There’s nothing like settling in to watch a good movie, and it’s made even better when you get to do it in your home theater!
A basement theater is an absolute must if you are an avid movie lover. It’s a great way to gather family and friends together, and you’re sure to make some great memories together.
However, before you can enjoy that magical moment, you must get all the essentials together. Look at our top essentials you will definitely want to have in your home theater.
Projector and Screen
First things first, you’re going to want to make sure you have a good projector and screen for your home theater system. Without this, you don’t have a home theater!
When looking for a projector, you’ll want to make sure to look for the following:
- Good resolution. The more pixels you have on a screen, the better the quality is going to be. We recommend having a projector with 4k resolution. This will ensure the highest quality image for your movie watching.
- Quality light output. Projectors are sensitive to light, and the quality of the image may be impacted by how much light may be coming into your home theater. Ideally, your projector will allow for 3,000 lumens or more.
- The right input sources. Consider what you’re going to be displaying on the screen. Are you ever going to be hooking up a computer or a gaming console? Take this into consideration when looking for a projector for your basement theater.
Intentional Lighting
Something else you’ll want to consider is how to have the right lighting. You may find that you’re going to be incorporating a home theater in a part of your basement that has windows, or perhaps a sliding door. If that’s the case, investing in blackout curtains is going to be a wise purchase.
However, if you’re doing more extensive renovations in your basement, it would be worth considering how to create a space for your home theater without windows. This is the easiest way to eliminate light infiltration and will elevate your movie-watching experience.
The Right Kind of Flooring
We get it; this probably isn’t at the top of your list of priorities for your basement theater. But trust us when we say that flooring makes a huge difference in your overall experience in your home theater.
Tile and wood are popular flooring options, but not ones that we recommend having in a theater room. Carpet is going to be the best option. They help with cutting down sound, and eliminating potential distractions while watching a movie or playing video games.
A Good Speaker System
The right speaker system is an absolute must for a home theater system. Many people look at installing a home theater because they want an immersive movie-watching experience.
Incorporating things like surround sound or an extra subwoofer can make a world of difference in your home theater. Speaker systems have a significant range in price, and it’s true what they say: you get what you pay for. Consider your budget while also picturing how you want your experience to be in your home theater when choosing your speaker system.
High-Quality Acoustic Panels
Acoustic panels are a phenomenal addition to a home theater! These panels, commonly made of foam and fabric, have the ability to absorb sound, making it easier to keep the sound of a thrilling film contained.
You can hang acoustic panels on your walls or hang them from your ceiling if there is enough space. They come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, making it easy to find something that fits your style.
You could even get creative and use your acoustic panels to make a piece of art on your wall! The possibilities are endless.
A Universal Remote
Another essential item in your home theater system is a universal remote. It’s far too easy to collect remotes that complete one action each. No one wants one remote to turn the projector on and off, another to control volume, and a third remote to control your streaming services.
An easy way to fix that is to get a high-quality universal remote. It takes minutes to set up, and it will save you a lot of hassle down the line.
Drink and Snack Bar
What trip to the theater is complete without popcorn and a drink? The same logic applies to your home theater! Dedicating a corner of your theater room to snacks is going to be a huge hit, and is easy to enhance over time.
You could make this area of your home theater really amazing in a total remodel of your basement. Include a mini fridge with a variety of sodas and juices. Leave space for a standing popcorn machine. Put out a basket of king-size candy bars, or maybe even a candy dispensing machine!
Eye-Catching Decor
Time to add the finishing touches! The right decor can make your home theater a place where your family and friends will love to spend their time.
Make sure there are plenty of cozy blankets and pillows so everyone can get comfortable for the movie. You could also get some movie posters of your favorite films to display, or keep it classic with some timeless film posters.
You could also look at movie theater-style sconces for some soft lighting. There are tons of styles to choose from, so you can get the style of the room exactly how you want.
Use Utah Basement Builders to Get Your Dream Home Theater
Looking for a way to create the home theater of your dreams? The team here at Utah Basement Builders has got you covered! Serving individuals in Utah County and Salt Lake County, we love helping make your basement dreams a reality.
We are your basement theater room experts. From flooring to lighting to setting up the perfect entertainment space, we can help bring your ideas to life. Contact us today to get started!