Spare Bedrooms are Home Theaters Just Waiting to Happen

Home theaters are here to stay. A few years ago these remodels were talked about as a fading trend, but the recent changes in technology have not only made them and their components more available but also more affordable. What's even better is that home theater installation is not as extensive as other remodels like bathrooms and kitchens. And if you have your theater installed in a spare bedroom or basement, the interruption to your family will be minimal.

What Goes into Home Theater Installs?
Most of the items involved in home theater installation are ones you can imagine: TV, entertainment center, and stereo with surround sound. These are baseline items in the same way that kitchens have sinks, counters, appliances, and cabinets. The way to make your theater unique or affordable are the choices you make for the specific items.

The television is the focal point, so it will of course need a little more attention than other items. As you know, there are hundreds of different televisions on the market to fit any-sized room or budget. However, most people choose the flat screen because it gives back space in this room that can be used for guests, chairs, mini fridges, and other necessary items for your viewing pleasure.

The other items are the sweet spot of home theaters.

Seating: Some people like big comfy chairs, others like couches or sectionals, and still others like recliners. Some have even gone so far as to install actual theater seats (which seems odd given how uncomfortable they are).

Drywall: Tear out the drywall and wire for surround sound. If this isn't in your budget, then you can just wire externally and hide the wires along the corners of the floor or where the wall meets the ceiling.

Soundproofing: If you decide to remove the drywall for surround sound, it is a good idea to soundproof the room. Soundproofing is a good choice because the noise will not interrupt the rest of the house, and it will also further enhance the audio environment of the room.

Entertainment Center: This is most likely key to a home theater, unless you are using a projection screen television. You can save a little money by using a prefab entertainment center. If you are going all out, have a carpenter build a custom entertainment center to fit your room and your needs.

Stadium Style: If the room is large enough, consider building a 9-12" platform at the back of the room for stadium seating. This will allow you to seat more people, and make it feel like an actual theater.