Designing a home theater is a major renovation goal for many homeowners. While the concept can seem daunting, creating a dedicated space to enjoy your favorite movies and television shows with perfectly optimized tech and conditions is simpler than you might imagine.
As long as you stick to some key best practices, your dream home theater will be a reality before you know it.
To help, here are some expert tips for designing your own home theater space:
The essentials of home theater sound
There’s more to excellent home theater sound than a surround sound system. Acoustics and ambient noise also make a huge difference in the clarity and quality of your audio enjoyment. Once you have a dedicated space for your home theater, you can make some small adjustments to improve sound before ever plugging in a speaker.
For example, you can attach foam panels to the walls to reduce reverb and echo inside the theater. This will also prevent your movie enjoyment from disturbing anybody outside the room. Seal any cracks with caulk and hang heavy fabric curtains to soak up the extra noise and keep the focus on entertainment.
Optimal home theater lighting
Lighting is essential to an enjoyable home theater system. However, it doesn’t need to be as elaborate as the lighting in public theaters. All you need to do is rely on ambient lighting to prevent glare. Recessed lighting is a great way to illuminate the room without ruining the view.
If your home theater has a window, you’ll want to hang blackout curtains or other heavy drapes to block outside light. Even without direct sunlight shining through, a window can cause serious glare issues on screens of all sizes.
Keep the decor simple
Less is more when it comes to decorating your home theater. Before you get overwhelmed with home theater design ideas involving complex color schemes and artwork, consider the ideal environment for enjoying a movie. Keep the room free of visual clutter and distractions to keep the focus where it belongs.
Consider dark neutral paint colors for the walls and ceilings. Avoid glossy finishes, which can cause distracting reflections. If you opt for cinema style stadium seating, prioritize comfort over aesthetics.
These are only a few home theater ideas to consider for your own home. Keep these practical interior design basics in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to an exceptional movie night.
About the Author
Jamie Jamieson
Professional Association National Association of Realtors (NAR) New York State Association of Realtors (NYSAR) Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors/ Hudson Gateway Multiple Listing Service Education I hold an A.A in Italian Studies and an A.S in Accounting as well as being one of few students accepted into the Cambridge University International Student Study Program abroad as a returning student in 2011. Community Involvement I am proud to serve on the Home & School Board for St. Augustine School in Ossining and maintain the role of a Girl Scout leader. I am an active member of the community assisting in a variety of fundraising efforts. Personal I am a young and energetic agent who prides myself on providing personalized service with honest representation whether you are buying or selling your home. My expertise of the river towns, attention to detail and excitement for real estate are a few of the many assets I will bring to you. I will utilize my eagerness and market knowledge of the area to build lasting relationships with all of my clients that will extend far beyond the closing table. Be at ease from start to finish with my help. In my spare time, I love exploring the Hudson Valley with my husband, three children and our dog, Pippin. I love scoping out the infinite restaurants, farmers markets and other fabulous activities this exciting county has to offer. Experience Before joining William Raveis Legends Realty Group I started my career with Hudson Homes Sotheby's International Realty team. Prior to real estate, I had a remarkable 15+ year career in Restaurant Management/Hospitality including Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, Rivermarket and several establishments in Newport, Rhode Island. My experience in that field provided me with the foundation of excellence in customer service. Areas Covered All of Westchester County and parts of Putnam County.