If you're planning a movie night, small theater room ideas will take your space to the next level. There are so many fun ways you can add ambiance and character to the room.
We've quizzed interior designers on what you can do to make your place the chicest movie theater in the neighborhood. From comfy seats to space-saving projectors, you can use both furniture and decor to style it up.
When looking for small space decorating ideas, finding tips and tricks for creating a cinematic room will come in useful for family gatherings and cozy evenings at home.
Stylish small theater room ideas
Whether you're looking for small living room ideas and want to zhuzh yours up with small theater ideas or have a whole room to decorate, these can be used for both.
Our experts have recommended useful buys throughout to match their advice, which we have sought out wherever possible.
The prices below were correct at the time of publishing this article.
1. Go for acoustic panels
At the cinema, it always ruins the experience when you can hear echoes and other sounds. Make sure your small theater room doesn’t fall foul of this by adding in sound absorbent materials.
“Achieving optimal sound quality is essential for a truly immersive theater experience, especially in a small room where acoustics can be challenging,” says Nina Lichtenstein, principal designer and founder of Nina’s Home Design.
She continues, “Consider installing acoustic panels or sound-absorbing materials on the walls and ceiling to minimize echoes and enhance sound clarity.”
If you’re looking for decorative panels that also function well, these sleek Dmskey Foam Panels from Amazon are highly rated by shoppers thanks to their sticky backing and effective soundproofing.
2. Glow up with soft lighting
Having the big light on just doesn’t work when it comes to creating an atmospheric look in your small theater room. Instead, go for softer lights you can adjust and can also use as small living room lighting ideas.
“Illuminate rooms with soft glows and energy-efficient bulbs, replicating the look of a cinema,” suggests Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder of Arsight.
If possible, add different levels of lighting. “Choose overhead recessed lights for overall light and decorative wall sconces on dimmers to give that theatre nightlight effect,” says Valerie Helgeson, principal designer and owner of Design Directions.
For a colorful look, you could also go for LED light strips, such as these Tenmiro LED Lights from Amazon that have over 55,000 five-star reviews.
Size (in.): H0.6 x W7.4 x D1.2
Made from: Metal
Price: $24.99 for four
These bright lights would work well underneath a TV stand or even under chairs and tables.
Size (in.): H18.3 x W6.8 x D7.8
Made from: Metal, cotton
Price: $67.99
Add a chic flair to your small cinema room with this elegant sconce.
Size (in.): H4.8 x W2.75
Made from: LED bulb
Price: $29.39 for two
You can turn the lights up and down with the remote, so you can recreate the feeling of the cinema turning the lights low.
3. Invest in quality sound
This idea works very well for those who have a freestanding house and no neighbors on the other side of the wall to worry about.
Nina says, “I always suggest investing in high-quality surround sound systems with compact speakers to deliver immersive audio without overwhelming the space.”
She recommends positioning speakers strategically to ensure balanced audio distribution and the best listening experiences from every seat.
For those with especially small theater rooms, you could always grab a powerful sound set with just a speaker and soundbar, such as this Ultimea Dolby Sound System from Walmart.
4. Choose comfy seating
Movie marathons are always fun, but they do require sitting down for a good while. This is where seating ideas for small living rooms and theater rooms come in.
“When designing small theater rooms, I always look for motorized recliners (we like this Latitude Run Recliner Chair from Wayfair) or theater seating with built-in cup holders and USB charging ports for maximum comfort,” says Jonathan Faccone, design expert and founder of HALO Homebuyers.
Nina agrees, adding, “Consider space-saving seating options such as sectional sofas or loveseats with storage compartments for added versatility.”
Alternatively, she says to embrace flexible seating solutions like bean bags and floor cushions (these Fox Valley Traders Cushions from Walmart are so chic), as these are the best couch alternatives to accommodate varying group sizes.
Size (in.): H30 x W65.25 x D30.5
Made from: Faux leather
Price: $174.99
This doubles as a futon, so your guests have somewhere to rest if they stop over.
Size (in.): H22 x W30 x D30
Made from: Polyester, nylon
Price: $70
We love that this sweet pink seat will mold around you, so you can properly nestle into it and relax.
Size (in.): H33 x W70 x D32
Made from: Wood, velvet, foam
Price: $299.99
We love this versatile design and think it will work in any style small theater room.
5. Pick a cute sign
You might not have space in your small theater room for a large sign, but you can still make a statement with a smaller alternative.
Jonathan explains, “My favorite creative tip is to hang a vintage marquee sign or lightbox displaying the name of your theater room or the film you’re playing.”
“I have found it to be a fun and affordable way to personalize the room with retro charm and make it feel like a real cinema experience.
For example, this My Cinema Lightbox which is Amazon’s Choice comes with all the letters you’ll need and has LED backlighting.
This would also work brilliantly as an outdoor entertaining essential if you’re hosting a cinema night in your backyard.
6. Pick clever storage solutions
When space is at a premium, clever storage solutions are key to maintaining a clutter-free and organized theater room environment.
Nina says, “Utilize built-in cabinetry, shelving units, and wall-mounted racks to store media equipment, movie collections, and audio accessories.
You could also consider adding hidden wall storage ideas to your theater room to keep it looking ultra-sleek.
Size (in.): H23.6 x W3.43 x D12.4
Made from: MDF
Price: $111.52
You just can't go wrong with a smart white storage solution like this, which will fit in seamlessly anywhere.
Size (in.): H30 x W58 x D17
Made from: Wood
Price: $879.99
Stash away DVDs (if you still have them!), remotes, and anything else in this Scandi-style sideboard.
Size (in.): H71.18 x W24.49 x D11.57
Made from: Wood
Price: $40
This comes in white, black, and brown, so you can choose the color that matches your small theater room.
7. Bring in your favorite films
Add a touch of personality to your small theater room by bringing in nods to your beloved movies and shows.
“These fun and unique pieces will let you show off your passion for cinema,” Artem explains.
He says, “Some people display action figures or posters from their favorite flicks, while others prefer subtle nods like coasters or coffee table books.”
We do have a soft spot for journalism-themed films, which is why this vibrant ArtPrintsCory’s The Devil Wears Prada print from Etsy has landed firmly in our baskets.
With these small theater room ideas, you can transform even the most compact of spaces.
“So, roll out the red carpet, dim the lights, and get ready to enjoy big-screen entertainment in your small but mighty theater room oasis,” Nina finishes by saying.
You can also learn how to build a home cinema room if you are going for a full-on renovation.