and warmth. Natural fibres work best for a Scandi vibe, so opt for soft cottons, linens and wool to immediately increase your snuggle factor. Sheepskin rugs and chunky velvet bed throws are also great accessories that will never date or go out of fashion.'