DIY Media Room Makeover: A Hobby Lobby Haul & Transformation

Updated at: 18/05/2025

Have you ever dreamed of transforming a dull, underutilized space into a vibrant and inviting media room? For those of us who love a good DIY project and the thrill of a home improvement challenge, this is your chance to unleash your inner designer. This project focuses on creating a stunning media room makeover on a budget, leveraging the incredible selection and affordability of Hobby Lobby. Forget expensive contractors and overwhelming costs; we’re proving that a breathtaking home theatre is within reach, even for the most budget-conscious DIY enthusiast. We’ll tackle everything from choosing the perfect paint colors to creating custom shelving and adding those finishing touches that elevate the entire space.

This DIY media room makeover utilizes a fantastic haul from Hobby Lobby, transforming our drab space into a cozy and functional entertainment hub. From finding the perfect accent pieces to upcycling existing furniture, we'll walk you through each step of the process with detailed instructions and plenty of inspiration. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and join us as we embark on this exciting home improvement adventure! Let's dive into the step-by-step guide to recreate this amazing media room transformation in your own home.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Bean bag chairs
  • Shelving
  • 120-inch screen
  • Media room chairs with tray tables
  • Blankets
  • Chalk/Chalk Markers
Safety Guidelines
  • Always unplug electrical devices before working on them or near them. This prevents electric shock and potential fire hazards.
  • Use caution when handling sharp objects like knives or box cutters when opening packaging or cutting materials. Wear gloves if necessary.
  • Properly dispose of any hazardous waste materials, such as paint cans or electronic waste, according to your local regulations.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Planning & Shopping

    • Plan your media room style and décor. Consider a playful, vintage-inspired look.
    • Shop for home theater décor at Hobby Lobby (or a similar store). Look for wall art, pillows, and other decorative items to fit your theme.
    • In this case, they chose a ‘Welcome to the Show’ star sign, snack bar signs ('Snack Bar Treat Yourself', 'It's Snack Time'), a movie ticket, Coca-Cola items, and an exit sign.
    Purchase necessary items: In this case, they chose a ‘Welcome to the Show’ star sign, snack bar signs ('Snack Bar Treat Yourself', 'It's Snack Time'), a movie ticket, Coca-Cola items, and an exit sign.
    Planning & Shopping

  2. Décor Placement

    • Arrange and place your new décor in your media room. This includes wall art and other decorative items.
    Arrange and place your new décor in your media room. This includes wall art and other decorative items.
    Décor Placement

  3. Entertainment Setup

    • Set up your seating and entertainment system (TV, speakers, etc.).
    Set up your seating and entertainment system (TV, speakers, etc.).
    Entertainment Setup

  4. Finishing Touches & Comfort

    • Consider additional blankets and pillows to enhance comfort and style.
    • Consider additional elements like a snack bar area.
    Consider additional elements like a snack bar area.Consider additional elements like a snack bar area.
    Finishing Touches & Comfort

Read more: DIY Farmhouse X-Style Coffee Table: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

  • Check for sales and discounts at your chosen store. The video mentions 40% off items.
  • Consider the placement of your décor carefully. The video discusses the best placement for an exit sign, suggesting viewer input.
  • Don't be afraid to shop around for the best selection of items. If one store doesn't have what you need, try another.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Ignoring Acoustics

Reason: Poor sound quality can ruin the movie-watching experience. Hard surfaces reflect sound, creating echoes and muddying the audio.
Solution: Add sound-absorbing materials like rugs, curtains, and acoustic panels to dampen reflections and improve sound clarity.

2. Insufficient Lighting Control

Reason: Too much light washes out the screen and makes it difficult to see details, while inadequate lighting can strain your eyes.
Solution: Install dimmable lights and consider using blackout curtains or blinds to control ambient light levels.

FAQs

How much did this Hobby Lobby media room makeover cost?
The total cost varied depending on existing furniture and pre-owned items. However, focusing on Hobby Lobby's sales and coupons, the total spent on new items was under $300. Significant savings were achieved by repurposing existing pieces.
What kind of paint did you use, and what are your recommendations for a media room?
I used a matte finish paint from Hobby Lobby for the walls to minimize glare on the screen. For a media room, a dark, neutral color is ideal for enhancing the viewing experience, but you can add pops of color with accessories.
Can I adapt this project to a smaller space?
Absolutely! This project can be easily scaled. Focus on maximizing vertical space with shelving and selecting furniture that suits your room's dimensions. Prioritize multi-functional pieces to save space.