How to Build the Best In Home Movie Theater

While there are plenty of contractors ready to build your dream in-home movie theater, why would pay an arm and a leg for their services, when you could do it yourself? 

Granted, you would need the right space to bring your home movie theater to life, but the rest can be achieved with just a little elbow grease and a small(ish) budget! If you’re thinking of converting a room in your home for the most epic movie nights, here’s how to DIY it. 

Step 1: Prioritize the Acoustics of Your In-Home Movie Theater 

Ever wondered how movie theaters manage to contain and amplify all that sound throughout the movie? It’s down to good acoustics. Your end goal should be to contain the sound in the room and minimize the penetration of outside noise. This way you can make the most of your home theatre system. 

Add materials to your walls and ceiling that absorb sound, rather than deflect it. The best way to do this is with acoustic tiles, which are just fiberglass panels. These can be found at almost any home improvement store.

Your wall surfacing also matters. By covering your walls in acoustic boards, this will make all the difference. Ideally, you should then cover the boards with a thin layer of carpeting.    

Step 2: Replace Your Window Coverings 

Another one of the most important aspects of a legit in-home movie theater experience is the quality of lighting.

If the room you’re converting is too bright, you won’t be able to achieve that cinematic effect. Use black-out curtains or room-darkening shades to achieve the right balance of light. 

Step 3: Consider Your Room Lighting 

On the topic of light, you also want to think about the type of lighting you use in the room to create a dramatic theater effect. Make sure to position your lighting equipment so that it lights up the room indirectly, i.e. the light bounces off the walls and floor.

Go for low-voltage lights, strung on cables, along each side of the room. Try to avoid overhead lighting where possible. 

Step 4: Change Up Your Room Coloring 

Commercial movie theaters control screen light reflections with color. If you plan on using a large television as part of your movie theater setup, you’ll need to color the room accordingly. Go for a dark ceiling, navy-colored wall coverings, and a bright carpet, such as off-white or cream. 

Step 5: Invest in Top-Quality Furniture   

The in-home movie theater experience should be all about comfort. This is why your movie room furniture is so important. While specifically-designed movie theater furniture is luxurious, it’s not always affordable. If you’re on a smaller budget, go for individual reclining chairs or a long, comfortable, L-shaped sofa. 

Step 6: Set Up Your Theater System 

Finally, what movie room would be complete without the technology to deliver a real theater experience? If you want to avoid the harsh light of a large television, go for an HD projector setup. They are far less expensive than an LED TV, priced within the $500-$1,000 range.  

If you go with a projector, you’ll also need a screen. If you position your projector opposite a blank white wall, this works a treat. Otherwise, you can create your own portable screen with simple materials from your local home improvement store for under $100! 

Looking For Tech Reviews of Home Theater Equipment?

Creating an in-home movie theater doesn’t have to break the bank. But there are a few important principles to remember that will truly impact your movie experience: acoustics, lighting, furniture, and movie room tech. 

If you’re looking to invest in some new tech for your home theater, we offer in-depth reviews and articles on apps, gadgets, software, tech developments, and more. Explore at your leisure!