COLUMN: 7 DIY Steps in Setting Up a Perfect Home Theater System In Your Condo

Living in condo units has notable limitations such as smaller space and sharing walls with your neighbors. However, it does not necessarily keep you from building your very own home theater. Everybody wants to have the best movie or TV shows binging experience. 

With having to know the right things to do, you can set up a perfect home theater system in small living spaces. You can transform your condo living room to be the home theater that you always dreamed of.

Steps In Building Your Own Condo Home Theater

(Image: Pixabay)

(Image: Pixabay)

The smaller space of a condo unit should not be a hindrance to your dreams of having your home theater. All you need is to make the right moves and get the right stuff. Here are the steps on how you can build your home theater in your condo for the best movie experience:


Make the best out of your available space

The limited space of your condo can be maximized to build your home theater. You don’t necessarily need a large set of equipment to enjoy binging your favorite movies and TV shows. Here’s what you need to do:

Identify the size of your condo

Know the measurements of your available space. This includes the distance between your seats and your TV. You also have to consider your “optimal viewing distance.”

Choose the right angle

Decide how you would want to angle your speakers around the area and towards your seats. Make sure to have the audio line between you and your speakers is evident.

Stay away from strong lights

It would be ideal to keep your TV away from the strong light coming from the window so you can enjoy a better movie viewing experience.


Get the right devices and equipment

When you already know the amount of available space you have, you will also be able to determine the right kinds and sizes of the devices and equipment that you would need in your very own home theater

Selecting your TV

Some people would opt for a projector for movie viewing. However, the right size of a TV is more suitable for small spaces such as condo units, especially if you don’t have enough distance between your projector and the screen. 

Considering the technology today, some TVs provide the best quality of pictures and colors. Take note of the following when selecting your TV:

  • The size of the TV that would best fit the area of your home theater

  • Which would you need? A smart TV or not?

  • Which kind of TV technology would be the perfect fit for you and your home theater? 

If you’re going to be using the TV a lot, don’t forget to look after your eyes by watching with proper lighting and wearing glasses if you need them. You can find the best quality glasses for screen use online.

Mount the TV Right 

In mounting your TV to your wall, you should first decide on which kind of mounting would you prefer. Would you want a fixed mounting or would you opt for one where you can move your TV around? If you prefer a more stable mounting, you should consider the fixed one.

The following are the tools you will need in mounting your TV:

  • Screws and Screwdrivers - these are what you will use in screwing your mount.

  • Drill - this is what you will use in drilling holes into your wall where you will screw on your mount.

  • Electric Stud Finder - This tool helps you find a stud in your wall where you can place your TV mount.

  • Spirit Level - this to make sure that the mount is leveled before you screw it on the wall.

But before you begin in setting up and mounting your TV, make sure to ask permission from the condo admin first, considering that you may share your walls with another tenant in your building. If you are not allowed to drill holes into your walls, you may opt for ready-to-use mounts. 


Installing your Sound System

The sound of your home theater is one of the essential factors for the best movie experience. Since living in a condo means you have to share walls with someone, you would have to make sure that your sound system would not cause much disturbance to your neighbors.

Your Options

Since condo units have a smaller area, you commonly have two options for your sound system: the 2.1 or 5.1 surround sound system. If you have a really small space, you most probably have to go with 2.1, but if you have a little bit more space, you can go with 5.1. Budget is also a factor in picking the right sound system, so picking a good 2.1 or 5.1 soundbar can save you a bit of money. There are good soundbar models that cost less than $500 and if you find the right one, it can be a game changer for your home theatre.

You must also understand how you should place your surround speakers for the proper distribution of sound in your condo unit. Since the 2.1 only has two surround speakers, you can just put each speaker on the right and the left side of your TV. 

The Features

The 5.1 has two front speakers, two side speakers, and one center speaker. You can put the front speakers on each side of the TV. Then, the side speakers on the sides of your couch and the center speaker at your center-front. Another option for your surround speakers’ placement is to mount them on your walls.


Pick seats that save space

To get the best movie experience, you would require the most comfortable seats. This is where you can soak in while you binge-watch your favorite movies and TV shows. While you can’t go for the gigantic recliners for a movie theater feel, there are still space saver options for you. 

Pick the right size of comfortable couches or recliners. Make sure that it won’t take up much space in your condo unit yet still give you the coziest movie viewing experience.

(Image: Pixabay)

(Image: Pixabay)


Fix any wiring issues

Make sure that all the wiring in your home theater is properly organized. This way, you can easily fix any wiring issue that you may encounter in the future and identify which wire needs to be fixed.


Make your condo unit soundproof

Since you are most probably going to share walls with neighbors when living in a condo, you might need to do some soundproofing in your unit. There are multiple options that you can choose from

For your soundproofing systems, you can choose among noise-absorbing panels, acoustic panels, and the right type of carpets. You can also include soundproof doors and fiberglass insulation which is for your ceiling.


Finish up your movie theater with the right accessories

What is your home theater if it won’t be finished up with the right kinds of accessories? It is not just the electronic devices or other types of equipment needed for the home theater. 

Also, include some kind of additional decorations that compliment your home theater. You can choose among the right kind and design of carpets, comfortable pillows, and blankets. Of course, get some popcorn to enjoy while watching your favorite shows.


Looking for the Best Condo Units in Canada?

If you seek a nice condo unit that you will call home, you often opt for something that would meet your needs such as safety guarantee, affordable price range, accessible, and cozy. 

Precondo features the top-selling condo units in four different areas in Canada namely, Toronto, Etobicoke, Mississauga, and Vaughan. They offer different price ranges, varying on the type of unit which would fit your price range budget.

If you enjoy reading movie reviews or top movie categories, you may visit the review blogs section of the website for the different yet honest reviews for the various films released in the industry.

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