Why a Small Home Theater?
We all love movies, and with the amount of content available to us via streaming platforms, we have better access to more than ever before! Who needs stuffy theatre seating when you can turn your media room into a home cinema? With some quick additions to your basement theater room or media room, like a projection screen, surround speakers, or a cozy recliner, you can create your own home theatre system.
Investing in a cozy movie room has endless benefits, especially right now with isolation being the safest option. An at-home cinema can make for a more romantic date night, a quiet retreat for some solo down time, a fun place to watch the game with your friend bubble, or a relaxed evening in with the family.
With high quality, readily available and reliable technology, a home theater setup is easier than finishing a whole bowl of extra-buttered popcorn!
Table of Contents
- YABER Y21 Native Projector
- Roku Streaming Stick+
- Sony 5.1-Channel Surround Sound Multimedia Speaker Bundle
- TaoTronics Three Equalizer Mode Soundbar
- Pyle Bluetooth Home Theater Receiver
- Winsome Alex 2-pc Set TV Table, Natural
- YOENYY Movie Theater Cinema Throw Pillow Covers
- Abdtech 100 inch Projector Screen with Stand
- Herdio 4” 2 Way Ceiling Speakers
- Nostalgia Professional Popcorn & Concession Cart
- Suuyar Vintage Cinema Sign
1. YABER Y21 Native Projector
Forget the ol’ boob tube, projectors are the way of the future. They are portable, easy to store, and provide a clear, crisp picture that rivals the best smart TV. YABER is a leading brand in projectors, known for their high-refraction 6 layered glass lens and German LED lighting. The Y21 has 1080p native resolution and supports 4k video, all for your viewing pleasure!
Pros
Price point for value, clarity of picture, zoom function, able to change screen size to fit a small room or bigger room
Cons
Does not come with the equipment to mount on the ceiling, must be purchased separately
2. Roku Streaming Stick+
No Smart TV? No problem. With Roku’s Streaming Stick+ you can get all the content you want, on demand, from all your favourite streaming apps. With a long range wireless receiver, this will work all over your house, including the basement. Quick to set up and easy to use, this baby even comes with voice control, so you can literally just tell it what to do.
Pros
If you have two or less Roku devices in your name, there are no ongoing fees
Cons
I recommend only using with an unlimited internet plan
3. Sony 5.1-Channel Surround Sound Multimedia Home Theater Speaker Bundle
There’s a reason Sony is well-known when it comes to great sound, and that’s because of their attention to detail and expertise. Their woofers are equipped with mica-reinforced diaphragms, with two layers, creating smooth sound and powerful bass. The use of wood assures natural resonance, and aids in the directionality of the audio, so it will sound like Obi-wan is battling Darth Vader right in your living room.
Pros
Buying these three speakers and one subwoofer together are better value than purchasing separately
Cons
The bass can be overwhelmingly deep, wire and receiver sold separately
4. TaoTronics Three Equalizer Mode Soundbar
Perhaps you have a smaller space, or don’t yet want to invest in a large speaker system, a soundbar is another great option for high-end audio experience. It’s long shape is optimized for acoustics, and TaoTronics offers three equalizer settings here, for music, video gaming, or movies.
Pros
Aesthetically pleasing, slim design takes up minimal space
Cons
Your TV must have a PCM audio output for use (most do, but double check)
5. Pyle Bluetooth Home Theater Receiver
If you’re looking for a great receiver, Pyle packs 2000 watts of power and features built-in VFD display w/ AM/FM radio.
Pros
USB ready for connecting and streaming
Cons
Bluetooth connection is reportedly spotty
6. Winsome Alex 2-pc Set TV Table
Nothing beats watching a movie with all your favourite snacks, which you can set up right in front of you thanks to Winsome. These TV Tray tables complete the VIP experience, and fold away easily so they don’t take up much space when not in use.
Pros
Easy set up, steady design
Cons
Currently only available in natural wood color
7. YOENYY Movie Theater Cinema Throw Pillow Covers
These cozy cushion covers from YOENYY will help set the ambiance for your mock movie house. Made from 100% Grade A cotton, they are also perfect for crying into when you’re watching the Titanic sink for the 207th time.
Pros
Hidden zipper closure, cute designs
Cons
Inserts sold separately
8. Abdtech 100 inch Projector Screen with Stan
If you don’t have a wall for your projector, or you want to set up a movie in the backyard, no problem. Abdtech has you covered with it’s wrinkle free, portable, lightweight design, complete with carry bag.
Pros
Crisp picture, easy set up
Cons
Not steady enough for uneven ground, must be on a flat surface
9. Herdio 4” 2 Way Ceiling Speakers
Get that wide range sound with Herdio’s easy to install 2 way ceiling speakers. They use magnetic grills to keep them in place. For being so discrete, these speakers pack 160 watts of power. They’re also affordable, so you can put them all over the house.
Pros
Great for creating surround sound on a budget
Cons
Does not include in-wall bluetooth amplifier, must purchase separately
10. Nostalgia Professional Popcorn & Concession Cart
Can’t have a mini cinema experience without the popcorn, and this cart by Nostalgia certainly supplies that old timey theater feel. This baby churns out 10 cups of movie style popcorn quicker than Dorothy realizes she isn’t in Kansas anymore. Complete with a storage area for your kernels and toppings.
Pros
Easy to clean, beautiful design, doesn’t take up much space
Cons
Popping needs to be done by adult, takes time to assemble
11. Suuyar Vintage Cinema Sign
What good is putting together a spectacular small home theater without being able to announce it? This high quality canvas sign from Suuyar is the perfect finishing touch.
So as you can see, there are infinite choices when it comes to creating the perfect small home theatre. Whatever your price point, you can rest assured you’ll be saving money compared to the super sized prices at the box office, and with items like these, your place will be the envy of the block!
A passion for writing and ongoing research projects gives Catherine an incredibly broad knowledge of all things. She has authored an incredible number of articles and can be found in the wilderness when not attached to technology or listening to podcasts.
This post was last updated on 2024-12-13 / Some images from Amazon Product API & some links may be affiliate links which may earn us a commission from purchases.