We’ve gotten used to watching movies at home, on smaller screens, with more distractions. But we haven’t forgotten that a movie should be a special event, a shared experience, with floor-rumbling sound, larger-than-life stars, and eye-boggling action. And that is exactly why, my friend, you need these tips on how to build an incredible home theater—for the thrill of it.
Soundproofing
Even if you don’t have new construction, a few tweaks can improve the sound in your home theater. Adding another layer of insulation to the ceiling will seal off the louder special effects from the rest of the house, and adding acoustic tiles will help absorb and modulate sounds. Make sure you’re using the plushest carpet you can find for the floors, and even install carpet on the walls for greater effect.
Sound
For at-home surround sound, invest in a “5.1” format: two speakers on either side of the screen, one in the center, and two rear surrounds. Add two more to the sides if you prefer, and one large subwoofer to reproduce lower frequency sounds.
Screen
For a 20-foot-by-13-foot room, you’ll want a lot more than a big-screen TV. Aim for a 110 to 120-inch screen size, which you can make on your wall with projection screen paint that’s at most hardware stores. Paint a black border around it for a polished finish.
Projection
Wire a projector in the ceiling, even a simple HD model in the $500-$1,000 range, and you’ll be in awe at the image quality you’ve created.
Programming
Film buffs love Blu-Ray, but there are many options for entertainment sources, so take advantage of them all. You can add a DVD player, your home computer, a connection to your satellite or cable TV, or a gaming console.
Seating
You can use your most comfortable sectional, but what is the point of a home theater without proper theater seating? Leather theater recliners can be adjusted to the best angles for large screens and can be bought in attached sets for an even more authentic experience. If you have room for more than one row of seating, build a wooden platform 6 to 12 inches higher to elevate the second row and cover it with carpet.
Décor
There’s nothing more fun than decorating a home theater, even if it’s a room that’s destined to be dark most of the time. Add curtains around the screen, make sure every seat has a cozy blanket, put movie posters on the walls, and install some dimmable lights. A popcorn machine is nonnegotiable.
Taking advantage of these tips on how to build an incredible home theater will give you a space for many uses, whether you get addicted to the gaming experience or end up hosting work meetings. Make your media room the top of the line, and you’ll find any excuse to use it.
