Epic Movie Rooms (37 Home Cinema Ideas)
If you’ve thought about creating a movie theater room in your home, then this post is for you! I’ll show you all the steps you need to create an epic home cinema. Then I’ll show you tons of one-of-a-kind movie rooms to copy to create a stunning space for your family and friends. The last idea is genius!
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What does a movie room need?
Here are the basics that you need for your home cinema:
- Big screen TV or display screen with projector
- Sound System
- Seating
How big should a movie room be?
If you decide to convert a room in your home into a home theater, you’ll need enough room for the large screen and the seating. Ideally your room should be at least 12 feet by 12 feet to make seating comfortable for watching movies.
How do I build a movie room?
There are tons of options for creating a home cinema.
- First, decide if you want a TV or a projector with a screen.
- Then, choose your sound system.
- Next, plan the set up for your room.
- Then, decide if you want movie theater chairs or a more casual look with a mix of sofas and recliners or even bean bag chairs.
- Lastly, add some movie room decor.
In this post I’ll go into each of these in detail.
Movie Room Ideas on a Budget
If you want to keep costs low but still have an amazing theater room here are a few ideas:
- Choose affordable seating options like couches, bean bags or lounge chairs
- DIY everything you can
- Decorate with movie posters
- Use strip lights to create a theater atmosphere
Read on for all of these ideas and more.
Now let’s check out 37 ideas for your movie room.
1 | It’s All About the Screen
Let’s be honest home movie rooms are all about the screen. Check out below some home theaters with epic screens and find some tips and tricks to help you decide between a projector with a screen or a TV and pick the right screen size.
Epic Screen in Home Cinema
IMAGE SOURCE | VISMARADESIGNITALY
TV or Screen with Projector for Home Theater
One of your biggest decisions is if you want to get a large TV or if you want to get a projector with a screen. Both are great options and will really depend on your personal preference.
Projector and Screen in Movie Room
- Choose a screen and projector if the screen size is the most important
If it’s important for you to have a huge screen then the most cost-effective choice is a projector. You can find an affordable projection screen that are 100 inches or more. That size of a TV is going to be very expensive.
Screen in Home Theater
IMAGE SOURCE | KAZCORPORATION
TV in Movie Room
- Choose a TV if picture quality is the most important
If the picture quality is the most important factor for you then a TV might be your best bet. The more light in a room the more brightness you’ll need so the picture doesn’t look washed out. TVs are great for brightness and contrast of picture.
Projectors are not known for having great brightness. With a higher quality projector, the brightness will increase and so will the price. If you don’t have a lot of natural light in your room, then this may not be a factor for you.
TVs are also better for resolution for example you can get an affordable 4K TV but a 4K projector would really cost you.
TV in Home Theater Room
What is the best screen size for a movie room?
When deciding the screen size, it really depends on your room size. You’ll be uncomfortable if you’re sitting a foot away from an 85-inch screen. What you’ll want to do is measure the length from your chairs to the screen and then follow the general standards below.
Distance to Sit from Screen
- 9 feet for an 80-inch Screen
- 10 feet for a 90-inch Screen
- 11 feet for a 100-inch Screen
- 13 feet for a 120-inch Screen
- 15.5 feet for a 140-inch Screen
- 18 feet for a 160-inch Screen
- 20 feet for a 180-inch Screen
- 20 feet for a 200-inch Screen
2 | Add an Epic Sound System
Now, that you have some screen inspiration let’s talk about your sound system. This is another vital part of your home theater makeover. If you’re going big then you may want to hire the professionals to set up a sound system for you.
I would recommend checking your local electronic store and finding a sound bar or sound system in your price range if you're on a budget. Check out some epic sound system ideas below.
Built-in Sound System in Movie Room
IMAGE SOURCE | KAZCORPORATION
Go all out with your surround sound with built in speakers.
Semi-Reverberating Home Theater Ceiling
IMAGE SOURCE | KAZCORPORATION_FR
This is the theater celling! It is semi-reverberating to create a natural sound bubble. The celling speakers here are used to redistribute the sound for an amazing experience in this home cinema.
3 | Plan Your Setup
When you’re planning the setup of your room the first thing to do is measure the space you’re working with. This will give you an idea of your options for setting up the seating, the screen and any extras.
Movie Room Setup Ideas
Things to consider when planning how to setup your home cinema.
- How many people will use the space?
- What kind of seating do you want?
- How many rows of seating do you want?
- Is tiered seating important to you?
- Do you want to add space for a bar, eating area or anything else.
Let’s take a look at some different setups in movie rooms to give you ideas of what you can do with your space.
4 | Maximize a Small Space
If you have a small movie room, then you’ll want to consider how you can maximize every square inch of space. Check out some inspiration below.
Movie Room Ideas for Small Rooms
IMAGE SOURCE | ATELIER_BESPOKE_JOINERY
If your movie room is small, then this might be the perfect layout for you. Have one wall covered with the screen and the rest of the space can be dedicated to a sectional.
5 | Decide on the Number of Rows
If you have a large space and plan on having large movie showings with friends and family, then you may want to consider adding more than one row of seating.
Large Movie Room
IMAGE SOURCE | VISMARADESIGNITALY
When space is not an issue three rows of seating would give you a luxurious movie theater feel.
6 | Create Tiered Seating
If you have more than one row of seating, you’ll want to consider the option of having multiple levels. This will ensure that those in the back row are comfortable and can see the full screen.
Cinema Room with Leveled Seating
IMAGE SOURCE | VISMARADESIGNITALY
Here’s an example of a movie room with custom tiered levels.
How to Achieve Tiered Theater Seating
- Hire a Contractor to create levels in your theater room
- Purchase risers for your seats
- Go the DIY route and build a riser platform
- Purchase theater seats with an elevated back row
Movie Room Ideas
So, now you have an idea of what you need for your home cinema let’s explore some more ideas. Read on to learn how to add a bar area, or a snack bar, color ideas and even some decorating ideas.
7 | Add a Bar
If you really want your home theater to be the hang out spot, then you’ll want to add a separate bar area. Check out some inspiration below to do that.
Modern Home Movie Theater Bar Area
IMAGE SOURCE | VISMARADESIGNITALY
This home bar with built in wine fridge can be closed to discreetly blend into the wall. You could re-create this in your home with large cabinets with doors.
Fully Stocked Bar in Home Theater
IMAGE SOURCE | VISMARADEISGNITALY
This bar fits with the 70s vibe of this home cinema and it’s fully stocked with all the supplies you need to get the party started.
Built-in Bar in Blue Home Cinema
IMAGE SOURCE | VISMARADESIGNITALY
Adding a bar on the opposite wall of your screen might be the perfect spot to grab a drink before the show starts. Building the bar in a recessed wall will help to maximize the space you have.
Modern Home Theater with Bar
IMAGE SOURCE | VISMARADESIGNITALY
8 | Create a Snack Bar
Here’s the family friendly version of the idea above. Your kids will love a snack bar set up that rivals the actual movie theaters’.
Just be prepared to keep this stocked up with all the full-sized candies, trail mix, nuts or whatever are the family favorites. Check out some inspiration to create a snack bar in your home theater below.
Snack Bar for Home Theater
To copy this look, start with floating shelves, baskets and glass jars. Then add your family’s favorite snacks and a snack bar wall decal and you’re all set.
9 | Create a Stand Out Ceiling
Don’t overlook your ceiling as a chance to create a jaw dropping feature for your room. Check out the ideas below to make your ceiling the feature of your space.
Movie Rooms with Stand Out Ceilings
Here are a few ideas to create an epic ceiling in your room:
- Hire a contractor to create a recessed ceiling
- Paint your ceiling a dark color like black
- Outline your ceiling with rope or strip lighting
- Add glowing stars the ceiling
Read on to check out how to pull off these ideas.
10 | Build a Recessed Ceiling
If you’re going all out, you may want to include a lighted recessed ceiling in your design. This creates an epic movie theater experience in your home.
Recessed Lighted Home Cinema Ceiling
IMAGE SOURCE | VISAMARADESIGNITALY
A triple recessed lighted ceiling gives the ultimate luxury movie theater feel in this home cinema.
11 | Light It Up
If you love the idea below but are on a budget, then adding strip or rope lighting around the perimeter of the ceiling will create the same ambience for a fraction of the price. Check out some inspiration below.
Movie Room with Lighted Ceiling
IMAGE SOURCE | THETECHHAVEN.BH
Another plus to the DIY strip light ceiling is you can find lights that allow you to change the colors which changes the entire look of your room.
If you love this idea, check out where you can find some strip lights that change colors below.
Strip Lights for Movie Rooms
WHERE TO FIND | COLOR CHANGING & MUSIC SYNC STRIP LIGHTS
12 | Bring the Stars
Speaking of DIY ceiling ideas, have you ever thought of adding stars to your movie theater celling? This creates a gorgeous one of a kind look for your room and sets the scene for an epic movie watching session.
Movie Rooms with a Starry Ceiling
If you love this idea, check out some examples of movie rooms with beautiful starry ceilings below.
Star Ceiling in Home Cinema
IMAGE SOURCE | THETECHHAVEN.BH
You can achieve this same look with glow in the dark stick-on stars.
Custom Star Ceiling in Home Theater
IMAGE SOURCE | VISMARADESIGNITATLY
Here’s an example of a custom-built home theater ceiling that is one of a kind with a little extra sparkle.
If you love this idea, check out where you can get some stars for your space below.
Stars for Movie Rooms
WHERE TO FIND | GLOW IN THE DARK STARS
13 | Add an Eating Area
When you’re spending a pretty penny on your movie theater chairs you may not want everyone eating on them. This’s why it may be a good idea to add a designated eating area to your movie theater room. Check out how to do that below.
Movie Room with an Eating Area
Here a couple bar tables, and bar stools have been added behind the movie theater chairs. You can start the movie with dinner at the table and then move to the chairs for your popcorn and soda.
14 | Focus on the Walls
The next step in your movie room makeover is to focus on the walls. I’ll show you some options for adding panels and also ideas to make statement walls in your home theatre.
15 | Add Soundproof Panels
Many people choose to soundproof the walls in their cinema room. One way to do this is with acoustic foam panels.
Home Cinema with Soundproof Panels
IMAGE SOURCE | VISMARADESIGNITALY
Acoustic soundproof panels aren’t all about the function. You can find options that add style to your room as well.
Acoustic Panels for Movie Rooms
They make acoustic panels in tons of different colors and designs so you can add style to your room while making it soundproof. There are even some that look like art! Here you can check out a ton of the different options available on Amazon.
16 | Add Texture to Your Walls
Boring white walls aren’t going to cut it in your epic cinema room. Why not try something unique that will really make a statement like adding texture to your walls?
Movie Room with Textured Wall
IMAGE SOURCE | VISMARADESIGNITALY
Textured walls add interest and dimension to a two-toned cinema room.
17 | Add Wallpaper
IMAGE SOURCE | VISMARADESIGNITALY
Depending on how you place your wall panels you may have part of your wall peeking through. This is a chance to add your personal flair to the room with wallpaper.
18 | Consider Your Options
Your first thought may be to get the typical movie theater chairs but there may be some other options that work for you too. Read on to see some other options that will work great for families and some budget friendly options too.
Seating Options for Your Movie Room
Here are some seating options for your home cinema:
- Home theater seats
- Bean bag chairs
- A large couch or a sectional
- Lounge chairs
- A set of recliners
Let’s check out all of these ideas in detail
19 | Add Movie Theater Seating
The most popular choice in a movie room is to add movie theater seating. Let’s take a look at this option first. The most popular choice is to go all black for your seating. I want to show you a few other options too that will really make your room stand out.
20 | Keep It Light
The typical home theater has black chairs but if you want to create a one of kind room, why not try light furniture? Not only will this make your room unique it’ll also brighten up the entire room. Check out some epic home theaters with light movie theater chairs below.
White and Tan Home Theater Chairs
IMAGE SOURCE | VISMARADESIGNITALY
Light colored leather home theater chairs look classy and add contrast to the dark floors.
21 | Go Bold
Consider introducing bold colors in your theater room. Forget about boring chairs why not add a pop of color to your room with bold, colorful movie theater chairs? This’ll make your room stand out for sure.
Teal Velvet Home Movie Room
IMAGE SOURCE | VISMARADESIGNITALY
For a cohesive look choose your favorite color and go all out with your movie theater chairs and wall color as well.
22 | Add Red
Red is a classic color that looks amazing in movie rooms. If you love it consider adding red with your seating, wall color or accessories.
Red Movie Theater Chairs
IMAGE SOURCE | VISMARADESIGNITALY
Red movie theater chairs look stunning and add that wow factor to this cinema room.
23 | Mix and Match Chair Colors
Most people stick with just one color for their theater chairs but mixing several colors in the same color pallet will give your home cinema a designer look.
Mixture of Theater Seating
IMAGE SOURCE | VISMARADESIGNITALY
All of these chairs are in the same warm color palette which creates a cozy and inviting feel in this theater room.
24 | Think About the Details
When planning your room think about the little details like those extra features in your home theater chairs. This’ll really impress your guests and will be what they remember most. Check out the detail’s worth remembering below.
Home Theater Chair Features
IMAGE SOURCE | VISMARADESIGNITALY
This chair is cooling and warming, has a wireless phone charger, cup holder and a swivel lamp. What else do you need?
Extra Features on Black Movie Theater Chairs
WHERE TO FIND | THEATER SEATING
These chairs have cup holders, phone chargers, lights and removable trays and there are multiple configurations to choose from.
25 | Add Chaise Lounge Chairs
You’ve seen the typical movie theater chairs, but you may also want to consider adding chaise lounge chairs to your room. These works great in the front row because you’ll need the extra space. This’ll add a super comfy seating option for your room. Check out some inspiration below.
Movie Rooms with Chaise Lounge Chairs
IMAGE SOURCE | VISMARADESIGNITALY
The only problem here is everyone would be fighting for the front row!
Grey Lounge Chairs in Movie Theater Room
IMAGE SOURCE | VISMARADESIGNITALY
These lounge chairs are extra-long so guest can relax and get comfy while watching the show.
26 | Add Bean Bag Chairs
Bean bag chairs could be another fun option for kids or if you’re on a budget. Check out below how to incorporate bean bags into your design.
Bean Bag Chair Front Row Seating
A great option if you want to add another row of seating but don’t have a ton of room is to add bean bag chairs.
Bean Bag Chairs for Movie Rooms
Check out my top picks for bean bag chairs for a home theater room below.
Black Bean Bag Chair
WHERE TO FIND | BIG JOE BEAN BAG CHAIR
Grey Beanbag Chair
WHERE TO FIND | MOON POD ADULT BEANBAG CHAIR
27 | Add Comfy Lounge Chairs
IMAGE SOURCE | KAZCORPORATION
Comfy lounge chairs are a great option that not only save money but also work great in a small space.
Lounge Chairs for Movie Rooms
Below check out the best options for comfy lounge chairs that would work great in your home theater room.
Large Floor Lounge Chair
WHERE TO FIND | LOUNGE CHAIR MULTIPLE COLORS & MATERIALS
Swivel Lounge Chair
WHERE TO FIND | GREY LOUNGE CHAIR
Fold Out Lounger
WHERE TO FIND | FOLDING LOUNGE SOFA
28 | Add a Couch
IMAGE SOURCE | OAKANDORANGE
If your family likes to get cozy together and watch movies, then a huge couch or a sectional might be your best option.
29 | Add Recliners
A couple matching recliners may be the perfect addition to your cinema room. These could be additional seating or your only seating depending on how you plan to use your space.
Matching Recliners for Movie Viewing
IMAGE SOURCE | VISMARADESIGNITALY
A couple of comfy recliners are a great addition to the other movie theater chairs in this modern home cinema.
30 | Make Your Furniture Do Double Duty
When choosing your theater room furniture consider pieces that can be re-arranged or can serve multiple purposes to give you the most flexibility with your set up.
Cinema Room with a Sectional and Ottomans
IMAGE SOURCE | ATELIER_BESPOKE_JOINERY
A couple of ottomans can serve as additional seating, a coffee table or a place to rest your legs depending on your needs.
31 | Black it Out
To create a movie theater like experience you’ll want to create a dark viewing area. If you have windows an easy way to do this is with black out curtains. Check out some inspiration below.
Home Cinema with Black Curtains
IMAGE SOURCE | KAZCORPORATION
An entire wall of black curtains keeps the room dark and adds the movie theater feel in this room. Below check out where you can get blackout curtains in different colors and lengths.
Blackout Curtains
WHERE TO FIND | ROOM DARKENING CURTAINS
32 | Keep Your Style
I love the idea of creating a theater room that fits with the style of your house. It doesn’t have to look like a full-blown movie theater, it can look more like your living room with an epic screen!
Check out one of my favorite movie theater rooms below that fits the style of their home.
IMAGE SOURCE | OAKANDORANGE
If you want your theater room to fit the style of your home add accents like throw pillows, area rugs and décor that you would use in the rest of your home.
33 | Add Movie Room Decor
If you want your cinema room to fit the theme of a movie theater, then you can have a lot of fun decorating it. There are tons of décor that would fit perfectly with a theater themed space.
Movie Room Decor Ideas
Check out some of my favorite décor that would look great in your home theater.
Retro Movies & Coke Sign
WHERE TO FIND | RETRO COCA-COLA SIGN
Antique Exit Sign
WHERE TO FIND | RUSTIC EXIT SIGN
Theater Room Decor
WHERE TO FIND | FIVE PIECE METAL MOVIE THEATER SIGNS
Lighted Marquee Star Sign
WHERE TO FIND | LED RED STAR SIGN
Movie Tickets Wall Sign
WHERE TO FIND | LARGE VINTAGE MOVIE TICKET SIGN
34 | Add Movie Posters
Decorating with movie posters is an inexpensive way to add that theater theme to your room. You’ll be sure to find your favorite movie posters on Amazon and you can hang them directly on the wall or find poster frames.
Cinema Room with Movie Posters
IMAGE SOURCE | THETECHHAVEN.BH
A row of movie posters looks great on the back wall of this room.
Movie Posters for Theater Room
Check out some of my favorite movie posters below.
Set of Classic Movie Posters
WHERE TO FIND | SET OF SMALL CLASSIC MOVIE POSTERS
Steven Spielberg Movie Posters
WHERE TO FIND | SET OF 4 CLASSIC SPEILBERG POSTERS
Movie Room Pictures
WHERE TO FIND | SET OF 9 SMALL MOVIE POSTERS
35 | Get a Custom Sign
Having a custom sign made with your last name is a great way to personalize your cinema room. You can find signs that look rustic, modern or signs that light up depending on your style.
Custom Signs for Movie Rooms
Check out my absolute favorites personalized theater room signs below.
Personalized Rustic Theater Room Sign
WHERE TO FIND | DISTRESSED CANVAS THEATER SIGN
Custom LED Cinema Sign
WHERE TO FIND | FAMILY NAME CINEMA SIGN
Personalized Movie Theater Sign
WHERE TO FIND | CUSTOM MOVIE THEATER CANVAS SIGN
Marquee Movie Theater Sign
WHERE TO FIND | CUSTOM THEATER SIGN
36 | Add Movie Room Accessories
Those fun accessories are what make your cinema room come to life. Consider adding fun pillows, themed décor or even a vintage popcorn maker.
Accessories for Movie Rooms
Check out some of my favorite accessories that would look great in your home cinema below.
Vintage Theater Popcorn Machine
WHERE TO FIND | RED POPCORN MACHINE
Movie Room Pillow Covers
WHERE TO FIND | SET OF 4 MOVIE PILLOW COVERS
Movie Theater Room Decor
WHERE TO FIND | ADMIT ONE BOWL
Home Theater Pillows
WHERE TO FIND | MOVIE THEMED PILLOWS
Led TV Backlights
WHERE TO FIND | BACKSTRIP LIGHTS FOR TV
37 | Add a Pop-Up Bar in Your Theater Chairs
IMAGE SOURCE | VISMARADESIGNITALY
Ok, I saved the best for last. This last idea is genius. This is a pop-up bar inside your chair. Yes, you heard that right this bar literally pops up from your movie theater chair when you really need a drink.
Hope you enjoyed these 37 epic ideas for movie rooms. Pick your favorite idea and use it in your home cinema design if you want to have a one-of-a-kind room that will impress all your friends!
Feel free to save your favorite ideas to your Pinterest boards, to do that just click on the picture and then click on the red P and choose your board. If you love this post, please share it on your favorite social!
The reason I know so much about this topic is I recently did research because we turned our basement into a home theater. You can read all about it here...
Basement Home Theater (Makeover Ideas)
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