A trip to the movies is a great day or night out. The atmosphere, the smell and taste of popcorn, the big screen, the darkness and the huge sound. For over a century now, audiences have been enjoying the moving picture. And as the years go on, budgets get bigger, special effects get more creative, and we continue to be dazzled and impressed by films.
But what if you want to recreate that experience at home? It is possible to create a home theatre, and you can even Do It Yourself (DIY). So, read on because we’re sharing our top five tips towards creating the perfect DIY home movie experience in this article.
Invest in a Great Entertainment Unit
The first step in this process is buying or building a brilliant entertainment unit. This should encase your television, as well as providing space for your sound system (more on that soon) and storage for all of your films.
If you’re handy with the tools, you might be able to build a custom-made unit yourself, to your required specifications and design. If you’re not, you can probably find a tradesperson for designing and building one for you. Otherwise, there are plenty of decent units available on the retail market.
Cinema Quality Sound
The next step is to get your sound sorted. Movies, especially the latest blockbusters, benefit from high fidelity sound, including big bass.
You can get the right results easily, but it will cost you a bit of money. The first option is a soundbar, but don’t neglect the subwoofer if you choose this route.
Otherwise, a full hi-fi set up with a receiver, speakers and subwoofer is the way to go. Don’t neglect the bass for those huge rumbles and booms that come with watching movies.
A Word About Windows
Your windows are going to have an impact on your viewing experience. This is because they can cause sound reflection and distortion, which can negatively impact your overall experience. They can also let in too much light, which can cause screen glare.
If you are custom building a whole room, consider having no windows or making them quite small. If you’re using your living room or a rumpus, for example, invest in some heavy curtains or drapes that will block out the sun as well as dampening the sound reflections.
Why Not Get Comfortable
Your seating is another important factor in DIY home theatre designs. You want good quality, comfortable chairs or couches. This is so you can relax and unwind as you enjoy your films. If you can find a reclining couch or lounge set even better, this will truly replicate a gold class movie experience. Seats with cup holders would be awesome as well, to replicate the cinema experience.
Don’t Hang Art or Pictures in the Room
This is because they can rattle and shake with the bass, distracting you from your viewing. In terms of any sound treatment for your walls, don’t fret too much. Plain walls are fine; you don’t need any foam or cardboard on them. Just be mindful of the volume if you live in an apartment or dense unit block.
Summing Up
A fit for purpose home entertainment unit is the first step in a neat DIY home theatre. Next, consider your sound system and how your films will sound. Consider the above advice about windows, and if you’re not building a custom room, invest in some heavy drapes or curtains. Make sure you have comfortable seating, which high-quality recliners a must. Finally, don’t hang any art or pictures on your home cinema wall.
