It's not always clear what separates a "home theater" from a "living room". Is it the screen size? The audio setup? The overall thought put into the entire arrangement? Or does a home theater have to be a completely separate room from the living room altogether?

We believe a home theater is any room in which excessive care has been put into maximizing the quality of the viewing experience. It's a unique combination of visuals, audio, seating comfort, decor and design, blended into a space that's so enjoyable we never want to leave.

Home Theater Design is Interior Design

There are times when family members or housemates only factor in the audio-visual experience, without considering the overall aesthetics of the space. This results in a space that is great for watching movies in, but doesn't contribute anything to the rest of the house when it's not in use. Finding that perfect balance between top-notch audio/visuals and a clean, welcoming environment is the key to the perfect home theater design.

Just like any other room in the house, overall aesthetics contribute to the comfort of the space as much as the functionality of the space when it's in use. From seating to lighting to architectural accents, the primary goal should of any home theater design should be to inspire comfort and awe while minimizing distractions. By doing these three things, your design will create the ultimate viewing experience for you, your family, and your guests.

So, today we're going to look at 21 ideas for modern, aesthetically-pleasing home theater design setups that everyone in the family (yes, everyone) can enjoy, regardless of whether it's movie night, game night, or date night.

1. Mid-century living room with lots of daylight

While not ideal for daytime movies, this living room design is sure to inspire comfort and great conversation.

2. Minimalist living room with a modern fireplace

3. Vintage audio with an automated projector screen

4. Scandinavian home theater + fireplace combo

That wood slat accent wall is a jaw dropper...

5. Artsy bookshelf and projector setup

With the Eames chair to boot!

6. Exposed beams for the win

Yes, some blinds would definitely be needed here.

7. Simple, homey, spacious living room setup

Not home theater per se, but this simple setup is undoubtedly comfy and relaxing.

8. LED TV backlight with decorative wood panelling

A warmer LED glow may be more fitting, but a great setup nonetheless.

9. Built-in walnut slat wall

The walnut wood slats add the perfect touch of mid-century elegance to this modern setup.

10. Black wood slat feature wall

Could the TV be bigger? Yes. Does it still look great? Also yes.

11. Moody mansion home cinema room

If I lived here and it always rained, I wouldn't mind.

12. Nordic-MCM with a luxurious wood feature wall

Money grows on that tree in the corner, apparently.

13. Modern farmhouse home theater

Why can't all farmhouse design look this good?

14. Big sound, big statement

The wood slat accent wall paired with that sound system just screams luxury.

15. A classy, timeless basement media room

16. Elevated excellence

Yes, this is actually inside someone's home!

17. Jet black wood panel feature wall

Modern elegance with a liquid fireplace to boot.

18. European minimalism with a wood slat panel accent

Visually appealing and easy to install as well.

19. Comfy finished basement turned media room

Perfect for the whole family! Just need a footrest or two...

20. Exposed beam and brick

Rustic, modern, or both?

21. Built for entertaining

Natural materials and an open concept make this the perfect room for a movie, a party, or both!

So, there you have it, 21 of our favourite home theater setups that are built for fantastic viewing experiences, without sacrificing on aesthetics.

Which idea was your favourite? Would you try any of these designs?

21 Modern Home Theater Design Ideas

Date