How to Build the Media Room of Your Dreams

Figure out everything that you want to use your media room for. This can include watching movies and shows, listening to music, entertaining guests and even having dinner. What you use the media room for will dictate how you build it.

Make a budget for your media room project. Spending upward of $100,000 is easy if you actually have it to spend. But a media room can be created on a modest budget, so it's best to plan your purchases around the money you actually have.

Purchase the equipment you will need to put your media room together. The majority of media rooms include a large TV, usually with surround sound with the speakers a vital component of the experience. Blu-ray and DVD players are probably also needed. Stereo systems can be connected to the surround sound as well.

Buy the furniture you want in your media room. The furniture you buy might depend on your space and budget and how you intend to use the room. Seats are essential. You can purchase a couch, chairs or real theater-style seats. Tables are another option, such as end tables for holding drinks or a large table for serving meals.

Panel the walls. Thick, soundproof paneling can make all the difference in a media room. You won't have to worry about disturbing others in your home -- or the neighbors -- when the room is properly soundproofed.

Light up the room. The media room will probably be dark when a movie is on, but if you're eating dinner, listening to music or just hanging out, you're going to want some light. Recessed lighting is a good option for a more subtle effect, as well as light fixtures that can be dimmed. Small lights along the floor, just like in a movie theater, can also add a nice effect.

Block windows with floor-to-ceiling drapes installed over sun blockout lining. This gives you the option to let the sun in, but also lets you have a completely dark media room for a real movie-theater feel even in the middle of the day.