A home theater installation naturally gravitate toward the basement—often the home's most self-contained space, as well as its quietest and darkest. There's no reason not to consider a living room or spare bedroom for a home theater installation, but it's possible these spaces will require more customization to ensure proper lighting and sound control.

The first thing to investigate in your location is the ability to wire the room for lighting, video, audio and internet access. Lighting, audio and video wiring are essential, while internet access is somewhat optional but recommended and a feature of most modern home theaters.

Your choices here are just about infinite in terms of cost and complexity, but one guiding factor you can use initially is the size of your home theater room. The room's dimensions will go a long way toward determining things like the size of the TV or projection screen needed, the number or speakers required for your sound system, and the lighting system. Other considerations for AV, lighting etc

the scope and configuration of the space will be a factor when it comes to the amount and type of furniture and decorations you'll choose. For example, larger home theaters sometimes feature cinema-style stadium seating, with large armchairs provided for each guest.

The last design consideration for any home theater is thematic—as you browse existing spaces for inspiration, you may notice that many homeowners with the space and resources to do so opt for a design that features a nod to the modern cinema experience, with curtains and carpets. Ultimately, the choice is yours as the opening credits roll on your home theater project.

A home theater installation naturally gravitate toward the basement—often the home's most self-contained space, as well as its quietest and darkest. There's no reason not to consider a living room or spare bedroom for a home theater installation, but it's possible these spaces will require more customization to ensure proper lighting and sound control.

The first thing to investigate in your location is the ability to wire the room for lighting, video, audio and internet access. Lighting, audio and video wiring are essential, while internet access is somewhat optional but recommended and a feature of most modern home theaters.

Your choices here are just about infinite in terms of cost and complexity, but one guiding factor you can use initially is the size of your home theater room. The room's dimensions will go a long way toward determining things like the size of the TV or projection screen needed, the number or speakers required for your sound system, and the lighting system. Other considerations for AV, lighting etc

the scope and configuration of the space will be a factor when it comes to the amount and type of furniture and decorations you'll choose. For example, larger home theaters sometimes feature cinema-style stadium seating, with large armchairs provided for each guest.

The last design consideration for any home theater is thematic—as you browse existing spaces for inspiration, you may notice that many homeowners with the space and resources to do so opt for a design that features a nod to the modern cinema experience, with curtains and carpets. Ultimately, the choice is yours as the opening credits roll on your home theater project.