Basement movie theatres are all the rage. They offer the blockbuster experience from the comfort of your own home. Building a home theatre in your basement isn’t just for personal enjoyment, either. For every $1,000 you invest in renovating your basement, you can recoup around $700 when you sell your home. Until then, you can enjoy your basement makeover with guests thanks to these tips that go beyond the basics to create a luxury experience.

Don’t Forget Lighting

It’s easy to think that your basement theatre should be completely dark. Limiting ambient light is essential, but movie theatres install dim lights on the walls and track lighting on the floor to ensure that you can see when getting snacks or going to the bathroom. LED strips are easy to cut to size and can be dimmed with a remote control. Make sure to pre-wire wall sconces when soundproofing your home theatre.

Keep Your Expectations Realistic

You know that soundproofing your basement theatre is a necessity. Otherwise, your surround sound will bother others in the house and potentially the neighborhood! Additional layers of drywall, soundboard, and MLV for wrapping pipes and ducts all help to minimize sound that can leave the room. Furthermore, acoustic panels, carpet tiles, and bass traps improve the sound quality inside your theatre, while sound curtains tackle both issues.

Consider All Your Seating Options

Although oversized recliners will make your home theatre feel more like the real thing, you’re not limited to them. A large sectional may be more comfortable and kid-friendly, not to mention that it allows you to snuggle up. Modular sofas and ottomans also offer customization that recliners lack. Plus, ottomans can serve as storage for extra blankets and pillows. Finally, if you have space, consider installing a counter with stools behind the plush seating where people can snack. It will go well with the next tip!

Add a Bar

If you want an easy way to make your movie space stand out from other home theatres, consider adding a bar in the back of the room. Cabinets and a mini-fridge keep snacks and drinks (both alcoholic and carbonated) nearby, so your guests never need to leave the room. A sink and drying rack will make cleanup more convenient for you. However, if you don’t have room for a bar, consider a bar cart with the essentials.

These are just a few of the things to consider as you build your basement theatre. The possibilities are endless and you can customize the space just the way you want it. When you’re ready to get started, get in touch with us!