If you want to create the perfect home theater to bring your favorite tunes and films to life, there are several factors to consider for the best possible results.

Here are some tips to help you design the home theater you’ve always wanted.

1. Choose the Speaker Size

The size of the speaker should be one of the first considerations before purchasing a speaker.
For smaller rooms, smaller speakers such as bookshelf speakers are sufficient, while floor-standing and tower speakers are better choices for larger rooms.

2. Make Sure You Have Enough Speaker Wire

Typically, the thicker the wire, the better. However, 14-gauge speaker wire will also work with most speaker systems.
Also, make sure you have a subwoofer cable for each subwoofer you install in your home theater system. This will help ensure you get the best sound from each speaker and subwoofer.

3. Select the Speaker System Type

Looking for the right home theater system to enjoy music, TV and film? A 3.1 speaker system often works, which consists of a left, right and center speaker, along with a subwoofer.
For a surround-sound system, you can add two to four more speakers, including left and right surround speakers, as well as a back-left and back-right surround-sound speaker.

Dolby Atmos speakers are popular for those looking for high-quality surround-sound options and atmosphere. For these systems, you’ll want to add up to four height speakers.

4. Install the Receiver

Most modern receivers can provide sufficient power for home-theater speakers. Make sure you choose a receiver that is capable of powering the number of speakers you intend to install.

Most of today’s receivers also include an auto setup feature that you can access through settings. These receivers come with a set-up microphone and can help optimize speakers for the best sound based on the acoustics of the room.

5. Position Your Center Speaker

The center speaker is one of the most important speakers in any home theater, particularly if you primarily use it for films and TV, as it’s where voices emanate.
For the best sound, place your center speaker below or at the base of your TV to generate the best, most balanced sound. This will help make sure that the vocals are as clear as the rest of the sound coming from your favorite movies and shows.

By taking all of these tips into consideration when designing your home theater, you can create the home theater of your dreams.
You’ll be able to enjoy a top-quality sound that perfectly complements high-definition televisions and other installations, whether you simply want to enjoy your music collection or feel fully immersed in your favorite films.

Mike Embers has been in the home theater business for over 20 years. At Acoustic Sound Design, he has used his knowledge of home theater creation to help thousands of people find the home theater systems of their dreams.

Editorial Contributors
Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

Learn More