DIY Theater Takes Long, Lean Approach
By Rachel Cericola
This DIYer works a big theater into a skinny space, with stunning results.

Awkward spaces don’t make for an easy DIY project—but they sure are fun. Curt Caveney knew when he set out to build his basement theater that the narrow shape was going to work against him.

“Our basement is very long and narrow. Being able to watch traditional movies in the first two rows was essential. It was also important to leave the back area of the theater open for a counter, a sitting table, and a future bar,” Caveney says. “Such a configuration will ultimately provide seating for up to 17 people—say at a Super Bowl party. We felt we could get much more use out of the space this way.”



We are guessing that Caveney and his family do get a lot of use out of the room, as well as a lot of praise. Not only did he want enough seating to pack them in; he also wanted his guests to actually enjoy themselves. This meant making sure every seat would provide a perfect view of the screen.

“The seating risers were key to eliminating the problem where people are craning over those in front to see,” Caveney says. “However, too high of a riser would obscure the view of those seated at the counters in the back.”

By adding 2x8s in the front, 2x12s in the back, and barstools by the counter in the back he provided the perfect seating height for everyone.
Guests are not only invited to visit the back area during movies; they are encouraged. Using different light fixtures on separate dimming circuits, Caveney was able to create an affordable, yet effective lighting scheme.

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