The National Association of Theater Owners warns that 69% of small and mid-size movie theaters may file for bankruptcy in 2021. The movie theater may soon go the way of the roller rink and video rental shops.

Movie studios changed their business models thanks to Covid-19. Summer blockbusters bypassed theaters for home streaming services. We’re not sure yet what’s going to happen, except that the movie theater experience is likely changed forever.

Do you love going to the movies? Do you want to recreate that experience with a home theater?

There are some important things you need to know before you design a home theater. Read on to learn how to do it the right way.

What’s Your Budget?

Your budget decides your home theater design. An equipment upgrade might be all you can afford.

Or you could be ready to break the bank. Even if you’re ready to spend the big bucks, very few have an unlimited budget. Think about what’s important to you.

Are the state-of-the-art audio and visual equipment most important to you? What about the interior design of the theater room?

Think first about what you want and what you’re able to spend before you begin your design.

Dedicated Space

Your home theater will be for entertainment purposes only. You have to find the best space for it.

A finished basement is the best possible scenario. These rooms are dark and spacious. They’re also far enough away from other rooms to avoid ambient noise and light.

Not everyone has a basement ready to convert into a home theater. Spending the money to remodel an unfinished basement for a theater can cost a lot of money.

Another great option is a spare bedroom or guest room. Make sure it’s big enough to support the necessary equipment and furniture. Expensive projectors and sound equipment won’t work in cramped spaces.

Your living room is always an option. Your theater will be a multi-purpose entertainment room rather than a cinema sanctuary.

Light Control

Think about a movie theater. There aren’t windows or any other source of ambient light. The movie begins when the overhead lights go down.

Why? Light causes glare. It compromises the movie viewing experience.

A room with no windows makes the best space for your home theater. Many houses don’t have that kind of space.

You’ll have to mitigate outdoor and indoor light interference. Add heavy-duty blackout curtains to your home theater cost. Blackout curtains block the outdoor light. They also add a stylish flair to your home theater room.

Sound Control

What annoys you most when watching a movie in a theater?

Talking and other noise bothers a quarter of the movie-going public. A home theater gives you more control over noise reduction. It doesn’t eliminate it.

Sound-proofing is one of the most important home theater tips. It keeps annoyances low and enjoyment high. Here are a few strategies to consider.

• Doors: A solid door prevents sound interference
• Sound-proofing tile: Prevents ambient noise interference and absorbs sound
• Carpet: Hardwood looks great but reflects sound instead of absorbing it

Remember, your home is a shared space. Your spouse and your children come and go. It’s impossible to keep your home completely quiet when you share it with other people.

Wall Color

Consider dark paint colors when designing your theater room. Deep blues and greys work great for walls and ceilings. Don’t be afraid to add a little black, too.

Why dark colors? They absorb light from the screen and cut glare. They also help a smaller space appear larger.

Furnishings

Do you want your home theater to have a public movie theater feel? Or do you prefer the comforts of sofas and easy-chairs?

Your media room furniture reflects your desired theater experience and your budget. Custom furniture can be expensive. It can, however, be built to fit any dedicated space for maximum comfort.

Existing home furnishings can repurpose as theater furniture. Sofas, recliners, and loungers all make excellent home theater seating.

Video Equipment

Bigger isn’t always better! How to design a home theater is all about proportion.

A smaller room with an oversized television or projection screen hampers your viewing. The larger the screen, the more distance you’ll need.

Experts say the best viewing experience is at a distance 1.5 times the diagonal width of the screen. That means if you buy an 80-inch screen, you’ll need to sit 120 inches from it.

You can’t go too small, either. A home theater is about enhancing the movie experience.

Audio Equipment

Who doesn’t love that movie theater sound? That’s what you’re after.

Wired home surround sound systems are cumbersome and unappealing. Even wireless systems present design problems. You want an elegant design. You don’t want a bachelor pad.

Powerful sound systems are for large spaces and budgets. Smaller spaces don’t need these systems to sound great. A simple subwoofer adds plenty of depth and richness to a small room.

Accessories

The American movie theater experience is a joy. It’s important to bring that joy to your home theater.

When designing your theater, consider splurging on the fun aspects of movie-going. What’s a movie without popcorn?

Do you plan to share your theater with friends and loved ones? Why not add a bar space? There are so many fun design options.

Design a Home Theater to Fit Your Space

You can bring the complete movie theater experience to your house.

Most movie-loving Americans have limited space and budgets. With a little ingenuity, you can design a home theater in any space.

Did you enjoy reading this post? Check out the rest of our page for more great design tips.