How to Achieve the Perfect Home Cinema Setup

Position the Screen

• Central to the home theater experience, the screen must offer the best viewing experience possible. Decide first where you want to position your TV, and the rest of the room will fall into place. Whether you hang the screen on the wall or tuck it into a piece of furniture, check that it can be seen from all angles. Traditional screens have risen in popularity with the ability to easily project media through mobile devices and modern digital projectors. Consider adding a retractable screen or keeping one wall blank for a projector experience. When deciding how high to position your screens, remember that it will most likely be viewed from a sitting or lounging position, so don't place it too high.

Offer Comfortable Seating

• The seating you choose for your home theater depends on your watching crowd. To create classic cinema seating, add a row or two of actual movie bucket seats. For a pub cinema, add small round tables throughout the room -- and even a small bar. If you want room for the entire family to pile on and cozy up to the latest new release, a sectional and large throw pillows for the floor could be the perfect setup.

Do a Sound Check

• Experiencing full-throttle sound can be one of the best parts of a home cinema. Use the placement of your screen and seating to decide where to best position your speakers. Extra speakers can easily be added to distribute the sound throughout the room. For the technically inclined who want to go the extra mile, flat speakers can even be installed in the wall or the flooring to add an extra layer to a cinematic sound and look.

Include Cinematic Detail

• For a dramatic finish, consider including materials and details found in classic movie theaters. Block out sun with red velvet curtains, or add red velvet pillows and seat covers throughout the room. Add a strip of red carpet. Install track lighting along the floor to guide those getting up in the dark. Hang vintage movie posters of enduring classics. Add a popcorn machine for a constant flow of concessions -- and delicious smell. Whatever details you go with, a deliberate home cinema is bound to be a big hit.