How do you set up a home theater room?
Andrew Ramirez
Published Mar 05, 2026
How do you set up a home theater room?
If you’re thinking about building a home theater, let HGTV walk you through the steps.
- Step 1: Choose a Location.
- Step 2: Frame and Insulate.
- Step 3: Pre-Wire Surround Sound.
- Step 4: Pre-Wire a Video Projector.
- Step 5: Pre-Wire Lighting.
- Step 6: Install Drywall and Sound Barriers.
- Step 7: Set Up Video and Sound Systems.
Where should I put my home cinema?
Here is how such a system should be installed:
- The Centre Speaker – just above or below the screen.
- The Left/Right Speakers – on the sides of the screen, at ear height.
- The Side Surrounds – right behind the main row of seating, on the side walls.
- The Rear Surrounds – on the back wall.
Does a movie room add value to your house?
Turning a bonus room or spare bedroom into a home theater is a great way to increase your home’s value. For example, if you spend $10,000 to install a home theater, you will likely increase your home’s value by $6,500. Not only will a home theater increase your home’s value but it will also make it easier to market.
Which home Theatre is best for home?
Comparison Of Best Home Theaters
| Tool Name | Best For | Channel |
|---|---|---|
| Sony HT-RT3 | Music and Games | 5.1 Channel |
| Sony HT-RT40 | Surround Sound | 5.1 Channel |
| F&D F3800X | Remote Control Use | 5.1 Channel |
| Philips SPA8000B | MP3, PC and TV | 5.1 Channel |
What Colour should a cinema room be?
Colors such as grey, dark brown, burgundy, or black are good choices. Anything that is dark will cut down on light from the TV or projector bouncing around. White, along with other light color choices, should be avoided for the best experience.
How much does it cost to set up a media room?
Basic: From $3,000+ Getting the basics right is what counts when you’re building a media room on a tight budget. This means getting a decent video and sound system and making some simple alterations to your room to maximize its acoustic qualities. You should earmark roughly $3,000+* for a simple but sound set-up.
Do you need a cinema in Your House?
A home cinema is a must-have in any contemporary home with the space to spare. With wide screen TVs and projectors more affordable, and a variety of providers streaming the latest box sets, a home cinema is the perfect place for the whole family to unwind.
How to set up a home movie theater?
Add molding and trim around the ceiling and on the walls of your theater to give it an authentic movie theater look and feel. Choose dark paint to help make the room as dark as possible, such as a matte black or an emerald green. Install dimmable lights around the perimeter of the room to recreate that classic theater vibe.
Do you need drop down screen for home cinema?
A drop-down screen can be convenient in a room that’s used for other activities; that way, the home cinema needn’t dominate the space when not in use. It is more important to get the light levels right in a room with a projector, so ensure window dressings block light effectively.
What kind of sound do you need for a cinema room?
Most cinema rooms use 5.1 surround sound: the ‘five’ represents the five satellite speakers (three around or behind the screen (left, right and centre), and two at the rear of the room); the ‘one’ is the subwoofer, which provides the low-pitched frequencies or bass.
A home cinema is a must-have in any contemporary home with the space to spare. With wide screen TVs and projectors more affordable, and a variety of providers streaming the latest box sets, a home cinema is the perfect place for the whole family to unwind.
Add molding and trim around the ceiling and on the walls of your theater to give it an authentic movie theater look and feel. Choose dark paint to help make the room as dark as possible, such as a matte black or an emerald green. Install dimmable lights around the perimeter of the room to recreate that classic theater vibe.
Where to place the speakers in a home cinema system?
Then place left and right front speakers either side of the TV or screen, perhaps in the corner of the room. The rear speakers go behind you, directly opposite the front speakers, and round-off a 5.1 set-up. A 7.1 set-up adds side speakers, while a 9.1 channel system adds front height speakers.
A drop-down screen can be convenient in a room that’s used for other activities; that way, the home cinema needn’t dominate the space when not in use. It is more important to get the light levels right in a room with a projector, so ensure window dressings block light effectively.