What could be better than going to the movies with your friends? You can watch a movie in your own home. It’s even better if the movie is one of our favorites. You’re in store for a real treat if you own a home theater, or are in the process designing one. It’s a great way to get friends and family to spend time together. We can’t imagine a better evening than snuggling up with some popcorn and candy under blankets while watching a movie on the big screen. And they are more convenient than backyard movie setups that you may only be able use part of the year. You can turn any room into a movie theater, whether it’s the attic that you don’t use or the basement you use for storage.

We all have certain images in mind when we think of traditional movie theaters. You might think that you can only enjoy surround sound, large screens and unlimited popcorn when you are not at home. We’re here today to tell you this is not true! You’ve come to right place if you want to transform your home theater and make it better than the local theater. We have compiled iconic home media room designs, renovation tips and decorating examples as well as cinematic color palettes in order to help you create your dream at-home screening space. Enjoy the video below. We are proud to present 16 ideas for home theater designs that will improve movie nights.

1. Take it Outside

Why watch movies indoors when it’s possible to enjoy them under the stars? You can do it with a handheld projection and a flat surface or portable screen. If you’re interested in more information on how to make your own backyard theater, check out our complete DIY.

The Design Tip: To create a magical experience, arrange outdoor furniture, add some pillows and hang some string lights.

2. You Can Free Up Your Basement

Basements are ideal for home theaters because they’re dark and isolated. It will be easier to control the lighting and sound.

The Design tip: Paint your walls a dark colour and install a large flat screen as shown in this home theatre designed by Elizabeth Roberts Architecture & Design. Seating that is reminiscent of the classic movie theater chairs but with a contemporary twist and can be used in different environments like swivel chair and plush ottomans will work well.

3. Review Sound Options

When designing your sound system there are many things to consider, from the number of speakers required to whether you want surround sound. The sound quality will be affected by some design decisions. A carpet, for example, can reduce noise and echo.

The Design Tip: This home theater designed by Heather Hilliard Design is perfect for families and cinephiles alike. It features plush carpeting, leather recliners that adjust and have built-in cupholders. The dark color scheme makes it look like a subterranean bar.

4. Search for Alternative Locations

There are many other ways you can create a home theatre if you don’t own a basement. Convert a spare room or walk-in wardrobe, where the enclosed nature reduces natural lighting. You can also convert a pool house, garden shed or an unused garage.

The Design Tip: To create a small version of a black-box theater experience in a room, use built-in seats, like this nook created by Studio DB.

5. Optimise the wiring

Checking your wiring is another important step. Lighting, sound and your screen and/or projector will require the correct wiring. It’s also important to note that your equipment should be hidden and wires covered with discrete tubing.

The Design Tip: If you don’t have enough room in your home theater for stadium seating like those at cinemas, create a conversation pit. This space, designed by Jamie Bush and featuring modular seating and full carpeting, feels like an intimate place for large viewing parties.

6. Consider Soundproofing

You’ll need to plan your renovations once you’ve chosen the room that you’d like to convert into a home theatre. You can choose to create a media-room that is inspired by a movie theatre, or you can go all out. You may choose to use drywall as a sound barrier or consider tiered seating if you want to go all out.

The Design Tip: Make it super-plush. Comfortable sectionals are ideal for family or romantic gatherings. They can also be used as large love seats depending on the size.

7. Select a Screen

When choosing your screen, there are many options to consider. The room’s size is the most important factor. You don’t want a large screen if the room is shallow. Whatever you decide, be sure to choose a screen that has all the features you enjoy to watch TV and movies, or play games if you prefer.

The Design Tip: Although the silver screen is set in a dark background, the room feels light and bright. The blush tufted walls and white leather chairs are to thank for this. Even if your basement isn’t large enough to create a home theatre, you can still create an atmosphere that makes it feel like one. Blackout curtains are the answer! ).

8. Install a control system

Consider installing a control system such as a universal remote or an iPad, iPhone, iPhone or whole-home automation. You can control everything from lighting to sound in one location.

The Design Tip: This media room, designed by Catherine Kwong, is ideal for family movie nights. It’s also a great place for afternoon naps and casual gatherings.

9. Bells and Whistles: What You Should Know

Are you interested in 3D? Do you want a high-resolution image and audio quality? Hidden projectors that drop from the ceiling. There are many little additions that can make your home theatre experience truly immersive.

The Design Tip: A projector will be your best friend if you have white walls. As seen in the apartment designed by Paula Guzman, you can watch your favorite films on a large “screen” with no need to install one to your walls.

10. Consider the Layout

Now for the fun! After you have sorted out the technical aspects, you can start thinking about the layout. You can choose stadium-style seating, with reclining loveseats or loungers. Or you can keep it simple with a sectional.

The Design Tip: This home theater, designed by Studio Ashby, is a tribute to cinematic experiences. However, it also has a modern twist. The Art Deco sconces, tiered seating and olive green ottomans evoke Hollywood’s golden age.

11. Make it Kid Friendly

You can choose a theme that the kids will love, whether it’s a setting from your favorite movie, a sophisticated look, or a motif.

The Design Tip: Choose a playful print for your dark wallpaper if you have a media room that is also used as a playroom. It will not only absorb the light during parties, but it will also reflect on its other uses. As this media room designed by Regan Baker Design shows, adding floor cushions can also be a great idea.

12. Create a lounge Slash theater

Give an existing room a second life if you don’t own a spare. Paint it dark colors and install sound-absorbing carpeting of the same color. You can also furnish it with luxurious furniture.

The Design Tip: This lounge, designed by GRT Architects, is ideal for after-dinner drinks and meetings. It also features a projector that can be turned into a theater if the mood strikes.

13. Concession stand: How to Create One

We can’t imagine a better way to upgrade your home theater and make it feel more like a real movie theater. This is perfect for movie night and will set the atmosphere.

The Design Tip: A popcorn machine is the star of any party. Depending on your space, you can choose one that sits on a countertop or one that stands alone. You can also add a mini-fridge with drinks and candy.

14. Select Comfortable Seating

Have you been to a theater with seats that recline so you feel as if you are sitting on a cushion? Why not bring this to your own home theater? Your viewing experience will be transformed by comfortable seating.

The Design Tip: We are smitten with the seating in Renee deVignier Biery’s home theater. The large couches provide plenty of space to relax, and the individual recliners at the back are also spacious.

15. Use Cinema-Style Lighting

Lighting is one of the things that you will notice when you enter a movie theater. There are many cinematic lighting options that you can incorporate into your own home theater. From neon accents, to wall sconces and even floor lighting to guide your way to your seats.

The Design Tip: Add sconces to your walls for a movie theater feel, just like the room designed by Jay Jeffers. If you have end table, you can add mini-table lamps for a lounge-worthy experience.

16. Offer Blankets

Stockpile luxurious blankets to make your home theatre stand out. Even the most expensive theaters cannot compete with this. The room will feel cozy and all your guests will be comfortable.

The Design Tip: We suggest draping blankets on your seating arrangement, whether it’s a large couch or a grouping of recliners. You could also store spare blankets in a basket so your guests have the option to grab one.