Things You'll Need:
- Measuring tape
- Masking tape
- DVD projector
- Surround-sound speakers
- Speakermounting kits
- Speaker cables
- Blank screen
- Authentic theater seats
- Light dimmer
- Popcorn cups and popcorn
- Soda cups
- Theater snacks (Goobers, M&Ms)
- Cable runners
- Cable floor mounts
- Mountable wall shelves
- Hammer
- Nails
- Carpenter's level
- Mounting brackets
- Drywall screws
- Screwdriver
- Microwave
- Light dimmer
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Step 1
Measure the space you have set aside for your movie theater. Ideally, you should set aside an entire room for the project with no windows or other elements to distract from the look. (Basements work extremely well.) Measure the distance between the space where you will mount a DVD projector and the front wall (where you will mount the screen). Determine how large the image will be when projected from that distance and how high the projector needs to be mounted to project the image where you want it. An easy way to do this is simply turn the DVD projector on, then move it by hand until the image is in the optimal place. Mark that location with masking tape, then mark the spot where the projector should go. When determining the screen location, make sure it is at a comfortable eye-line height when you sit down.
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Step 2
Measure the space for your theater seats. Ideally, they should be a distance from the screen equal to two to three times its diagonal length. For example, a 60-inch screen should have seats between 10 and 15 feet away from it. Particulars will vary, and you may need to be flexible if you intend to include multiple rows of seats.
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Step 3
Mark locations for your speakers on the walls. For a movie-theater experience, use a surround-sound system: two main speakers in front, two in the rear, a subwoofer and perhaps a pair of side speakers as well. Note their locations in the room with masking tape and consider how you can run cables to the projector from those locations.
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Step 4
Mount a pair of brackets to hold your screen according to the positions you marked with masking tape. Use a carpenter's level to make sure they are parallel to the floor and secure the brackets to the wall with drywall screws. (Most commercial screens come with their own mounting brackets.)
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Step 5
Mount the projector itself. For ceiling projectors, select a space on the ceiling designed to project the optimal-sized image onto the screen. With smaller rooms, you don't need to use a ceiling projector, but instead can mount a shelf to the back wall using nails or drywall screws. Use the carpenter's level to keep it parallel to the floor and make sure the shelf is deep enough to hold the projector comfortably.
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Step 6
Place your speakers in their designated locations, mounting them to the walls using mounting kits.
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Step 7
Run cables from the speakers to the projector, and from the projector to the nearest power outlet. Ideally, you'll run the cables through the walls or underneath the carpet. In a pinch, use plastic runners along the base of the wall and cable floor mounts to keep anyone from tripping on them.
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Step 8
Install theater seating in the places you have marked. You can use standard recliners and other furniture, but authentic theater seats really complete the experience.
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Step 9
Unscrew the off/off switch for the lights in the room and install a dimmer instead. That allows you to turn down the lights gradually rather than simply switching them off.
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Step 10
Set up a small corner of the room to act as your concession stand and stock it with movie treats. Include a microwave or air popper for popcorn, a refrigerator for soda and a freezer for ice. Be sure to include "movie candy" like Raisinettes and Goobers, and use real movie cups to serve the soda and popcorn in. (See Resources.)
