Hi,

Could you give me a couple of tips into designing a home cinema?

Thanks!

[THERINGMASTA]

someone recommended using google sketchup on this forum which helped me out quite a bit as i could design how it would all cometogether in 3D.

If you haven't got it already, its a free program

[jason g]

ive got that and i did a room with it but to be honest a normal drawing is more important.
best bet is do what im doing, look at the room u are doing and use measurements and line them up on the wall, basically mark the walls where each unit u are having there.
if u have items u have already tv etc, work out the size and where its going and what will go with it like a dvd player etc.
if u are making your own units then mark out on a drawing any holes u need to make on each unit and where.
saves having to drill something after u have done it.

[richard plumb]

I did a few things. First, take your time. Plan, plan and plan, then the actual 'do' will go better.


We spent a lot of time just browsing interior magazines, AV mags etc and pulling out pictures/articles that were to our taste. We kept them in a binder and that was useful in helping us focus down our ideas.

If you're looking to see what size of TV etc you can handle, large bits of paper come in handy. Just cut them out to the right size and stick on the wall. Keep it there for as long as possible - at least a few days. Not only will they help you know if a screen is likely to feel too big/small, but it helps a lot if you're worried about a screen being too high.

Sketchup was helpful to get an idea of space, but its a little clumsy and not so good for visualising what wallpaper etc will look like. But it is good for visualising the space.

Also consider playing with photoshop (or similar). Take some photos of your walls, and then stick photos of TVs/units etc over it and print them out. Give you another angle on things.

[Dr Force]

pretty much echo Richard's thoughts.

I have created a file on my laptop which I have loaded with tons of forum memebers photos and I have completed a word document that keeps changing when I find new or better idea's.

It is best to accumalate many pics and tips until you have enough to complete an ideal room

Take your time and listen to those with experience, I would also consider going through the HCDIY forum looking atthe countless threads showing from start to finish dedicated rooms

T