If you’re considering creating a home theater, whether you’re taking the DIY route or enlisting the help of contractors, dedicating significant time to thorough planning and design is crucial. Before embarking on any construction or making hefty purchases, developing a comprehensive layout design is key. Given the numerous components involved in proper a home theater system, ensuring their seamless integration is essential to avoid investing hundreds or even thousands of dollars into a project that may not meet your expectations.

The home theater experts at Selby Acoustics have provided insightful considerations for designing a home cinema. Whether you’re constructing an entirely new room or converting an existing space, these professional tips are designed to take your home theater ideas up a notch.

Size and Dimensions of the Overall Space

When selecting an existing room to convert into a home theater, it’s best to opt for a rectangular space. Cubic rooms where all dimensions are similar can result in unfavorable acoustics. It’s also important the room has dimensions of at least 15 feet in width and 20 feet in length, with ceilings measuring at least 7 feet in height. 

Smaller dimensions can lead to a cramped feel once the setup is complete and may impose limitations on the size of the projector screen, which should be mounted at least 2 feet above the ground. This configuration provides ample space for a theater layout and contributes to improved acoustics in the home theater space.

When designing your room layout, pinpoint the prime viewing spot – the exact location where you intend to sit or place the home theater-style TV seating and consider the chairs’ specific dimensions. This approach ensures the creation of an optimal movie-watching experience centered around your chosen seat, making it the focal point for the entire design.

Choosing Projector & Screen

When selecting a projector screen, aim for the largest size that comfortably fits within your room. Determining the maximum screen size involves considering factors such as wall dimensions, speaker and lighting installations, and viewing angles based on seating placement. Here are guidelines to help determine the appropriate screen size:

Aspect Ratio: Choose between a 16:9 or 2.35:1 projector screen. The latter adheres to the Cinemascope movie standard, however, the right choice for you depends on your primary content.

Vertical Viewing Angle: Position the top of the lower third of the screen at eye level from your seat, typically ranging from 42 to 48 inches above the ground.

Horizontal Viewing Angle: Follow the THX standard of a 36-degree field of view. For every 1 inch of diagonal screen size, ensure your seating is approximately 1.34 inches away for an optimal viewing experience.

Choosing a projector is primarily determined by its placement within the room. Typically, the most convenient positions involve ceiling mounting or placing it on a shelf along the back wall to prevent guests from walking in front of it or other obstructions. 

Other things to consider based on your desired screen size:

Throw Distance: A projector’s distance from the lens to the screen is called the Throw Distance. The throw ratio is calculated as the distance from the screen to the projector divided by the screen size. A standard projector typically has a throw ratio of 1.5:1, ideally positioned behind your seating area. A short-throw projector boasts a 0.8:1 ratio, while an ultra-short-throw projector has a 0.25:1 ratio.

Lumen Output: Controlling ambient light in the room is crucial for an optimal theater experience. A lumen output of 1,500 is typically ideal for dark rooms. However, for versatility in different lighting conditions, opting for a projector with a higher lumen output is advisable. Larger screens may necessitate higher lumen outputs for enhanced visibility.

Audio System

Regarding audio in your home theater, investing in a surround sound system is essential. The choice of the system is subjective and based on your personal preferences. For the most immersive experience, consider a dedicated home theater sound system where speakers are integrated into the walls or ceiling, with front speakers discreetly positioned behind the screen. This approach ensures seamless compatibility among all components, providing a genuine theater-quality audio experience. Keep in mind for this system you will need an acoustically transparent screen that allows sound waves to effectively pass through so you won’t have obstructed sound.

Alternatively, you have the option of a standard surround sound system, allowing you to determine the number and placement of speakers according to your preferences. Remember to account for the spatial requirements of the speakers in their optimal positions, particularly if you opt for placing them on stands or mounting them on the walls. You’ll want to plan the space accordingly to accommodate these placements in your overall design.

Ambient Lighting 

Another important aspect of your home theater that is often overlooked is lighting. While it may be considered a final touch following other important design decisions, lighting fixtures and installations play a pivotal role in achieving the overall home theater experience. Designing a home cinema involves more than just technical considerations, you want to make sure you’re creating the ideal ambiance. You’re not merely constructing a space for seats and a screen; you’re crafting a comfortable environment that feels like a real movie theater.

This is your opportunity to let those creative juices flow. There are loads of creative options available for home theater lighting such as soffits, recessed lights, dimmers, and rope lights serving as valuable tools to create the perfect ambiance. Explore fixtures on the walls, overhead lighting, or illumination beneath the screen. Additionally, think about lighting the floor or walkways to facilitate comfortable movement or bathroom breaks during a movie.

Two essential rules govern lighting in a home theater. Firstly, avoid directing any lights at the projector screen to prevent a washed-out image when watching with lights on. Secondly, ensure your lights have dimming capabilities, allowing you to gradually adjust the room’s brightness.