Film buffs everywhere agree there is no better way to watch a movie than in the cinema. But cinema goers live in fear of dodgy seats, bank-breaking popcorn prices and the inevitable wrapper-crinkling chatterbox. Along with the ever-increasing popularity of movie streaming services, it’s no surprise more of us are looking to recreate the cinema experience in the comfort of our own homes. But how is it possible?
Creating a space
Cinemas have many specific qualities that make them ideal environments for viewing films, which is why it’s best to give them their own allocated space. When creating a new space for a home cinema you have two main options:
- Converting an existing wasted or unused space in the home.
- Building a brand new space especially for your home cinema.
Converting
Converting an existing space is a great way to make the most out of your home and will be generally cheaper than building something brand new. Wasted or unused space is typically found in:
- Basements: these are especially good for cinemas due to their natural low light and soundproofing qualities. Be conscious of head height as a low basement may limit some features of a home cinema, such as tiered seating.
- Garages: if you can afford to give up the space, garages are also good for home cinemas. But be wary of windows as they are more difficult to soundproof and will let light in if not properly covered.
- Lofts: loft conversions are a great way of making the most out of your home, but they may take some extra thought when converting into a cinema. Extra windows and angled ceilings could make things awkward.
Outbuildings and sheds: an outbuilding such as shed or detached garage can be transformed into a home cinema. However, be wary of size, durability and soundproofing. Your typical wood garden shed probably won’t do the trick!
Building
Building a brand new room is very desirable as they can be purpose built, meaning your cinema or media room can be completed to a professional level, with extreme comfort, style, and better picture and sound quality - the standout choice for any devout cinephile. But building new will require a bigger budget, and you also need to be careful whenever building something with a specific purpose. Sometimes it prevents other potential for the space, putting off future buyers. Your options for building are:
- Extension: you can extend your home pretty much any way you like if you have the space and authority to do so, be that in the loft, basement, to the side of your property or at the rear. A large extension might give you enough space to build a home cinema on its own, or you might combine an extension with an interior refurbishment to create a space you can use. Read more about extensions and their costs here.
- Outbuilding: garden rooms and annexes are premium options for a home cinema. Being detached from the main house can be a great way of alleviating noise disturbance and allows you to focus the design solely on the cinema experience. However, the detachment may cause problems with accessibility if not properly thought out. Nobody wants to walk through the rain when they need the toilet!
When planning to convert or build new, we always recommend hiring an architect. Architects understand the process of transforming a home and will make sure your vision becomes a reality quicker, safer and to the highest quality possible. At Resi, we offer free consultations to anyone looking to transform their home space. Book yours here.
Whether converting, building or simply adjusting an existing setup, there are a number of qualities you can focus on to create a better cinema experience.