Homedit is supported by our readers. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

The Best 6 Home Theater Seating Options for A Better Experience Watching Movies

In the world of home theater design, size and comfort matter the most. Join us as we review the top 6 home theater seating options that offer optimum relaxation for you, your family, and friends while watching movies, sporting events, or your favorite nature program.

Here, we will review media room furniture options that complement your home theater system. And as always, each item was carefully selected for its unique features and affordability.

Home Theater Seating Options

Choosing the Right Home Theater Seating

You need to be aware of the best features available when selecting a home theater system. For those looking to improve their TV-watching experience at home, here are the primary features and specifications you should consider:

Choose the home theater seating

Size of the room

Before you can furnish your entertainment room with the most comfortable theater seating options available, you need to determine how big your space is. What is the distance between your TV and chairs?

If you position your movie chairs too close to your plasma screen TV, for example, the ultraviolet photons emanating would be harmful to a viewer’s eyes. You want your guests to enjoy watching movies and sporting events at your home.

So, to keep them happy and coming back for more, make sure they feel comfortable and protected.

Number of seats

How many seats do you want to include in your home theater system?  Do you often host parties or invite friends to watch binge-watch popular TV dramas? Either way, make sure you choose a setup that offers plenty of comfortable seating options for everyone.

Extra features for home theater seating

Home theater seating includes bonus features that make each viewing experience memorable. Reclinable theater chairs feature trays and compartments designed to hold beverages and food. Some home theater chairs offer advanced technology features, like USB ports that allow you to charge your smart devices. 

And some models offer integrated lights and massage features. Needless to say, the more features your setup has, the more expensive it will be.

Materials and construction of the home theater seating

You will also need to consider the materials and construction required for your home theater seating setup. Not only should you opt for seating that’s comfortable to use for hours, but it should also be easy to care for.

One of the best things about sitting for hours in front of a TV is enjoying your favorite snacks, soda, beer. Accidents and spills will happen, no matter how careful you are.

And when they do, you want to wipe the seats clean immediately, making vinyl or faux leather seats a better choice than fabric seats (which usually require spot cleaning in case of stains).

Types of Home Theater Seats

Types of Home Theater Seats

For a product that sounds pretentious, manufacturers have created plenty of models to choose from, allowing you to select the best home theater seating according to your standards.

When you’re shopping for new furniture that will bring your TV watching experience to the next level, here is what you can expect to find:

  • Single recliners are very popular because each person that likes to sit in front of the TV might want to adopt a position different from the person next to them. Single recliners are also good for people who watch TV alone or for those with limited room space.
  • Sofa and chaise lounges are great for those who want a traditional and mainstream look. They don’t stand out more than leather sofas and are perfect for those who want comfortable seating but have a room setup that’s a bit more demanding and one where you can’t include just any piece of furniture without impacting the decor.
  • You can also opt for row seating, just like a read movie theater, and with storage tables. Technically, the design focuses on aligning multiple recliners or a row of seats with a table that allows viewers to place their snacks and refreshments on.
  • Some home theater seating options include loveseats. They are designed for two people and would work in homes with limited space. They are mostly designed for couples but could also work if you live alone and have a friend or family member that likes to come over to watch a movie, a game, or perhaps a documentary.
  • You could also use individual theater seats. They can comfortably seat two to four people and often have a compact design. They offer the benefit of unity, as the seats would be identical.
  • If you have plenty of space and often have guests, multi-row seats are another option. You will find many of the single-row models available in a multi-row version. You can place two seats in the front and another two behind them. As row seating offers a cinema-like viewing experience, so it would not be an erstwhile option unless you had the space. 

Advantages of Buying Home Theater Seating

We realize how the idea of home theater seating might sound a little pretentious, but after you review the information provided below, you might discover it’s more practical than you realized.   

Advantages of Buying Home Theater Seating

While they are perfectly fine to use when you want to enjoy a movie in the comfort of your home, a true movie-lover should consider this investment. Let’s look at some of the benefits of buying home theater chairs, and maybe you’ll begin to see things from a new perspective.

Cinema-like experience

Dedicated home theater seating allows you to create a cinema-like experience without having to leave the comfort of your home.

For those who enjoy watching movies, going to the cinema is enjoyable. As things have changed drastically, and going out has become less of an option, improving or upgrading your theater chairs would be a smart investment.

Furthermore, who wants to buy overpriced popcorn when you can make loads of popcorn that’s just as good and cheaper in your microwave?

Even more, cinemas require patrons to be quiet during a movie, but at home, you can talk as you please while a movie plays without worrying about a stranger or theater manager ordering you to be quiet. 

More comfort

Large home theater seats can provide greater comfort compared to standard movie theater seats. With home theater seating, you can create comfortable seating spaces that allow you to sit comfortably for hours on end.

Designed for people who love to watch movies

A home movie chair is a piece of furniture that isn’t designed solely for those who love to watch films but for those who also enjoy watching TV.

You may want to have some friends over to watch sports, or you are a documentary fan and want to experience the best that National Geographic has to offer. Whatever you feel like watching, home theater seating can make the experience more comfortable compared to what a regular armchair has to offer.

Why Choose Home Theater Seating?

How many times have you gone to the cinema because you love the experience? The HD sound and image quality, the comfortable seats, the popcorn, and nacho cheese dip make for a fun experience. 

While most extras can be procured at home, theater seating is probably the most “out of reach” element of the theater-going experience.   

That doesn’t always have to be the case, as there are plenty of affordable seats that you can buy, and that’s an investment worth making even if you’re not an average movie-lover. These cheap recliners can provide a higher level of comfort for all your seated activities. 

Top 6 Cheap Home Theater Seating Reviews

Who said that home theater seating had to be expensive. It is true that you could pay exorbitant sums of money for such chairs, but believe it or not, affordable options exist. 

1. Seatcraft Anthem Home Theater Seating

Seatcraft Anthem Home Theater Seating

 

We wanted to add in a little extra something for people who want a more luxurious home theater experience, which is why we have chosen the Seatcraft Anthem chair set.

The chair is made with fine grain leather and offers comfort, as you’ve probably never experienced at a movie theater. It is a product made to provide you with every little thing you need so you can enjoy a “The Lord of the Rings” marathon with just a few bathroom breaks.

The two recliners are connected by a fold-down table which is the perfect storage space for anything from remote controls to nacho bowls.

It comes with wireless charging for your mobile devices, cup holders with backup light, and ambient base lighting. The armrests can be lifted to access additional storage space (and it’s the first place you should look if you can’t find the remote control).

Pros:

  • Wireless charging.
  • Fold-down table.
  • Ambient base lighting.
  • Lit cup holders.
  • Comfortable top-grain leather construction.

Cons:

  • Not as cheap as the others.

2. Homall Single Recliner Chair

Homall Single Recliner Chair

 

Made from PU leather, the Homall recliner is cheap, comfortable, and a genuine delight to sit on. The material is easy to clean, always a bonus if you touch it with greasy cheesy-puff hands.

The sponge used inside the recliner also makes this model extra comfortable. This push-back recliner is designed to open up a world of possibilities in terms of your sitting position, bringing a true home-cinema experience at home.

The footrest is adjustable, and armrests are curved to make it more comfortable for your arms during longer viewing hours. It can support 265 pounds, and adult assembly is required.

Pros:

  • Easy to clean.
  • Comfortable construction.
  • Adjustable footrest.
  • Curved armrests.

Cons:

  • Questionable stitching quality.

3. FDW Wingback Recliner

FDW Wingback Recliner

 

Next, we have the Wingback, a comfortable home theater addition that will make you want to use it whenever you sit down in front of your TV. Whether it’s part of your home theater or reading corner, this chair offers maximum relaxation. 

The Wingback is made with PU leather that’s pleasant on the skin (unless it’s really hot and you’re wearing shorts, in which case it might feel sticky) and also easy to clean.

The legs and the frame of the FDW are made with solid hardwood to provide more support. Installation is easy and only involves connecting a few pieces and tightening a few screws.

Pros:

  • Foot extension.
  • Easy to clean.
  • Hardwood frame.
  • Supports 275 pounds.
  • Easy to set up.

Cons:

  • Not too comfortable for tall people.

4. VIT Gaming Recliner

VIT Gaming Recliner

 

Are you searching for seating that your game-playing teenagers will enjoy? This chair is an excellent option, especially if you’re searching for comfortable and flexible home theater seating. Gaming products are 100 times better when compared to their standard counterparts.

As a demographic, gamers spare no expense in buying video equipment, gear, and  better furniture so they can play for extended hours while seated. This chair is an affordable chair for gamers and movie lovers alike.  

The VIT gaming recliner has a race-style design. The chair is made with PU leather, featuring blue accents, giving it a movie-theater feel.

You can adjust the back and the footrest at angles between 90 and 180 degrees, which allows you to sit in the position of your choice. It comes with head support, a 300-pound weight capacity, and a high-density thick sponge fill.

Pros:

  • Cool-looking design.
  • Head support.
  • High adjustability angle.
  • Back support.
  • Protective feet covers.

Cons:

  • Designerd mainly for children.

5. Yaheetech 2-Seat Reclining Chair

Yaheetech 2-Seat Reclining Chair

 

Are you looking for a cool home theater recliner set to share with your spouse? Then the Yaheetech might be what you’re looking for. As an inexpensive recliner with a retractable footrest, the chair delivers comfort and quality. The seats feature pocket springs along with rayon fiber and foam head and footrests.

Thanks to the PVC and PVU leather, the chairs easy to clean, all you need is a clean cloth to wipe them. They provide you with three different relaxation modes, and all you have to do is push the backrest and have the footrest align to give you comfort.

Pros:

  • Extra padding for head/footrest.
  • Easy to clean.
  • Three adjustable positions.
  • Pocket spring coil seating.

Cons:

  • Complaints about being too small.

6. CANMOV Electric Power Recliner Chair

CANMOV Electric Power Recliner Chair

 

The Canmov recliner is one of the best affordable picks as it offers superior comfort. The chair offers an adjustable headrest for better positioning while sitting down.

With integrated technology, you’ll  have everything you need within reach, including built-in USB ports for charging your smartphone and one outlet for anything that fits into the plug.

And just like all movie theater seats, the chair offers dual cup holders. The armrests offer a storage function, so you don’t have to get up during the movie at all (unless you have to use the bathroom, then it would be wise to pause the movie).

It can support a total weight of 300 pounds, and it’s one of the best and most comfortable budget recliners on the market.

Pros:

  • Cup holders.
  • Armrest storage.
  • USB ports.
  • Power outlet.
  • Very comfortable.
  • adjustable positioning.

Cons:

  • Not a long-lasting construction.

How to Make a Home Theater Seating Platform

Home Theater Seating Options

A home theater seating platform is easy to make if you’re willing to put forth some effort.  We’ve listed the steps required to see this project through.

Step One

Measurements are important. You need to know the width, length, and height of the riser you want to make. As you consider those measurements, you have to know the exact dimensions of the chairs you want to place on the riser and how many of them you want.

Step Two

Cut the pieces of lumber so you’ll have enough materials to build a platform that matches the dimensions you took earlier. When you’re done cutting, build the frame as shown in the video.

Step Three

Make the necessary cut for the wiring, which means cutting a hole for the power outlet. Install your electrical box in the hole. Attach the electrical cable to the box.

Step Four

Cover the entire exterior of the riser using a stapler and some carpet. Make sure that you cut any remaining carpet material that isn’t necessary to cover the riser anymore.

Step Five

To insulate the box’s interior, you can use some insulation material that is pretty easy to find online.

Step Six

Finish the wiring so there is electricity running to the outlet.

How to Connect TV Sound to Home Theater

How to Connect TV Sound to Home Theater

Connecting your TV to an external audio source is very easy, but you have to know about the different options you can work with:

  • RCA cables – They connect to your TV via the analog audio output slot. You have a red and white jack that goes into the slots in the TV with the same color-coding.
  • Digital optical cable – One end of the cable goes into the TV slot with the same name, while the other end of the cable goes into the corresponding slot in the audio system.
  • HDMI-ARC – This option requires a TV with an HDMI-ARC input. This function allows the TV’s audio signal to be sent back to an HDMI-ARC soundbar or whatever external audio equipment you’re using without the needing additional analog or digital audio connection.
  • Bluetooth – Assuming that both your TV and the external audio system have Bluetooth capabilities, turn them on for each device and allow them to pair.

How to Make a Movie Theater at Home

Home Theater Seating Options

If you have some spare cash on your hands, this is a pretty cool tutorial that will teach you how to turn some unused space (in this particular case, a shed) into an amazing home theater.

Step One

In this particular project, it is necessary that you pour the concrete base and build the shed from pre-cut pieces of lumber. If you already have a room inside your home that you want to convert to a theater, the first part of the tutorial is something you can skip.

Step Two

Consider making a false wall for mounting the screen, as well as making a designated space for your audio system. For instance, you can make special wooden boxes to conceal the subwoofers.

Step Three

Make sure that you install the proper lights for a home theater ambiance. 

Step Four

Whenever possible, paint the room black. This will help maintain a dark ambiance so that everyone can enjoy an immersive movie-watching experience.

Step Five

Before installing the seats, you want to install the carpet. The choice of carpet is entirely up to you, but take note that spills are likely to happen when enjoying snacks and drinks while watching a movie, so you want to consider the ease of cleaning.

Step Six

Screen installation. The best combonation is a good projector with a pull-down screen that is easy to hide and keep out of view. 

Step Seven

Install the seating and take care of other details that might make a difference in your home-theater experience, such as installing a mini-fridge to have cold beverages nearby or adding soundproof insulation to the walls.

How Much Does a Home Theater Cost?

How Much Does a Home Theater Cost?

In the US, a home theater costs anywhere between $2,000 and $33,000. The cost includes the system, installation, and extras like seating and lighting.

You can also call a professional to design your home theater room. For a professional design, expect to pay between $500 and $3,000. It’ll be money well spent if you acquire the correct layout and equipment for the space.

Tips for Building the Perfect Home Movie Theater Room

Designing your home theater room is a matter of personal taste. The following tips may be useful if you’re not sure where to start:

  • Limit your ambient light as much as possible. That means that if your theater room has windows, you want a blackout curtain that can easily darken the room whenever you want to watch a movie.
  • Make sure that you install lighting systems that are easy to control. That means that you should be able to dim or brighten them to the level of your choice.
  • You want to avoid placing too many reflective items in the room.
  • Invest in comfortable seating; it will make a world’s difference.
  • Make the room as dark as possible in terms of decor. That includes dark walls and a dark ceiling.
  • Invest in a quality drop-down projection screen.

How to Measure for a Home Theater Size

How to Measure for a Home Theater Size

To calculate the minimum distance, multiply the horizontal width of your screen (which is different from the diagonal one) by two. To determine the maximum distance, multiply it by five. The home theater seating distance is also affected by other elements, including screen resolution and brightness.

Home Theater vs. Media Room

Home Theater vs. Media Room

While they may appear identical, there is a huge difference between a home theater and a media room. Let’s explore the differences between them and disocver which one is the right choice for you.

Use

Both rooms are quite different. A media room accomodates those who work enjoy the latest gadgets and tech, including computers, onsole gaming, and karaoke.

A home theater system is dedicated exclusively to watching movies. Naturally, if you or your family like to do more, a media room is a better option.

Equipment

For a home theater, it’s clear what type of furniture and tech you have to purchase. You want a comfortable chair, a good TV or a projection screen, a top-quality projector, ambient lights, and good sound equipment.

For a media room, it depends on what type of activities you want to do in the room. Computer desktops that can handle gaming tasks are common, so you’ll need a good desk and gaming chairs as well. You should also consider installing a Karaoke option, which is always fun for birthday parties and special events. 

Furniture

If you want to set up a home theater, it’s clear what type of furniture you need. There are special home theater chairs with cup holders, recliner features, and even USB ports to charge your phone.

For a media room, you’re going to need comfortable seating, depending on the activities performed. You might need desks, bean bags, or bar stools.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

How much room do you need for home theater seating?

When you’re planning your home theater layout for the seats you’re thinking of buying, you’ll want to know what’s the ideal placements so you can calculate how many seats you can place in the room. There is a consensus that there should be about 20 inches of space on either side of the row.

What is the best material for home theater seats?

The one that’s easiest to clean. When you’re munching on popcorn and cheese nachos, spills are inevitable. If you have to spot clean some pretentious fabric, you’ll end up not being able to sit on the chair until the cleaned surface dries, not to mention you’ll have to put in some elbow grease to clean the stain.
If you opt for covered seating in something like leather or faux leather, wiping the seat with a clean cloth takes seconds, and you can sit right back down and continue to enjoy whatever it is you’re watching.

Bottom Line

Finding a suitable recliner for a home theater setting isn’t complicated, but it’s true that you can tell the difference between a chair that costs a few hundred bucks and one that’s worth thousands of dollars.

With that in mind, know that finding an inexpensive chair isn’t impossible. You need to take your time and find one that offers comfort and style at a pair price.