Small home theater design has been in high demand over the last several years, mostly because the costs of high-definition (HD) televisions have dropped movie theater prices have surged. But a great home cinema system requires more than a good film and visuals. It needs to be loud, connected, comfortable and well lit. If you’re still watching TV on a small screen in an overcrowded living room, it’s time to upgrade. Here’s how.
What You Need for a Small Theater Room
A small home theater system doesn’t have to be expensive or extensive. All you need is an HDTV, a few electronic devices, great speakers and the right lighting—all working together in harmony. Let’s take a closer look at the basics.
Flat-Screen, HDTV and Receiver
You probably already have this crucial component of a small theater room, but if your TV needs an upgrade, now’s the time to do it. It doesn’t just have to have a huge screen either, though the bigger it is, the better your viewing experience will be. The latest models are light and thin, and come with “smart” features like built-in internet streaming, Wi-Fi connectivity to your other devices, reminders, and more. For the best experience, mount the TV with a mounting bracket on the wall studs, concrete or brick wall. Professional media room installers can help you minimize space usage with small flat-panel displays and motorized screen options that hide the video display when you’re finished using it.
You also need a solid receiver to be the hub that handles the system’s video and audio. Your consoles, streaming set-top boxes, game units, and most other inputs will be plugged into it, giving you one device that connects all your gear.
Speakers
The biggest benefit of setting up a home cinema system is having surround sound. A decent set of speakers that suits your space will make everything you watch become an immersive experience. You can find speakers at all sizes and price points, so no matter how big or small your room is, you’ll find a way to enjoy great audio. A professional home theater company can even help you hide your speakers from view.
Cables and Power
Whether it’s HDMI, Ethernet cable, composite video, component video or plain old speaker cable, you’ll need the best wiring for your small home theater design setup. Take the opportunity to buy some new power strips to keep everything organized, or better yet, hire a professional to help conceal all the wiring in decorative wire-track molding.
Furniture and Lighting
While entertainment is the core element of your small theater room, the layout and lighting add to the experience. Focus on how you want to experience the room before wiring or setting up speakers. The TV is best mounted on the wall or in a corner—someplace where there won’t be a lot of glare or light. Then set up the furniture in a comfortable watching position. For the ultimate customization, consider installing ceiling lights with dimmers.
Hire a Professional Home Theater Company
Keep in mind that a home cinema system company offers complete packages that bundle all the necessary equipment together for one price. Ranging from several hundred dollars to several thousand, there’s a small home theater system to fit needs.