1. The Right Screen
Obviously you need a screen, but it’s important to ensure that you get the right one for the room. For example, if your seating extends out to the sides of the room, letting viewers see it from an angle, you might not want to go with an LCD, which bleaches color out of the picture when viewed from the sides.
Projection screens are always a plus when you want to go big, but if your room has any natural light coming in, it can really wash out the image.
The ideal screen should be large enough to be seen from the back of the room, and viewable from all areas at all times. Take the time to research your screen based on your room – not on reviews that may not take your particular needs into consideration.
2. Acoustics
You’re probably planning on installing a sound system to help enhance the effects of watching things on your big screen, but if you don’t take the acoustics in the room into account at the same time, it may not have the effect you’re after.
Be sure to carpet the room to help deaden sound and echoes from surrounding rooms. You may also want to look into acoustic panels for your ceiling, and possibly the walls as well. Alternatively, covering the walls with heavy curtains you can close when the room is in use can also have the same effect, as can installing a resilient flooring like cork.
You’ll also want to pay attention to the shape of the room and where you install your sound system so that you don’t miss anything due to muffled or blocked noises issuing from the speakers.
3. Wireless Systems
Thanks to Bluetooth and other wireless systems, you can now have a fully set up and functional home theater without the wires and cables hooking everything together. A wireless set up gives you the opportunity to move your speakers into places you might not have been able to reach previously, and allows you to hook up various electronics to stream video games or movies from another source. And all of this can be very unobtrusive, taking up much less space than previous systems.
4. Surge Protector
If you don’t have a whole house surge protector, then you need to at least ensure that your home theater is covered and protected. Surge protectors help prevent surges of electricity, such as those that can occur during, before, or after an electrical storm from ruining all of your sensitivity equipment.
With the various DVD and Blu-Ray players, speakers, wireless systems, and internet connections that you’ll have set up in the room, it makes sense to put a protector on your panel for the entire space. This way if your home were to have a surge, you’re home theater wouldn’t be affected in the slightest.
5. Seating
Every home theater needs someplace for you and your guests to sit. But what kind of seating is best? Ideally, any furniture you install in this room should be built for comfort; after all, anyone using it will probably be there for at least a couple of hours.
So take the time to look at furniture that includes things like built-in cup holders for drinks, overstuffed backs for lumbar support, and optional reclining features for the ultimate in comfort. Whether you choose to use stadium style seating or a sectional sofa is up to the size and configuration of the room; just be sure that whatever you choose is designed to hold someone in comfort for at least the length of a feature film.
Design Your Ultimate Home Theater
Having a home theater can raise your property value and increase your enjoyment in your home at the same time. Be sure that no matter what layout or shape our home theater takes that you include these essentials to truly maximize your experience.
For any other tips on how to make your home remodeling a breeze, Classic Construction is available for all your Richmond remodeling services. To learn more, give us a call at 804-776-5070 or fill out our online form for a free consultation.
