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Creating the ultimate home cinema room – 4 key things to consider

By Adrianna Johns   |  

If you are somewhat bored and have been looking for a way to improve your entertainment, then why not choose to design and create your dream cinema at home?

With overpriced snacks and noisy viewers, trips to the cinema are not as magical as they once were, thereby encouraging people to find alternatives and choose the ever-appealing option of a home cinema.

Despite common misconception, installing a cinema at home can be far less complicated and more affordable than it seems.

With widescreen TV’s, projectors and sound systems becoming more affordable, the possibility of replicating the experience of a cinema at home is more attainable than ever. Whether you choose to create a minimal or lavish area, we will advise you on how to design your own dream cinema.

Loft interior room with home cinema TV. 3d Rendering
Cinema rooms are now a must have, valuable amenity in luxury properties and the demand is on the increase

Choosing your space

Whether you choose to transform an existing space, use a spare room or build a designated area from scratch, choosing where you will put your cinema is key in the process as it will determine the end result.

Before making a choice, consider how many people will use the space — is this going to be a family room or will you be entertaining guests? This will determine the amount of seating that you should have and how spacious it should be.

Is it solely for the purpose of viewing the latest blockbusters or is it a multipurpose room capable of being a charming living room area, or for instance, a man-cave — a multipurpose room will require some degree of compromise, thereby plan wisely.

Choosing the right equipment

Although prices seem to vary according to size, choosing a slimline television means that it can be easily mounted on the wall, giving the cinematic effect you are aiming for, whilst still offering the same benefits as usual.

With a TV you are not restricted by light, as you can watch comfortably in a light-filled room, making it perfect for a multi-purpose room, if it’s what you wish for. However, if you want a truly cinematic experience with a screen larger than 146 inches, then the wise choice would be a projector.

Wooden multimedia system in black close-up. Loudspeakers. Audio speakers.
To guarantee excellent sound quality always invest in the best possible speakers

Despite the need to achieve the correct light levels to ensure a perfect display, purchasing a drop-down screen will be incredibly convenient, as well as luxurious, for it allows the room to be used for other activities without the space feeling dominated by the cinema.

Regardless of your choice, having a tv aerial installation will give you the option of not only watching films but also watching your favourite shows — if choosing a projector, then ensure that you have an HDMI cable which can roll out and connect to your television feed.

Whatever you choose, having a tv aerial installed will allow you to catch up with the football or watch the Rugby World Cup in style — you wouldn’t want to miss out.

Sound-proofing and acoustics

Making sure that the cinematic sounds don’t disturb others throughout the house will be a key element to consider, therefore ensure that soundproofing is done with lightweight acoustic boards, as well as upholstered walls throughout the room, and acoustic tiles for the ceiling.

If you aim to solely transform your living room into a home cinema then the most important element to consider will be your sound system.

The majority of cinema rooms typically use 5.1 surround sound, which you can purchase and recreate by placing speakers around the room with a subwoofer for sound boosting.

elegant living room with home theatre system - rendering
The screen is always the star of the show and the size must be in proportion to the room and the proximity of the seating

Decorating this space

Whilst you may feel that this room has to be extravagantly decorated, remember that if you are simply using it for cinematic purposes then the room will normally be dark, thereby the decor can be kept minimalistic.

If you are choosing to make it multi-purpose then consider what you want — it could be the perfect man cave, where you can also entertain your friends with a bar, pool table, dartboard, and then gather around your cinematic screen to watch the football in style.

If you decide to transform it into your playroom, then why not choose dark tones that will absorb light during your viewing parties or social reunions, thereby creating a luxurious feel.

Remember that decorating is the fun part, so enjoy the process — choose a theme and whether you want it to be sophisticated or comforting. This is your dream cinema room, so enjoy creating it and truly make it your own.