Spending more time at home catching up on your favorite shows and checking out new films? You’re in good company! The market for streaming services grew 37% in 2020. From Disney+ to Peacock, there are plenty of options for entertainment at home. You can bring the feeling of the movie theater home by updating your basement space. Keep reading to learn some smart, savvy ways to create an at-home space for entertainment.
Home Theater Remodel
The idea of a home theater has evolved over the years. Once a simple hang out with a television, speakers, and VHS tapes, the modern at-home movie theater is much more elaborate. Today, you can find everything from super-sized screens to built-in speakers and popcorn carts. They’re also an effective way to increase the value of your home.
Basements are a popular choice for creating an entertainment space. Their location away from the rest of the house helps to create the sense of a retreat. Concrete flooring and foundational walls insulate sound well to provide that theater-quality acoustic experience.
But to get your basement ready for movie night, there are a few steps you should take first.
Basement Home Theater Design
How’s the lighting in your basement? Most basements have little to no natural light. This is a plus for watching movies, but you still want some lighting in place for when you’re not in front of the screen. Dimmer switches are a great choice for basement cinemas. You can set the lighting as you wish. You may even want to light the paths to your seats or sofas to create a stronger theater-like feel.
Depending on the current state of your basement, you may need to cover any exposed pipes and wiring. Carpeting works well for improving the acoustics and protecting your electrical equipment at the same time.
You can also use carpeting for your flooring if you want a cozier feel than concrete. Just make sure your basement doesn’t have any issues with humidity and leaking. If you decide to go for wood floors, use rugs near the television and speakers to improve the acoustics. Curtains, pillows, and soft seating also absorb sound.
Basement Cinema Room Ideas
Now that you have the basics covered, it’s time to think a bit more about the viewing experience. The screen will be the focal point of your theater. So, look for ways to minimize reflection. This extends to even the paint you use. Opt for matte or flat paint on the walls surrounding the screen. The same goes for any hinges, light fixtures, doorknobs, and the like.
If you plan to have multiple rows in your basement theater, consider tiered or stadium seating. You can use platforms to lift the outside seats. Doing so will ensure that everyone has clear sightlines for viewing.
Also, consider the size of your screen or television. For a smaller basement movie theater, stick to a screen of about 55-inches. You can also use a screen and projector. Simply roll the screen away when not in use.
Looking for ideas to inspire your basement movie theater update? Check out this contemporary remodel. At Owings Brothers, we can help you brainstorm ideas for your at-home entertainment space and help you bring your vision to life. Request a free consultation with our design team to get started.
