Ideas to Turn Any Room in Your Home into A Theater

Thinking of transforming your living room into a theater, or maybe that extra bedroom you’re using only to store junk in? There are a few simple things you can do to turn these spaces into your own private movie theater.

Video — A quality big-screen TV is a must, of course, and wall-mounted options most closely mimic the theatrical experience. Another idea, if you have access to a video projector, is to plug your laptop into the projector and show films on the wall!

Audio — A decent sound system is also key. At the very least, you should have a two-speaker set up with a subwoofer. Ideally, a 5.1 surround sound system (five speakers, plus a subwoofer) with three in front, and one on each side creates the best experience. You’ll also need a proper home theater receiver to control your audio and video devices, such as DVD or Blu-ray players.

Lighting — Dim the lights! The dimming of house lights has become a universally recognized trigger for the anticipation of a stimulating audio/visual entertainment event. A good trick for an upgraded look is to install lights behind crown molding around the room. It’s easier on the eyes and exudes a more theatrical ambiance. Looking for a simple update? Try installing a dimmer switch. It’s relatively inexpensive, and a dimmer instantly takes your theater to the next level.

Paint or curtains — You could paint your room in muted, darker colors like burgundy or navy blue to cut down on light reflecting on your walls. If you have a small space and don’t want dark walls to make the room look even smaller, use light-blocking curtains or blinds. They’re easy to put up and take down, and they block glare from streetlights or passing cars. They also do wonders to improve your TV’s contrast.

Furniture — Put your furniture front and center. Be sure to position your seating at the optimal viewing distance for your TV. For a 50-inch HDTV, sitting about 6 to 10 feet away is ideal. To give your space that extra “wow” factor, consider a set of reclining theater-style seats.

Seat Risers — If you’re handy, you could build a riser for tiered seating. Use plywood to construct two small platforms for your living room chairs to sit on, then move them behind the couch. For ready-made options, we have risers meant for multiple rows of seats, and they’re available in several different sizes with optional step choices to suit your needs.

Decor — Display movie-themed artwork or posters to give the space a theatrical vibe. Wall sconces and columns, along with acoustic tiles, add the finishing touch if you’re aiming for an unmistakably dramatic feel.

If you’re into the DIY route, there are all sorts of options to transform any room in your home into a cozy home theater. If you want to take it to the next level for a more luxurious look, we’re here to help. And … ACTION!