With newly built homes containing more square footage than ever before, there is plenty of room for specialty dream spaces like home theaters. Even smaller homes can easily accommodate a modified, simple version of a home theater system. Once considered a luxury, such residential amenities are now within reach for the average homeowner.

Whether you just have room for a basic home theater system or you have a full-fledged home movie theater, the first consideration is the big screen. While this can be any large size television, many people choose to install a home projector theater. This type of system can be a front or rear projection model. Other options for an imposing big screen include flat plasma screens and high-definition television models (also called HDTV). The experts at your neighborhood home theater design store or electronics retailer can make suggestions about the best screen for your space and budget.

The second major component of a home theater system is the sound experience. A home projector theater or other big screen is usually enhanced with some form of surround sound setup. This essential home theater design element is another high-tech item which may require research and consultation with a specialist. In a nutshell, surround sound systems use multiple speakers tactically positioned throughout the home movie theater room. Some of the most popular sound systems are Dolby Pro-Logic which uses four speakers and Dolby Digital which includes an additional fifth speaker with subwoofer bass capability.

To keep the rest of the household nice and quiet, it's a good idea to invest in adequate soundproofing. The optimum solution is to place soundproof panels inside the walls of the theater room. There are materials made specifically for soundproofing, but you can also choose less expensive, high density insulating materials. For example, installing pink insulation and extra drywall layers will reduce sound and vibration from traveling too far. Since sound moves through the air, make sure to seal all doors, cracks, and drywall seams with caulk or weather-stripping. Keep in mind that an upstairs home theater will require insulation or mass loaded vinyl on the floor, while a basement theater will call for soundproofing on the ceiling.

Home Theater Comfort

With all the technical elements in place, it's time to focus on making the home theater design inviting and cozy. For a family room or living room, choose multifunction home theater furniture like couches with built-in recliners or snug chairs with ottomans. This arrangement will allow for comfortable movie viewing while also serving as a central family gathering space the rest of the time.

If you have a separate home entertainment room, then specialized home theater furniture is more appropriate. Typically upholstered in leather, home theater seats are stylish arm chairs with nifty features like cup holders and touch control screens. For the best screen visibility in a dedicated home movie theater space, arrange your home theater furniture in a large semicircle or in tiered rows using platform risers.

To make the most of viewing your home projector theater system, make sure that any windows are covered with light-blocking shades, blinds, or draperies. To further prevent glare issues in a home movie theater, you can also paint the walls a dark shade such as navy, purple, or hunter green. Another option is to upholster the theater walls with a richly colored fabric which will help control the room's acoustics and luminosity level.

No home theater design would be complete without a few extra items. Consider adjustable lighting fixtures which can be dimmed for just the right atmosphere. For an authentic home movie theater experience, include some interesting movie posters and a popcorn machine. Home theater furniture can also be fitted with motion actuators or tactile transducers which pick up on bass frequencies and create an interactive shaking or moving sensation.