We’re in the golden era of streaming. From some of the best TV we’ve ever seen to blockbuster movies available as soon as they hit the theatres, there’s never been a better time to have your own cinema at home. To help you plan for your perfect home cinema, we’ve partnered with Australia’s award-winning home builder, Metricon, to find out everything you need to know before you buy the projector.
Whether you’re someone that follows the Oscars race obsessively each year, or you’re just addicted to “Vanderpump Rules”, your own home cinema can make every viewing experience a special one.
In fact, with streaming services bringing TV and cinema to us quicker and easier than ever before, having a cinema in your own home opens up a huge range of opportunities for you, your family and your friends. Family movie night? Done. Football watch party? Set. “Australian Survivor” finale viewing night? You’ll be the most popular house on the street.
So, before you go ahead and buy the recliners, here’s everything you need to know for your own home cinema room, with help from Metricon.
1. Think of all the angles
We’ve already talked about some of the ways you can use your new home theatre, but while you’re in the planning stages, it’s important to think about all the ways you’re going to want to use the room. If you’re a gamer, make sure you’ve thought about the tech you’ll need. If your focus is family, think about what seating makes the most sense for everyone, and can be easily cleaned!
Installing your own home cinema is a big investment, so future proof it by making sure the room will grow with you and be ready for whatever you’re going to throw at it.
2. Start with the stage
Now you know the vibe you’re going for with the room, look at what you’ve got to work with in your room. If your room has windows, you’ll need to think about how you’re going to block the light for that ultimate theatre feel. You’ll need to have a certain amount of space to be able to incorporate the seating and, a decent size screen to prevent the room feeling claustrophobic.
Based on your budget, think about what tech you’ll be incorporating. If you’re splurging on surround sound, you’ll need to consider where that can be installed in the room. If you want to use a projector, you’ll require an area big enough for the screen.
Consider whether the lighting you already have installed is the right energy, or if you need something more, like a dimmer system to help boost the mood. Lighting changes can be an inexpensive way to instantly amp up a space and might be the trick to bringing Hollywood to your home.
3. Let’s get technical
Before you can settle down and hit play, there are a couple of technical aspects you need to work through. Acoustics can really make or break your home cinema, particularly for the people around you! Acoustic batts are an inexpensive way to soundproof a space – they come in a number of different styles and designs and don’t need to be an eyesore in your home.
If you’re building from scratch, this is something you can talk through with your builder, but for existing spaces there are acoustic batts available that will help improve the sound experience without damaging your walls or making it feel like you’re moonlighting as a podcaster.
If getting surround sound installed is out of your budget, look at other options such as a sound bar, which will still give you a great audio experience and look incredibly chic. Consider investing in a good entertainment unit or installing some cabinets to house your soundbar and any other tech you need, such as your gaming consoles.
Lastly, it’s time for the big screen. A projector will give you that full theatre experience, but they are a little more technical to install and you’ll need to really consider the size of your space and your light sources before going ahead.
Alternatively, TVs are backlit, so the lighting in your space is less of a concern, and they’re easy to install. TVs have become a lot more affordable in recent times, and the technology is always changing, so do your research and wait for a sale so you can nab the best tech for your budget.
4. Map it out
We’re now ready to go ahead and make movie magic happen, but first, you’ll feel a lot better about the investment you’re about to make if you map everything out. Sit down where you’re planning for the seating to be and see if it’s the right distance from the TV, particularly considering the size of screen you’re looking at.
Measure everything and then measure everything again. There’s nothing worse than ordering the sofa of your dreams only to find out it won’t fit through the doorway. Save the heartache – double check your plans before you pull the trigger!
If you’re looking at incorporating a theatre room into a new build, you can explore some options like different levels, cinema-style lighting, and bougie tech options, so make sure you have a chat with your builder to see how they can help you with your silver screen dreams.
5. Make it a place that feels good
The seats are in, the screen is on, the blackout blinds are drawn. It’s time to add your own personal touches to your new home theatre. LED strip lighting can help add some pizzazz to the space while also being practical. Think about how people will use the space, make sure people have safe places to put their drinks and there’s somewhere to store the remote so it never gets lost.
You can also use this opportunity to bring in some personal style. Classic movie posters are a timeless option, a bar cart adds a bit of glamour, and some snuggly throws and cushions will make sure your new home theatre is a place everyone wants to settle down in.
If you’re looking at building a new home, complete with your dream home cinema, Metricon are here to help. Metricon is committed to the homes they build and have over 45 years of experience in helping Australians love where they live. That’s why they’re Australia’s most trusted home builder.
Start your dream home journey with Metricon today here.