I'm just finalizing room sizes for my new house we plan to build.

I would love your input on what size room to ask for in my home theater.

I plan to use an acoustically transparent 2.35:1 screen which I already have purchased and have enough material to do a 12' wide screen.

There will be no equipment in the room (other than speakers/projector)

We plan to have 2 rows of 3 seats (Salamander Talia) each row of 3 seats being 101" wide.

I figure we need at least 3-4 feet on either side of that to ensure adequate distance between surround speakers and listener, as well as to accommodate the riser for the 2nd row, and the step up to it.

Ceilings are 9'

We might do a bar seating area at the very end to accommodate overflow, but this isn't necessary.

what are your recommendations?

Is 18' x 25' ok? should it be narrower and deeper, or just deeper, or is this a reasonable size?

I have a relatively blank slate, so I'd rather get it right now before I finalize construction contracts.

There's only 3 of us in my family, so I don't feel the need to have too much overflow room considering I'm putting in 3 extra seats to start with - but would be good to hear your opinions.


..David

18'x25' is a good sized theater. I see no issues with your seating requirements in that space. Should feel nice and open even.

I've got a 16' x 21' theater with 8 seats (45004). My 4 chairs are 120" wide.

I wouldn't mind an extra foot on each side, and an extra two feet in the back would give a bit more distance between the rear seats and the rear speakers.

18' x 25' foot would be plenty big for my 2 rows of 4. I'd say its the right length for you. You could go even a couple of feet narrower, although there is no real reason to.

Width-wise you should be fine.

Length-wise you may want to put some time into laying things out. You should still be ok, but take a look.

Depending on how close you want to put your first row of seats to a 120” screen, how much extra space to provide walking space for the second row (without the need for anyone to have to put their footrests down to let someone else get by) and how much area you might want for a bar, the front to back space might be used up pretty quick.

Add in a false screen wall to hide your speakers behind (moving the screen 3 or so feet forward from the front wall) and everything else needs to move back accordingly.

Again though, 18 by 25 would be a nice size for 6 chairs, I am currently working with about 14x22 for 6 Berkline 13175 chairs leaving 3 ½ feet behind the back row for access to a sliding glass door.

-Suntan