DIY Movie Theater - On a Budget

Movie Time: Our Favorite Family Tradition

Movie time is a big deal in our family. Once a week, you’ll find us cuddled together on the couch at home, enjoying a film and spending quality time together. It’s something we all look forward to—a chance to pause our busy lives and reconnect.

Renovating Our Farmhouse Dream

In 2017, we purchased our farmhouse, knowing it would be a long-term project to transform it into our dream home. After eight years of saving and planning, we were finally ready to tackle some major renovations.

Our first priority? The basement! This space serves as the headquarters for Orderly Elegance, taking up about 75% of the area with inventory and office space. However, I wanted to carve out a special spot for our family—a cozy movie theater room.

Our Basement Before

It worked for us at first, but over time, it wasn’t being used to its fullest potential we knew it could. So, we decided it was time to make a change!

Setting the Scene with a Fresh Coat of Paint

Before adding curtains or furniture, we gave the walls a fresh coat of paint. We chose Ebony Keys by Valspar, which can be found at your local Sherwin-Williams. The deep, rich color created the perfect backdrop for a cozy and cinematic atmosphere.

The Process

We put in the time and effort on this project to ensure we got exactly what we wanted! Huge thanks to the girls for their help - we had fun during the process!

Creating the Movie Theater Vibe

There’s a small nook off the main basement area with a built-in TV stand that seemed perfect for this project. With a little creativity, we turned it into a dedicated theater space. To create separation and reduce noise, we installed curtains around the room, enclosing the nook and adding a cozy, private feel.

For that true theater vibe, we installed six movie theater-style lights—three on each side. The kids love changing the colors on the lights, making it a fun and interactive feature.

Cozy and Functional Design

We repurposed the sectional from our upstairs living room, giving it a new life in the theater. Though it’s a few years old, it’s still incredibly comfortable and fit perfectly in the space.

To cover the 1990s tan carpet (which is still in great shape!), I reused a rug from another area in our home. The layered textures made the room feel warm and inviting.

The Transformation

Now we have a beautiful and cozy movie theater room we’ve always wanted - ready to create countless memories!

A Budget-Friendly Transformation

We already had the TV and soundbar, which made it easier to stay on budget. By reusing existing furniture and being mindful of new purchases, we were able to complete the entire transformation for under $1,000.

Looking Ahead: A Movie Bar Area

This theater room is one of my favorite spaces in our home so far. But the project isn’t finished just yet! I have plans to redesign a nearby closet into a movie bar area, and I can’t wait to share that transformation with you when the time comes.

Future Plans

We plan to build the ultimate movie bar with a mini fridge, ice machine, candy zone, and extra shelving for snacks and decor. Perfect for movie nights!

Thank You for Following Along

Thank you for following along as we transform our farmhouse into the home of our dreams! Each project brings us one step closer to creating a space that truly reflects our family’s personality and values. Be sure to stay tuned for more updates on our renovation journey, along with real-life organizing tips and step-by-step ideas you can apply in your own home!