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Creating a theatre room at home is more popular than ever. While streaming services and surround sound systems make movie nights easy, it’s the furniture and layout that turn a regular living room into a true cinematic escape.
At La-Z-Boy, we know comfort. From recliners with built-in cup holders to sectionals designed for long lounging sessions, we’ve helped countless families bring theatre-style seating into their homes.
Mary Lee Smyth, the interior designer at La-Z-Boy Kingston, has worked with homeowners across Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston to design custom theatre rooms. Below, she shares professional advice on how to balance comfort, style, and functionality when furnishing your home theatre.
In This Article…
Every good home theatre design begins with a seating plan. Start by considering how many people will regularly use the room. Will it primarily be you and a partner, or do you envision hosting family movie nights with several people at once?
Some homeowners prefer a cozy two-seat arrangement, while others want rows of recliners to mimic the real theatre experience.
Mary Lee emphasizes the importance of this early step, "Once you know the number of seats you want, you’ll have a clearer idea of what furniture you need. If you want your home theatre to feel like a real cinema, everyone should have their own seat."
Having this number in mind ensures your room is both functional and comfortable. It also helps you decide whether a single sectional will be enough or if multiple loveseats or chairs are required.
After establishing how many seats you need, the next decision is what type of seating works best for your space and lifestyle.
La-Z-Boy recliners and loveseats with consoles are popular for creating a true theatre experience. Loveseats with consoles even include cup holders, making drinks and snacks convenient.
Mary Lee recalls one creative layout she worked on for a family, "One family bought multiple loveseats with consoles laid out in a pattern, so everyone had their own cupholder, just like in a theatre."
To learn more about La-Z-Boy Loveseats with Consoles, take a look at this article.
If you prefer a more casual setup, sectionals create one large shared seating area. They work especially well for families who want to stretch out together. Whatever option you choose, leave enough space for reclining furniture to extend fully without blocking pathways.
To learn more about Sectionals at La-Z-Boy, take a look at our Sectional Buyer’s Guide.
Theatre seating should fit a variety of body types since different people will use the room. La-Z-Boy offers petite, standard, and tall options, but average-sized pieces are the most versatile.
Mary Lee explains why, "I usually suggest pieces that work best for people between 5’4” and 5’9”. That way, most guests will find your home theatre comfortable."
Furniture that is too small will not properly support taller individuals, and oversized seating can overwhelm shorter people. Choosing average-sized recliners or sofas ensures comfort for the widest range of guests.
To learn more about How to Find the Right Size Sofa, take a look at this article.
Placement matters just as much as the seating itself. The correct distance prevents eye strain and makes sure the entire screen is in view.
Mary Lee recommends a simple formula: "To receive optimal viewing, homeowners should use the following calculation: Screen length in inches multiplied by 1.5 equals the proper distance between screen and seating."
For example, a 100-inch screen should have seating at least 150 inches away. This calculation ensures your home theatre furniture is positioned for the best possible viewing experience.
The last step in furnishing your theatre room is fabric and colour choice. Dark, matte fabrics reduce light reflection, which is why most cinemas use black or deep red seating.
Mary Lee highlights why this matters: "Most leather has a reflective surface, so if you want to limit glare, leather may not be ideal. Instead, I recommend rugged fabrics or La-Z-Boy’s specialty iClean fabrics, which resist stains and spills."
Opting for stain-resistant fabrics is smart if your family enjoys snacks during movies. Durable upholstery ensures your theatre seating looks great even after years of use.
To learn more about Which La-Z-Boy Fabric is Most Durable, take a look at this article.
The Greyson family is built for relaxation. Its channel padding supports the body from head to toe, while bucket seats provide a cocoon-like comfort. Available as a recliner, loveseat, or sofa, Greyson is perfect for long movie marathons.
The Finley family is sleek and versatile. Its compact design fits smaller theatre rooms while still offering plenty of comfort. It comes as a recliner, loveseat, or sofa and has multiple customization options.
Mary Lee describes Trouper as “our tried-and-true furniture for long comfort.” With its deep cushions and plush bucket seats, Trouper is ideal for lounging. It is available as a sofa, recliner, loveseat, or sectional. Loveseats with consoles are especially popular for home theatres because they include cup holders.
What is the best seating for a home theatre?
The best seating depends on your preference. Recliners with consoles offer the most authentic cinema feel, while sectionals create a more casual, family-friendly setup.
How far should a couch be from a projector screen?
Use the formula of screen size in inches multiplied by 1.5. For example, a 120-inch screen should have seating about 15 feet away.
Is leather or fabric better for a home theatre room?
Fabric is generally better because it reduces reflections. For those who prefer leather, non-reflective finishes are the best choice.
How do I make my home theatre cozy?
Use soft lighting, blackout curtains, and plush seating such as La-Z-Boy’s Trouper or Greyson. Adding blankets and pillows can enhance comfort.
Now that you know how to furnish a theatre room with the right mix of La-Z-Boy furniture, fabrics, and layout, you can begin planning your own space.
Visit one of our Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston furniture stores to test out options in person. You can also schedule an appointment online. You may also consider taking advantage of our interior design services to explore customization options and see how our furniture could fit in your home.
To learn more about La-Z-Boy Furniture in general, take a look at our Living Room Furniture Buyer’s Guide.
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