Cup Holder Solution for Current Chairs

I'm not sure if it's best to place this question in the Dedicated Theater thread or the Accessories thread. I thought I'd try here first since it's part of a dedicated theater.

I'm trying to figure out a way that I can incorporate Cup Holders for my viewers (6 seats). I had an original idea of using some MDF and making something that would slide over the two butting arm rests.



My buddy then reminded me that my Berklines (cheap ones from Best Buy a few years back) are somewhat narrow, and may make for an uncomfortable seating arrangement with these over the arm rests. I may make one just to see, but I expect the center chairs in each row to be too narrow since there would be a holder on each side of the arm rests. Does anyone have any other solutions that I could possibly tackle? It's getting old that we have to keep our soft drink bottles between our legs during a movie. Here is a pic of the chairs.

Now that's an idea I hadn't thought of. I do have the room to do this. That wouldn't be very difficult to construct either.


I'd have to do some measurements, but maybe route out a rectangular inset to the top of the box where the Popcorn cups could rest, with Cup holders on each end of the box. I like constructing things, but don't have all the tools. But I have several family members that build houses, cabinets, furniture, etc. where I could obtain some help (i.e. borrow tools).


That is one that I did think of and have drawn up. After hearing the thought about the box between each chair, I'm really liking that approach, if I have the room...will have to measure. I remember seeing someone's thread somewhere on this forum a year or two, or maybe even three where they used PVC pipe to make cup holders between chairs. I couldn't find it when searching. I should search the archives.


I love this thread. You guys rock. What a great idea!! How hard is it to do this? Can you give me a description of how you accomplished this? I wouldn't want to rip the leather on the front of the chair by drilling into it. I mean, I don't want it to tear and then get bigger, etc. Did you drill a pilot hole, then drill in screw/bolt with washer, or use smaller screws? I'd love to see a picture of this. This sounds like it could be the cleanest look. My children are 3 and 5. When they are in the theater, they like to jump off the chairs. I can see them ripping these off, but I'd just be sure to inform them not to play rough near the chairs. Really though...pictures?

That's it. This would be the easiest I think. The tables would be the best looking.

Thanks!!! I talked to my wife. As far as the looks, she likes the table idea too.

I'd have to measure and make sure this would work as far as the size of the box. If not, I could take it down to one popcorn holder. This is really simple, but may look nice between each of the chairs.

My friend said the same thing as you regarding the placement of the cup holders. He also felt it may be to cumbersome to reach in the back for the drink. My wife and I, in the car, tend to have issues with grabbing the wrong coke or water out of the center console cup holders unless we are looking directly at them. That was my only fear with placing both of them at the front of the table. Still not out of the question. Need to do some measuring. Most folks recline in the chairs, so that would make it a little easier to grab the drink in the back. The hybrid idea is an option. At least now I have some great ideas to play with. Thanks.

Cool Chip. I'll give you a ring next week and we can set something up. What are you planning on building yours with? I was thinking of MDF, but not sure that's the best option. It seems most the cup holders I've seen are around 3" in diamater, but I'd like something a little bigger. Do they make bigger cup holders that will hold large size cups and bottles? Have you laid out a design for yours yet?

I could probably build something that would be a little cheaper per stand than those. I'll have to price it out and see. I do like the looks of that glass table though. With the thin pole, you'd lose little width of the room as well.