How to Build a Movie Room

Electronics

• The focal point of any movie room should be the theater system you employ. Picking the right system largely is dependent on your budget. If your budget will allow it, an ideal choice is a projector mounted overhead and aimed at a large, wall-mounted screen. Otherwise, buy as large a plasma, LCD or LED screen television as your budget will allow. Mount the television directly on the wall, rather than on an entertainment unit, to free as much floor space as possible in the movie room. Buy and install a surround sound system to give your guests the most authentic theater experience possible.

Seating

• If you’re going to spend considerable time in your movie room, the seating should be as comfortable as possible. The room’s seating must fit your budget and also your style. Options include rows of leather reclining chairs, sectional sofas or even beanbag chairs placed on the floor. As you set up the seating, make sure every seat has a direct line to the screen so that no one has a poor view.

Decorations

• No movie room is complete without movie posters adorning the walls. Whether you’re into action movies, classic films or romantic comedies, buy posters of your favorite movies, frame them and hang them on the walls around the room. If you have experience with electrical work, install pot lights in the ceiling, aimed at each of the posters to create a movie theater feel. If you’re on a budget, visit theaters and movie stores in your city to see if you can have posters once they’re taken down.

Other

• Adding accents to the movie room will help you and your guests enjoy the space as much as possible. Buy a retro-style popcorn maker to make popcorn prior to the movie, and stock a small refrigerator with a variety of soft drinks. If the room has windows, install blackout curtains to ensure the room is dark enough to watch movies during the daytime.