A private cinema, built to reference
The short answer
What is a private cinema?
A private cinema is a dedicated home theater built only for watching: a light controlled room with tiered seating, a projector and large acoustically transparent screen, an immersive Dolby Atmos system, designed acoustic treatment, layered lighting and one-touch control. Most seat six to twelve people and are planned from architectural drawings before construction.
Who builds a private cinema
Film lovers, families who want a weekly event at home, sports fans who want the stadium without the parking, and hosts who like to entertain. In New England, a private cinema is also the room that gets the most use from November to April.
What sets a luxury cinema apart
It is not the price of the projector. It is the planning: seats placed for the right viewing angle, risers tall enough that every row sees the whole screen, bass that is even from the front row to the back, and finishes that are as considered as the rest of your home. That is why every project starts with the CinemaTech Design Services Program.
Where it goes
Lower levels are the classic choice because they are dark and quiet. Rooms over the garage and dedicated wings work well too. Read our guides on basement theaters and room size and risers, or see the cost guide.
What makes the room work
Sightlines and risers
Riser heights and seat spacing set so every row sees the full image with a comfortable viewing angle.
Acoustic fabric walls
The CinemaTech Acoustic Room System hides absorption and diffusion behind tailored fabric.
Sound isolation
Decoupled construction detailed with your builder so the cinema can play loud at midnight.
Immersive sound
Dolby Atmos from 7.2.4 to 9.4.6 and beyond, with several subwoofers for even bass.
Starfield and scenes
Fiber optic star ceilings, sconces, step lights and scenes that change the room in one touch.
The lounge
A bar, concession counter or lounge behind the last row for intermission and entertaining.
CinemaTech models we often specify
Questions we hear often
How many seats should a private cinema have?
Most of the cinemas we plan seat six to twelve, in two or three rows. Seat count follows the room: we start from the screen size and viewing angle, then fit the rows and risers that keep every seat great.
What size room does a private cinema need?
Two rows usually need a room about 14 to 18 feet wide and 20 to 24 feet deep, with at least a 9 foot ceiling for a riser. Our room size guide covers one, two and three row rooms.
Can a private cinema have a bar?
Yes. A bar or counter behind the back row is one of the most popular additions. It needs its own lighting and plumbing plan, which we coordinate with your builder.
Keep exploring
A conversation about your theater
Tell us about the room, the way your family watches, and the feeling you want when the lights go down. We will bring CinemaTech's design team, our engineers and a plan.
Or call us at (781) 333-8003