How to Build a Home Theater Room: 5 Steps for the Perfect Setup

41% of American households have a home theater surround sound system. But when you want to build something above the ordinary, you’ll have to learn how to build a home theater room. This will require learning the detailed logistics attached to screen, lighting, and sound system preparation.

Let’s dive into the steps you can take to achieve the perfect home theater room.

How to Build a Home Theater: The Basics

As you prepare to construct a home theater room in your house, you’ll need to take a few things into consideration. Keep in mind the following challenges you may face throughout this home renovation project:

• Installing the wiring for electronics will need to happen which might be outside the skillset of the average homeowner
• Measure all new furniture pieces and screens for accurate placement in the room prior to purchase
• If the home theater room was previously in storage, items will need to be relocated to another space in your home

Luckily, nothing too drastic is needed to begin breaking ground in this exciting new home project.

1. Select Where in Your Home You’ll Create a Home Theater

To begin, you’ll need to decide where in your home you’ll be setting up the theater. Popular options among homeowners include the basement, attic, and spare bedrooms. Keep in mind, wherever you choose will need to be around 20 x 13 feet or 20 x 15 feet in order to properly accommodate screens and seating.

It’s also wise to select an area you can completely dedicate for use as a home theater. To create an authentic theater atmosphere, you’ll want to avoid turning it into a multipurpose room. This means the home theater, kids playroom, and home office shouldn’t all occupy the same space.

2. Install Seating and Viewing Equipment

Secondly, most theater rooms are equipped with traditional theater-style recliners. This keeps the authenticity of a theater without sacrificing comfort. If you decide to go with multiple rows of seats, be sure to accommodate by creating levels. This will keep the screen visible to those in the second row, just like at a movie theater. 

Proper viewing equipment will also need to be installed. This is referred to as the audio-visual component rack. You can find one through Energy Star distributors, that will deliver top-notch quality without sacrificing energy efficiency. 

3. Setup Controls for Lights and Sound

Light and sound should be controlled when it comes to your theater room as an excess of either can destroy your viewing experience. You can control natural light by choosing a room with viewing windows or by installing thick curtains to block out the sun.

Sound, on the other hand, can be combated with soundproofing measures such as:

• An extra layer of drywall
• A sound-reducing wallboard
• A solid door rather than a hollow-core one

Keeping sound and light control in mind will help you create a home theater room that lives up to your expectations.

4. Follow Layout and Styling Tips for a Better Viewing Experience

Have you ever been stuck staring up in the first row of a movie theater? Most people avoid the front row because of this. To prevent your own home theater from having these front row pains, double-check the height of your screen.

Some other layout and styling recommendations are:

• Consider the placement of the theater’s door when designing the room layout
• Give adequate space between the screen and the seating arrangements
• Consider energy efficiency as a priority with Energy Star theater systems

And remember, don’t consume your time with extravagant features and spend too much on one room of your home. Be sure to take a step back from your home theater and spend time planning out each room to develop an overall strategy and budget. This will create unity across your home’s design.

5. Add Extra Touches for an Authentic Cinema Feel

If you want to add extra touches for a luxurious and authentic feel, try including the following additional home theater features:

• Stylish bar seating with soft backlights
• Side tables and trays for wining and dining while you watch
• Variety in seating options from traditional theater chairs to plush couches

It’s your theater room – add extra theming to create a room that fits your family’s personality. 

Enjoying Your Newly Constructed Home Theater

Lastly, when planning how to build a home theater in your home, you may find the customization options to be overwhelming. Homeowners in the market for a luxury home can talk with experts and innovators in home design for guidance as they develop the home of their dreams.