How to Design Your Own Home Theatre
- 1). Plan the space and decide where your home theatre will be. Are you using your existing living room, a basement rec room area, or an unused office or bedroom space? Or are you adding on a new room that will be used as your home theatre? What are the dimensions and what is the shape? Make a sketch on graph paper to use as you plan the rest of your home theatre.
- 2). Figure out where the TV goes. The screen is the most important component, and where you place it will determine where you place everything else. Will it be free-standing, wall-mounted or will it be held in an armoire or TV cabinet?
- 3). Decide where to put the furniture. How many people do you want to seat? Will you use a couch, recliners, large cushions or a combination? Is it possible to install raised flooring toward the back of the room so everyone has a good view?
- 4). Research sound systems, the most popular choice for home theatres. Go to a good electronics store with your room sketch and talk to a knowledgeable employee about the options for optimal sound quality. Decide how many speakers you want and what system makes the most sense to you.
- 5). Purchase your components. Ask about warranty options when you do; for the more expensive pieces in your theatre system, it can be a wise investment to purchase additional warranties in case of malfunction in the future. You may also be able to get a deal if you purchase all your components from one store at one time; ask to speak to a manager. Even if you can't get money off the price of the components, at the very least ask about getting free delivery and installation.
- 6). Get another opinion. Before you make your purchases and start moving your equipment in, get someone to look over your sketches with you. They may see ways to improve the theatre experience that you did not. Consider the suggestions, make changes as needed, and then start installing the elements of your new home theatre.