A home theater is a great place to relax after a long day at work, as well as a gathering place for family and friends to watch movies or sporting events. Planning a home theater, however, is not quite as easy as choosing quality audio-visual components and calling it a day.

If you want to have a truly spectacular space, here is a guide to help you learn everything you need to know about your home theater.

Seating

Comfort and viewing angle are critical in a home theater. The most theater-like experience is where each person has their own seat, complete with table or cup holder. Seating choices run from recliners to theater seats and can include couches and love seats. Seats can be movable or mounted and in just about any material that meets your design scheme.

Flooring

Another major consideration is your floor. If you have tiered or raised floors for better viewing angles, you should consider theater seats that can be mounted to the floor so they won’t move or slip off a tier.  If you have flat floors, loveseat-style seating with armrests in-between the seats or single spaced seats produce the best viewing angle for the most people.

Accessories

Popcorn machines are a classic that provide the look and smell of a movie theater. A
“Now Showing” marquee can add to the theater experience.

Lighting

Lighting in a home theater should be subtle and help create the theater atmosphere. It should also be capable of fully illuminating the room for cleaning and other activities. Preferred lighting options for a home theater include:

• Recessed lighting
• Wall sconces
• Ambient lighting
• LED or fiber optic lighting strips in the floor or baseboards

As with all lighting choices be sure that mounted fixtures can be dimmed and remote controlled. Table lamps should have opaque shades and easy-to-find pull chains or switches.

Related Reading:
Build Your Own Home Theater, Second Edition by Robert Wolenik and John Adams
How to Build a Home Movie Theater Room on a Budget, by Jason Steele
Home Theater Design Basics | DIY: www.diynetwork.com