There’s nothing cozier than curling up on the sofa to queue up a film. While a few additions are non-negotiables — namely: comfy clothes and wine — you may have overlooked some important design elements for decorating a home theater. These home theater ideas turn up the drama (in a good way) for your next movie night at home.

Set the Vibe with Lighting

There’s definitely room for whimsy when decorating your home theater. Announce the night’s feature film with a mini cinematic light box. Kids will love to help, and it’s a surprisingly fun way to practice their spelling, too.

Candles are another way to create ambience — the kind you simply won’t get at a regular movie theater. They’re always appropriate, whether you’re watching a rom-com, horror flick, or an animated feature, and you can even pick scents or colors that fit with a film’s theme or genre.

• Crate & Barrel Apotheke candle: Watching an art-house flick? Light a canvas-scented candle for a cheeky nod to what’s on screen.
• Capri Blue Volcano candle: This pretty candle smells like paradise in a rustic vessel that goes with just about any design scheme.
• CB2 brass candle bowl: Channel Hollywood glamour with the gleam of golden brass.
• Teakwood and tobacco soy candle: Tobacco and teakwood create the perfect scent for an old-timey Western.
• Hurricanes: Another option is to keep it simple with an unscented candle — and a fabulous hurricane. Our designers like this amber-colored set from West Elm, available in two sizes.

1.  Apotheke Candle  //  2. Capri Candle  //  3. Brass Candle  //  4. Teak Candle

Snack Stylishly

One of the best parts about a movie night at home is the snacks. You’ll spend way less money than at a traditional theater, and you can indulge in exactly what you want. Even better? Stylish vessels like these that will keep you reaching for re-ups, whether you’re craving an individual stash of sweets or a giant bowl of popcorn to share.

• Mini candy bowls: Keep your sweet tooth (and portion size) in check with this set of six ceramic bowls in shades of blue, green, and white. We see you, popcorn lovers: they’re also available in a larger size.
• Family-friendly bowls: Got kids? Get melamine. This indestructible bowl is also extra colorful, with a mid-century modern-inspired palm leaf print.
• A seriously big bowl: This simple, melamine serving bowl is perfect for sharing. But we won’t tell if you end up keeping it all to yourself. The same style is also available in a slightly smaller size (and a pretty, robin’s egg blue hue!).

1.  Mini Bowls  //  2. Melamine Bowl  //  3. Serving Bowl

Drink It All In

Individual drink tables are a surprising addition that makes movie night extra special. A crowd favorite, we recommend getting a few to stash around the room, or dot along the sofa for an easy break between sips. 

• Sanaga drink table: And the Academy Award goes to… this cute, statuesque table rendered in gold (just like Oscar himself). Another nominee? The Valtar brass drink table from Crate & Barrel.
• Hex drink table set: This stylish pair features a larger table that would work as a side table, too, plus a smaller drink table. Marble and gold makes a chic statement.
• Eclipse drink table: Move over, rom-com. This two-tier table is a perfect couple in and of itself.
• Prost drink table: For a minimalist, industrial vibe, choose this sleek option from Crate & Barrel.

1.  Sanaga Drink Table  //  2. Hex Drink Table //  3. Eclipse Drink Table  //  4. Prost Drink Table

Get Cozy with Tons of Textiles

Let’s be real — pillows, blankets, and throws are just as important as the snacks and drinks when it comes to a movie night at home. Extra pillows and blankets help customize your comfort level so that you can really sink in and worry about the movie plot rather than worrying about how your leg is falling asleep or the fact that you’re as cold as the ice queen on screen (cue: “Let it Go… Let it Go…”).

• Throws: Splurge on cashmere for a seriously cozy movie-watching experience, or choose a faux fur option for those chilly home movie nights where you really want to snuggle up. Even if it’s warm out, a blanket is a must. Our designers like this cotton waffle throw or this classic striped option.
• Floor pillows: If you really want to sprawl out, skip the couch and grab a floor pillow. We like this mid-century modern option from West Elm, or a pared-back, Scandi style from Perigold. Go boho with a pretty printed option from Loloi, or go totally modern (and totally sumptuous) with a velvet floor pillow like this one from Neva Home.
• Wildcard: We’ll admit it: beanbags are totally worth it for a home theater idea. They’re not normally a shape or style we’d choose, but when it comes to a movie night at home, comfort comes first! We love this leather one for a modern aesthetic, or faux fur number for a truly cozy lounge.

1.  Cashmere Blanket  //  2. Faux Fur Throw  //  3. Cotton Waffle Throw  //  4. Striped Throw  //  5. Gold Floor Pillow  //  6. Ivory Floor Pillow  //  7.  Printed Floor Pillow  //  8.  Velvet Throw Pillow  //  9. Leather Beanbag  //  10. Faux Fur Beanbag

Take It Outside

The above tips are designed for an indoor viewing experience, but if you’re seeking an alfresco feature film, we’ve got a post for that. Check out our how-to on creating the best-ever backyard movie night.