How To Create The Perfect Family Entertainment Room On A Budget

Got an extra, unused room in your abode? Or perhaps you need a place for your family to chill and watch movies together? Maybe you’re eyeing a new home theatre system but don’t have the set up for it? A family entertainment room is what you need!

Batman has his Bat Cave, while Superman has his Fortress of Solitude. So an entertainment room will go a long way in creating a sanctuary you and your family to unwind in.

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Ideally, your family entertainment room should be tailored to you and your family’s needs. Let’s put it this way, if you have a lot of boys in the house then a gaming-centric entertainment room could be perfect. But if there are more ladies at home then maybe the more traditional theatre room is all that’s needed.

Creating your own entertainment room set up can be a rewarding process. However, it can also cost you a lot of money to renovate and get everything set up.

Fret not! There are ways in which you can scrimp and still manage to create an awesome entertainment space. Here’s how you can create the perfect family entertainment room on a budget.

Lighting & Ambience Makes Or Breaks Your Entertainment Room

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It’s all about the ambience. And the key to creating a relaxing ambience in your family entertainment room is balance. Striking a balance of warm lighting and colours is the way to achieve this ideal atmosphere.

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For a start, paint your walls a warm or dark colour to make the room feel cosy. Warm colours such as creamy white, moody green, and soft blue works well here. And darker colours such as dark grey, black, and deep blue are also excellent choices.

Yet another perk of having dark walls is that it prevents light from TV/monitor screens from bouncing off your walls. Say goodbye to distractions while you enjoy your movie!

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Moreover, your entertainment room should be dim enough to create a cinematic experience. But at the same time, not too dark to avoid straining your eyes. In this case, you’ll want your lighting positioned so that the room is illuminated indirectly. For instance, pointing your lighting at the walls or down towards the floor to replicate that movie theatre experience.

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But if you aren’t keen on this setup then a dimmer switch would work just as well. Best of all, it’s cheap and you can grab one from almost any local hardware shop!

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Alternatively, candles are also a great source of warm lighting and instant zen. In particular, we’d recommend placing a few scented ones around the room for some added cosiness. Worried about potential fire hazards? Electric candles work just as well and they’re cheap!

Your Entertainment System Set Up Is A Cumulative Effort

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What we mean is that you don’t have to go all-out on your entertainment system on day one. Just the basic setup of a TV and sound system will make up a decent family entertainment room. You can add better features to your entertainment room over time.

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We’d suggest waiting for the opportune time before buying entertainment equipment. For example, year-end and Black Friday sales are great avenues to buy your entertainment system on a budget.

On the other hand, if you already have a sound system, then buying a more expensive one isn’t necessarily an upgrade. New sound systems cost a bomb, but you can optimise the acoustics of your room without spending a dime.

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Sound waves bounce off hard surfaces easier, thus affecting audio clarity. Place rugs, pillows, and other soft textures around the room to eliminate these sound reverberations.

As for your movie screen, LCD TVs are generally cheaper than LEDs but the latter is considered superior in screen quality. Though, if you’re feeling a bit fancy, a ceiling projector and screen is always a plus!

Budget-Friendly Furniture Options for the Family Entertainment Room

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Major cinemas invest a lot in creating a proper lighting and seating plan for the most comfortable cinematic experience. You’ll defo want your family entertainment room to feel just as comfortable, if not more.

To that end, your choice of furniture will be vital in contributing to your room’s comfort level. Custom-made furniture may seem luxurious but are actually quite affordable if you know what you’re doing.

So what other options do you have? The most economical option is to use what you already have. Reclining chairs or sofas do the trick. But beanbags are also a great addition to your family entertainment room.

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Beanbags add a pinch of playfulness and whimsy to the room. And they can be easily moved about to accommodate company. Additionally, beanbags are also quite comfortable to laze on while you get your “Netflix and chill” on. Pair them with a variety of colourful pillows and you’ve got quite the relaxation corner on your hands!

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Otherwise, you could also install a hammock in your family entertainment room. They’re affordable and great for catching some Zs on. Though, we’d say that hammocks aren’t exactly great for watching movies.

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If you’re expecting guests, consider raising your screen so that everyone can see it. Raised platforms would be your best bet, while pallet seating would also be a great option on the cheap.

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Last but not least, heavy curtains are definitely a must to reduce light coming into the entertainment room. And if you’re feeling extra, hanging them on either side of the screen will create that awesome cinema look. There are tons of affordable heavy curtain options out there, so remember to explore all your options!

Final Word

When you think of the perfect entertainment room, comfort comes to mind. There are numerous ways to achieve the desired effect. Namely, lighting and ambience are vital, while affordable furnishing is helpful. Also, your entertainment system doesn’t have to be top-of-the-line to be enjoyed.

But if you’re still unsure yourself, then it’d be better to get a professional opinion. So what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us today!