Wow! What a great forum. I just found this and love it.

I am building a new home and attached is the existing floor plan for the basement. This was a predesigned blue print and is begging to be touched up! The Media Room is the area of interest but walls can be moved and rooms removed. That "Play Area" behind the media room could be deleted and the side wall made larger.

Here is what I am looking to do...

1.) I would probably like three rows of seating

2.) Not necessary but I might like a small dinner table at the back for entertainment purposes.

3.) Not necessary but a small kitchenette / bar might be good as well. (Sink, 3/4 fridge/freezer combo, some cabinets, etc.

4.) Move the entrance from the front to the back of the room.

5.) Soundproof as much as possible. The room directly above this is the "Great Room" on the main level.

Just so you know, I will be purchasing new components and speakers. The video will most likely be projection onto the front wall and recommendations on screen size is also needed, as well as suggested viewing distances and possible tiered seating heights.

Thank you in advance for your assistance. It is GREATLY appreciated!!!

Here is the space:

In which room are you going to build the theater? The family room or media room. The media room will be too small for 3 rows of seats (20' long), unless you plan on using traditional theater seats and not recliners, but that might even be tight. You may want to contact one of the HT designers on this forum, such as Dennis, if you want someone to walk you through start to finish (for a price).

You may want to contact one of the HT designers on this forum, such as Dennis, if you want someone to walk you through start to finish (for a price).

Thank you for the response, Gonzo.

Although I am looking to build a very nice home theater, I am not looking to build the Ultimate HT. I just want a nice place to retreat, to watch a movie or TV. It doesn't have to be something acoustically perfect or in a magazine.

It would be an insult to hire someone as talented as Dennis to design a space for me. I probably wouldn't appreciate all his hard work.

Therefore, I am hoping to get input from others who have enjoyed designing their space so that I can learn from their efforts......why reinvent the wheel?! :-)

Thank you.

So which room are you planning on building the theater (Family room or media room). The reason I ask is because of the size differences. The family room already seems to have a wet bar, are you considering a second wet bar/kitchenette at the back of the theater?

So which room are you planning on building the theater (Family room or media room). The reason I ask is because of the size differences. The family room already seems to have a wet bar, are you considering a second wet bar/kitchenette at the back of the theater?

Hello again.

I would be interested in the "Media Room" area. The rest of the floor plan can be changed. My goal would be to build the HT first then add to the basement as time and $$$ can afford. The floor plan attached was the architects suggestions. However, I told them that I would probably redesign almost everything down there. I attached the design for room dimensions mostly - but even room dimensions can change. I would love one huge room to host everything.....a HT, family room, bar, etc. but probably couldn't afford all the Green Glue!

In all seriousness, maybe I do create a room to house the HT and bar with significant dimension.....hmm..... It's nice having a blank slate, so to speak. Right now, I'm also reading up on the Denon 5805 to drive this room as well as the room directly upstairs. Just so much to do. Anyone know where I can find that infamous money tree???


Thanks. :D

Ahhh, I see. Another thing to consider is the location of the structural supports. By this I mean that the upper level design will to some extent dicatate where support post go, where HVAC and water heater is located, etc. So, yes, you have a blank slate, but it may not be as blank as you suspect. So I would try to come up with a floor plan you like then talk to the architect about if in the real world it will work.