In today’s fast-paced world, creating intentional moments with family can be a challenge. One of the best ways to bring everyone together is with a dedicated home movie room and a date on the calendar to mark the tradition.
Every Friday night if we are even remotely close to 7pm and young Audrey catches us in our work clothes, she announces we are breaking the "law", and we are swiftly sent to our room to immediately put on our "cozies".
She knows the rules, and the schedule. Soon enough we end our work week with cuddles, a cozy sectional, large screen T.V., and the best snacks.
It wasn't long before we decided to build out a movie space that set the tone for these special family occasions.
If you think this may be an event you'd like to create for your own family, here are our tips and tricks for designing the optimal movie space for your crew.
1. Choose the Right Location The best movie rooms are set apart from the busiest areas of the house to minimize distractions. If you have a basement, it’s an ideal space because it naturally blocks out sunlight and noise. If you don’t have a separate room, a family room or den can work just as well with the right setup. A room darkening shade can also help reduce glare and bring the theatre experience home on any level of your house!
2. Comfortable Seating is Key The goal of a home movie room is comfort. Opt for plush, oversized seating like sectional sofas, reclining chairs, or even a mix of bean bags and floor cushions for a cozy feel. Consider tiered seating with risers if space allows, ensuring everyone has a great view. We love this option from century furniture with built-in tables. Choose a fabric with Crypton or moisture blocking in the event your snacks and beverages get out of hand.
3. Optimize Your Screen and Sound Invest in a high-quality projector and screen for a true theater experience, or choose a large 4K TV if space is limited. A surround sound system will enhance immersion, making every movie feel larger than life. Soundproofing the walls with acoustic panels or heavy curtains can also improve audio quality and keep outside noise at bay.
4. Set the Mood with Lighting Lighting is crucial for creating a cinematic atmosphere. Install dimmable sconces or LED strip lights to provide a soft glow without creating glare on the screen. Layering light adds to the vibe and will ensure a true theatre experience.
5. Incorporate Unique Design Elements Add personality to your movie room with themed décor. Classic film posters, marquee lights, or a popcorn station can make the space feel like a true home theater. A basket of the softest blankets will provide instant comfort for you and your family. If you have a dedicated room, a dark moody color will most certainly take your space to the next level.
6. Keep Snacks Close By No movie night is complete without snacks! Consider adding a small concession area with a popcorn machine, mini fridge for drinks, and a cabinet for candy and treats. A bar cart can also be a stylish and functional addition for easy access to treats.
7. Make it a Family Tradition Beyond designing the perfect space, the real magic happens when your family gathers to enjoy it. Set a weekly movie night tradition, rotate who picks the film, and create special themed nights with matching snacks or costumes to make it extra fun. Our kids love to create tickets and make signs inviting us to the special show.
Creating a home movie room is more than just designing a space—it’s about crafting an event where your family can reconnect, relax, and enjoy quality time together. With the right setup, your home theater can become the backdrop for cherished memories for years to come.
From my nest to yours,
Hanna Shiplett, Interior Designer
Eden and Gray Design Build
Clive, IA
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