How to Build a Home Theater with a Sectional Sofa

Using a sectional sofa for home theater seating is a comfortable alternative option.

Home theaters offer the option for comfort not typically possible in commercial environments. Although theater seating is available, very often a different feel is desired, introducing the option for sofas and more-conventional furniture. Given the extensive seating space offered by sectional sofas, sectionals are very popular for such applications. Special considerations for speaker placement become a factor, but with proper planning and equipment selection, this need not pose problems.

Things You'll Need

• Sectional sofa Home theater speakers Long RCA cable Home theater receiver/remote/manual Extension cord Measuring tape

Instructions

1. Measure the screen size in relation to where the intended seating will be placed. Measure the screen diagonally and multiply the result by 2 to establish minimum seating distance.

2. Place the surround speakers at least 18 inches above ear height when seated in the sectional. The location of the surrounds should be slightly to the rear of the sofa. This factor is critical, given the uneven seating positions inherent with a sectional sofa.

3. Sit in the middle of the sectional. Point the two front speakers so that the speaker grilles are pointed directly at this middle position. Place the center channel speaker directly above or below the screen, ensuring that it is parallel to the front two speakers.

4. Place the subwoofer at the middle seating position on the floor in front of the sofa. Connect the subwoofer to the home theater receiver with a long RCA cable, of sufficient length to reach the seating area. Plug the subwoofer in to a nearby outlet, using an extension cord if necessary.

5. Consult the receiver's manual to determine how to access the unit's test tones. Navigate to the subwoofer test tones using the receiver's remote. Walk along the perimeter of the room until the smoothest bass is heard. This will be the final location for the subwoofer.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use dipole surrounds with a sectional sofa. Dipoles require that they operate directly parallel with the seating position, which of course is not conducive for use with an L-shaped piece of furniture. Bipolar or direct-radiating surrounds are preferred with this seating type.

References

• Dolby Labs: Frequently Asked Questions About Dolby Digital
• Home Theater Mag: Face Off: Surround-Speaker Configuration Wars

Resources

• Wild West Electronics: A Listener's Guide to Dolby Digital EX