Jesse Yardley, Fotographix
Small traditional open concept home theatre in Calgary with grey walls, carpet and a projector screen.

A Lower Level Meant for Entertaining

Homes by Design

This lower level combines several areas into the perfect space to have a party or just hang out. The theater area features a starlight ceiling that even include a comet that passes through every minute. Premium sound and custom seating make it an amazing experience. The sitting area has a brick wall and fireplace that is flanked by built in bookshelves. To the right, is a set of glass doors that open all of the way across. This expands the living area to the outside. Also, with the press of a button, blackout shades on all of the windows... turn day into night. Seating around the bar makes playing a game of pool a real spectator sport... or just a place for some fun. The area also has a large workout room. Perfect for the times that pool isn't enough physical activity for you.

Home Theatre

Intune Home Theater, LLC

Photo of a mid-sized traditional open concept home theatre in Miami with white walls, a built-in media wall and medium hardwood floors.

Buckingham Residence

Wolstenholme Associates, LLC

photo by Katrina Mojzesz http://www.topkatphoto.com
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional open concept home theatre in Philadelphia with carpet, a projector screen, brown floor and white walls.

Theater Room

Martin Bros. Contracting, Inc.

Grab a drink and some popcorn and it's time to sit back and watch the show. Glass display case serves as the bar top for the beautifully finished custom bar. The bar is served by a full-size paneled-front Sub-Zero refrigerator, undercounter ice maker, a Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer & a Bosch Speed Oven. General Contracting by Martin Bros. Contracting, Inc.; James S. Bates, Architect; Interior Design by InDesign; Photography by Marie Martin Kinney.

Traditional Home Theater

Cinema Design Group

Photo of a mid-sized traditional open concept home theatre in Miami with black walls, carpet, a projector screen and black floor.

Entertainment Center

Dickinson Cabinetry

Custom white home entertainment center with decorative shelving.
Photo of a large traditional open concept home theatre in San Francisco with white walls and a built-in media wall.

Chatham Hills - Country French

Old Town Design Group

The basement kitchen opens up to a theater room with ample seating for guests. Photo Credit: Tom Graham
Photo of a large traditional open concept home theatre in Indianapolis with beige walls, carpet, a projector screen and beige floor.

River Road Home

Colonial Homecrafters, Ltd.

Home Theater with dining area.
Design ideas for a large traditional open concept home theatre in Richmond with brown walls, carpet and a projector screen.

Family Centric Home

Matt Powers Custom Homes & Renovations

B-Rad Photography
Large traditional open concept home theatre in Houston with beige walls, carpet and a wall-mounted tv.

天井埋込スピーカー

無美家具製作所

ホームシアター空間のための天井埋込スピーカー
Small traditional open concept home theatre with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a wall-mounted tv and beige floor.

A Basement with a "Sports Bar" Feel

Gramophone

Leaving the back of the theater open to the rest of the basement achieves the "sports bar" feel that the client wanted. Future plans are to add a motorized drape behind the second row of seats to close the theater off as a dedicated space. Photo Credit: kevin Kelley, Gramophone

Small Yard in Potomac MD

Inviting Spaces

Joylyn Hannahs Photography, LLC
Inspiration for a small traditional open concept home theatre in DC Metro.

Kiawah Island Residence

Herlong Architects

Design ideas for a large traditional open concept home theatre in Charleston with brown walls and a built-in media wall.

Media Rooms

Universal Systems

This is an example of a large traditional open concept home theatre in Dallas with blue walls, carpet, a projector screen and multi-coloured floor.

Amazing Basements

Southampton Builders

Paul Schlisman Photography Courtesy of Southampton Builders LLC.
Design ideas for a large traditional open concept home theatre in Chicago with brown walls, carpet, a projector screen and brown floor.

Theater Room in a Small Basement Remodel

IMPROVE or MOVE

Media viewing for six
Large traditional open concept home theatre in Newark with red walls, carpet and a built-in media wall.

East Hampton Residence

Merritt

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional open concept home theatre with brown walls, carpet and a built-in media wall.

Tuscany

Cedro Fine Woodwork Inc

Photo of a large traditional open concept home theatre in Calgary with grey walls, light hardwood floors, a wall-mounted tv and beige floor.

Media Room

Overture Ultimate Home Electronics

Inspiration for a large traditional open concept home theatre in Other with green walls, carpet, a wall-mounted tv and multi-coloured floor.

Traditional Open Concept Home Theatre Design Photos

A traditional theatre room can take time and money to perfect, but when done right, it can blow you (and your friends!) away. Technology has never been better, and with the likes of a 3D TV, projector or super-sized TV, surround sound, comfy sofa and recliner chairs, you can easily bring Hollywood into your home. True film fanatics might even install a popcorn machine or fairy floss maker! Add a gaming console that can hook up to the big screen and you have yourself a fully functional media room. If you’re really serious about creating your own traditional home theatre, spend some time researching the right home theatre systems for your needs, as well as speakers, lighting and lounge furniture. Or, seek the help of a Home Theatre Professional for advice on audio visual and home automation.

Do I need a designated room for a home cinema?

If you have space to spare, a separate cinema room can be quite the luxury, but it’s definitely not necessary to enjoy all the benefits of home theatre experience. Most people integrate their home cinema into their living room. So you don’t compromise on style, consider having your TV screen mounted to the wall, or install a projector that can be stowed away when not in use. If in your living room, try to disguise your speakers and any cables. Ceiling-integrated speakers are a great option. Otherwise, in a standalone traditional theatre room, consider making your speakers a feature.

What should I look for in home theatre seating?

Comfort should be front of mind when looking for traditional home theatre seating, so look for options that allow you to sink in, recline and adjust your headrest. For an authentic cinema-going experience, stadium seating is a must. Platforms and stairs, complete with LED step lighting, can mimic tiers. Leather recliner chairs are a top-end choice, or you could opt for several modular sofas and ottomans instead. To cater for those who like to watch, eat and drink at the same time, look for seating that has cup holders, or install a bar area with turnable stools.

What equipment should I add to my traditional media room?

A projector and projector screen will lead to a more dramatic movie experience, but the picture can be slightly blurry if the equipment quality is bad. A high-definition plasma or LCD TV might not be quite as large scale, but will deliver a more crisp, clear image. You can, however, find oversized wall-mounted TVs that match the size of a projector screen – but these do cost a pretty penny. Next, enhance your cinema experience with surround sound to make the movie-goers feel like they’re right in the middle of the action. Home automation can further replicate the real cinema experience. Consider installing lights that automatically dim once the film starts, or LED strip lighting that comes on when a movie is paused. Finish your fit-out with a gaming console so you can use the big screen and comfy seats to battle your friends.