Should You Add a Theater Room to Your Basement?

Theater rooms are great additions to any basement finish. If they get used, they can be the highlight or the basement. Unfortunately, sometimes theater rooms get little use and end up as an expensive addition that could have been put to a better use.

Theater Room Pros

• The pictures of the new super large televisions are amazing. It’s like being at the game.
• Sound systems are flexible (with Bluetooth) and powerful. You’ll get great sound without breaking the bank.
• Tiered seating is a fun addition that can make a theater room feel special.
• Steaming services and wireless connections make setup easy.
• You can go crazy if you want to make this room unique and beautiful.
• You’ll have an excellent place for all the movie posters you have been collecting… or, more likely, will start to collect now.
• Everyone will want to come to your house to watch the big game.
• You won’t have to share half of your seat with a stranger like you often have to at the theater.

Theater Room Cons

• Prices for mid-tier components have gotten very reasonable. But a theater room is still a costly addition to a basement.
• They take up a lot of space that can be used for watching TV and movies.
• Modern sound systems are so good that often they can be heard everywhere in the house.
• Sometimes, putting up a nice TV and a sound bar in the family room is all you need.
• It’s really easy to overspend.
• According to our informal survey of 21 clients who included theater rooms in their basements, only 5 use them regularly.
• There might be a better use for the space.