Most people agree it’s better to watch a movie in the comfort of your own home than having to go out to the theater. At home, you can kick back, relax, and even press pause for a bathroom break. Not to mention, you can have all the snacks you want and don’t have to worry about sitting next to people with bad movie-watching etiquette.
But, the one thing that makes staying in to watch a movie a great idea is having a home theater. This takes the experience to a whole new level, at least, it does if you have the right setup.
Here’s everything you need to consider to create the best home theater setup.
Movie Screening
Maybe your dream home theater is a huge, spacious room with plenty of seating and the biggest TV screen you’ve ever seen. Maybe, you’ve been trying to decide on what to do with the spare bedroom and finally decided on a home theater.
Whether you’re going all-out or keeping things simple, the quality of your movies will come down to the projector and screen setup.
The Right Projector
Finding the right projector will vary on a few things. You should go into this search with a budget in mind, and some knowledge of the distance at which you plan to display your movie. It’s much different to project a movie from 10 feet away as it is from 20 or 30 feet.
Plus, some projectors will need to be installed to the ceiling while others work fine sitting on a stand in the back of the room. Consider the kind of input and controls needed for each projector, too.
Screen or No Screen?
Some projectors need a screen, while others can display a movie in its best quality if projected onto a wall. If you decide to install a screen, consider how you’re going to maintain it.
You can choose to have a screen installed into the ceiling, rolling it up and down as you use it. This can happen manually or electronically. Another option is to install a large screen then cover it with curtains when it’s not in use, kind of like they do in commercial movie theaters.
Guest Seating
The next detail of your home movie theater to think about is the seating arrangement you’d like. It doesn’t matter how good a movie is – if someone is uncomfortable, it’s going to be hard for them to sit through it all.
Below are a few common seating options.
Wraparound Sofas, Recliners, and More
Have you ever sat in a large, wraparound sofa? These are great for family rooms and some hotels have even started putting small versions of these sofas in guest rooms. Wraparounds welcome you to relax, whether you’re cuddling up with your partner or pet or taking up the whole couch for yourself.
The caveat to purchasing a wraparound sofa for your movie theater is that you’ll either have to sit up straight or lay on your side somehow. If you want to lean back, you’re going to need reclining seating.
The best option for this is to buy individual recliners for everyone. All you have to do is measure how many can fit in a row, and how many rows you can make in the theater area. Then, order the seats, set them up, and you’re good to go!
If you want a bit of variety in the theater room, opt for a loveseat to place against a side wall or bean bags to put at the front of the room. This offers fun options for little ones if you need a way to seat lots of people in one room.
Individual Comfort versus Group-Oriented
While you’re thinking of the seating arrangement, keep comfort the number one priority. A wraparound sofa may look a little nicer than a bunch of recliners at first, but once everyone sits down to enjoy the movie, you may realize recliners were the better choice
Or, maybe you want to have something more group-oriented. In which case, the wraparound seating style is the way to go.
Special Details
So far, we’ve covered the basics. You can’t watch a movie without having something to display it on and a place to sit. Beyond that, though, you really shouldn’t forget the snacks – plus some other special details!
Snacks and Cupholders
Are you the person who gets through half of their popcorn before the previews are even finished? Do you have a certain candy you always buy at the snack counter?
Bring those movie-going traditions home to your personal theater. Popcorn machines are easy to find, and look lovely in the corner of the room. You can place a little cart of candy next to it with all your favorites.
But, don’t stop there! Stock up on your favorite wines and beers, get some gourmet snacks and make charcuterie or fun finger foods for special movie screenings.
Whatever you do, though, don’t forget the cupholders. In fact, your seating arrangement may end up coming down to how many cupholders each option provides. The last thing you want to happen is to have someone spill their drink in the middle of the movie just because there wasn’t a place for them to put it.
Surround Sound
To really feel like you’re at the movies, turn the volume up.
Careful not to blast your speakers, though. Speaker compatibility will play into the projector-buying process mentioned above. If in doubt, remember, the more the merrier.
Hook up a speaker system in the front of the room and the back of the room. Do a test run before you start having friends over to make sure the speed of the projector and all the music and voices match up.
The Easiest Way to Get the Best Home Theater Setup
Maybe a home theater sounds easier than you thought, or perhaps you realized you’re in over your head trying to create the best home theater setup alone. To make sure every detail comes out right, get professional support.
That’s what we’re here for. The BBD Lifestyle team has been serving Tampa Bay for over ten years. We offer a wide range of smart home solutions and window treatments to create the ultimate home theater design.
Click here to get in touch and find out more!
