Tips for setting up the perfect home cinema

There’s nothing quite like getting together with friends, grabbing some freshly made popcorn, lounging in a comfy armchair and taking in a film on the big screen. The only thing that could possibly improve this experience is having all of this in the convenience and comfort of your own home.

Just imagine cosying up in your PJs, screening your favourite film on a whim, pausing the picture whenever you like, and best of all never having to queue up for snacks or expensive tickets again. If this sounds like a dream come true read on to find out how to bring the magic of the big screen into your home.

Tips for setting up the perfect home cinema room:

Select the right space

When setting up a home cinema if possible you want to select a dedicated space separate and away from the hustle and bustle of your everyday living areas. A rumpus room, large study, basement or second living area would be ideal. Where possible go for larger sized rooms with closable doors and the fewer windows the better. After all there’s nothing worse than craning your neck when sitting too close to a big screen with light flooding in the window and ruining the projection quality.

If your cinema room has windows, opt for heavy curtains rather than roller blinds or shutters for the optimum viewing experience, even during the daytime. Better yet look into motorised blackout roller blinds to transform your space from an everyday room to a home cinema in an instant.

Hardware

The three big ticket items you’ll need to invest in are a projector, a screen and a decent speaker system. Depending on the quality and size you’re after and your budget, these items can range from hundreds of dollars each to in the thousands. Consult a professional installer to make sure you get the right home cinema gear for your space.

If you have a home automation system to get that authentic movie theatre atmosphere it’s easy to integrate your home cinema lighting to dim automatically when the film is about to begin and for the lights to come back on when the credits roll.

Sound ideas

For a high end cinema experience and look add in sound proofing paneling or padding to improve acoustics and minimise echo. That way you won’t be able to hear the kids belting out Frozen for the hundredth time from the next room.

If you’re a fan of the minimalist look, go for an hidden surround sound speaker system where speakers are integrated into the ceiling and walls. To keep clean lines and clutter at bay add in a remote controlled motorised retractable projector lift, so it tucks neatly out of sight when not in use.

Luxury seating

Kick back with friends and your fave film with plush reclining cinema chairs complete with footrests, cup holders and in built side tables. Better yet, there are electric models where you can put your feet up at the touch of a button, get a cold drink from a cleverly concealed arm rest mini fridge and even indulge in a tension-melting massage.

To take your comfy seating to the next level consider adding in a platform at the back of your cinema room to create tiered cinema seating, so that everyone has a great view.

Colour selection

The paint colour you select will depend on the theme or feel you’re going for in your home theatre. For a glamorous old Hollywood look choose a rich velvety dark midnight blue or maroon paint colour with oak paneling and gold accent pieces. Amp up the theme with chandeliers, theatrical velvet curtains, framed retro movie posters or black and white photographs of your favourite film stars and starlets.

For a modern sci-fi vibe you can’t go wrong with black or navy blue walls, a starry sky effect fibre optic ceiling, and LED strip lighting in bulkheads and skirting. For a more elegant, restful and timeless cinema room, go for a largely neutral colour palette with chic modern furnishings.

Soft furnishings

Use soft furnishings to add personality and extra cosiness to your home cinema room. This is your chance to add colour, texture and your own flair to the room. Pile furry pillows and layer warm wooly throws on oversized modular couches for the ultimate in house lounging experience.

Add plush floor rugs or install super soft carpeting with thick underlay to up the luxurious and inviting feel of the space. As a bonus, thick spongy carpet underlay will also help with the thermal insulation and sound proofing of the theatre room.

A snack bar

What’s a cinema experience without the smell of fresh popcorn wafting through the air and an icy coke in hand? Create your own mini version of a candy bar with the addition of a bar fridge/freezer stocked up with choc tops and drinks, a self-serve popcorn maker, candy jars filled with sweet treats and even a bar cart for pre-show cocktails.

Don’t forget storage

For practical additions consider adding in a display case to show off your DVD collection, some built in cupboards or baskets to pack away extra cushions and blankets, and shelves to set aside remotes and extra snacks out of temptations way.

We hope these tips and ideas have helped to get the ball rolling on setting up a home cinema of your own. Do you have any additional advice for setting up a home cinema? Please share them in the comments section below.

Happy house hunting!

From the Homely Team