Create a home theater decorating your basement or other space into a media room that is both functional and comfortable. A basement is one of the best places to turn into a media room. It generally has fewer windows and a room without windows is ideal. It is easier to control the light and the interference from outside light would not cause glares to the screen or distract the entertainment.
Prepare the room for good acoustics as much as possible to optimally experience movies and if you are starting your project from scratch use sound proof drywall and insulation for the walls.
Sound reverberates off hard surfaces like wood or tile so this is one room where wall to wall carpet in dark colors works best and hanging draperies or other sound absorbing items on the walls are necessary. Furnishing the room with big soft furniture will also insulate sounds from the outside.
Window treatments help to absorb sound and also control the light entering the room. Choose heavy fabrics for draperies and have them overlap in the center by a few inches and extend the windows at each side to block any slivers of light.
Controlling the light is a major factor in the success of your home theater decorating.
* Try to avoid overhead lights. They may produce a glare in the room.
* Lighting should be on dimmers to truly capture the movie theater experience and if possible locate the control near the seating area.
* Sconces lining the wall will offer soft lighting that can also controlled with dimmers.
* Consider any light coming in from under doors, closets or other openings into the room and block at the bottom with weather stripping.
The quality of movie viewing is affected by paint color.
* To ensure an optimal viewing experience, paint your home theater decorating space with deep colors such as charcoal gray, chocolate brown or deep red or plum.
* Use matte finish paints to avoid reflections or choose textured wall coverings or fabric for the walls in dark colors.
TV is a basic component of home theater.
* Consider the amount of available space you have before buying a big screen TV.
* The viewing quality is affected by the distance from the screen as much as the size of the screen itself. The larger the screen the farther the distance must be between it and the seating area.
* To calculate, multiply the diagonal of the TV size by 2-2.5 in inches and that should give you an idea on the distance the seating should be. For example, take a 30 inches TV screen and multiply the screen size by 2. So 60 inches or 5 feet of viewing distance from the TV.
* A 55 inches TV is best viewed from a distance of nine feet.
* For your home theater decorating, use a theater system of six speakers to provide high quality sound. A left and right speaker for each side, one speaker for in the center, and two surround speakers for in the back, and a sub woofer.
Manufacturers design specially made cable accommodating pieces for housing electronic equipment in exquisitely crafted armoires, credenzas and modular units. These cabinets accept a variety of TV sizes and are available in styles suited for most everyone.
Be sure to compare both the width and the depth with your TV. A display wall with a media cabinet in the middle is an effective and stylish solution. Most pieces will include storage for videos or CDs and some will feature pocket doors to close off the TV when not in use.
Center seating for optimal sound and screen viewing.
* A seating arrangement with large sofas or sectional sofa units is a great way to seat a lot of people and accommodate kids comfortably.
* A set of recliners, swivel chairs or chairs with castors can seat guests individually and offers many alternatives for lounging. High backs support the neck but not too high that affects the surround sound.
* Choose upholstery materials in dark colors that are easily cleaned, like the washable suede, lightly textured chenille, brushed twill and leather.
* Have tables within reach for each guest when possible. Use wood tables with a low sheen finish or ottomans that can be used for supplement seating.
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368
Date Published :
Feb 18 2009