Essential Items For Your Home Cinema Room

The last few months have sucked, especially for movie fans, as cinemas have been closed around the country. Big-name movies have been delayed, including Black Widow and No Time to Die, and that also means their DVD releases have also been pushed back. Thank goodness for Netflix then and the other streaming services that have provided some solace during this difficult time.

Cinemas are about to reopen of course, but if you’re still unsure about setting foot in a public place (or just prefer the taste of your own popcorn), why not consider your own home cinema room? This might be something you have done already in an effort to replicate that big-screen experience, but if not, here are some of the items you will need. 

#1: A kick-ass TV

And by kick-ass TV, we aren’t talking about that dusty old black and white portable that is sitting in your attic. We are talking about something that offers cutting-edge viewing technology, preferably in 4K and with HDR to make the colours pop on the screen. Thankfully, you don’t need to spend a fortune. While top-of-the-range TVs will cost you well over a grand, it is now possible to buy a decent screen at a more affordable price. The Samsung UE55TU8000 costs around the £500 mark, but if you’re looking for something bigger than that, you can buy the LG 65NANO906 for around £900, depending on where you shop. 

For your home cinema room, you should buy something as big as you can afford, of course, especially if you’re trying to go for that cinema experience. So, go over 50 inches if you have the budget to do so, and if you have the wall space to accommodate something. Check out Trusted Reviews for some affordable choices. 

ALTERNATIVELY: If you want the big screen experience but don’t want a brand new TV, consider a 4K projector instead. Prices range from £500 to well over £6000, so choose something within your price range. Projection screens are a lot more affordable, and you could even use a white wall or a blanket to project onto. 

#2: A decent sound system

Today’s TVs are out of this world when it comes to picture quality but the same can’t be said about the sound. While not awful by any means, there is a lot less sound being pumped out because of the thinness of modern TV technology. Thankfully, there are lots of sound systems that can do a much better job, and again, there is something for every price range. Soundbars are the preferred choice for many due to their compact design but if you have space, you could consider a speaker package for a full-on surround sound setup. 

There is a round-up of some of the best surround sound systems at WhatHiFi so choose something within your price range. There are how-to guides online if you need help setting something up so you shouldn’t have too much trouble. 

#3: Blackout curtains

Stop yawning at the back! Yes, we know a discussion on curtains isn’t as exciting as a discussion on the latest TVs but let’s be honest. If there is a lot of light coming into your home cinema room from outside, you won’t be able to see the picture on your TV anyway! For optimum cinematic effect, you will need to darken your room somehow, so visit Shuttercraft for all of the room darkening options they have available. 

#4: Something to sit on

Sure, you could stand up to watch a movie if you wanted, but especially when going for the epic director’s cut of The Lord Of The Rings, you’re going to become more tired than Bilbo Baggins when he’s climbing up the Misty Mountains if you’re on your feet. We’re jesting, of course, as we know your comfort is important to you, so consider what you might sit on. 

If it’s just you, a simple armchair or beanbag will probably suffice. But if you’re having guests over, you will (as Chief Brody says in Jaws), going to need something bigger. Check out these home cinema seating arrangements for some useful ideas and then purchase something that can accommodate your room. 

These essentials are just the start as there is always more you can buy. You will obviously need something to watch, although if you have Netflix etc. you won’t necessarily need to amass a huge Blu-Ray collection. A mini-fridge would be nice to have if you still have money left after buying your home cinema setup. And a popcorn maker would also be useful if you’re after the full cinema experience. Look online for further ideas, and check out any tips you can find on soundproofing so as not to wake your neighbours!