A Deep Dive Into Theater Design: Details That Make the Difference
Every single aspect of your home theater should contribute to an exceptional viewing experience
As the old expression goes: the devil is in the details. It means that failing to pay attention to the small details can end up causing the largest problems in complex projects or situations. And that’s certainly the case when it comes to your home theater installation!
In a dedicated home theater, every detail matters to create the optimal movie-watching environment. Keep reading to learn about four crucial details you shouldn’t overlook while designing your dream theater in Sewickley, PA.
SEE ALSO: Unpacking the Elements Behind Dedicated Home Theater Design
Paint
Did you know that light or neon-colored paint can reflect light that disrupts your viewing experience? When it comes time to choosing a color for your home theater walls, darker is better. Gray, dark brown, navy blue, burgundy, or black are excellent choices to minimize unwanted reflections. Additionally, avoid glossy finishes — stick to flat and matte finishes instead.
Floor Materials
Flooring has a significant effect on your room’s acoustics. A thick carpet is one of the best choices for home theater flooring because it provides excellent insulation and sound control. Plus, carpets come in a range of colors and patterns to match your interior design, and they’re comfortable enough for your pets to relax on the floor nearby.
If you’re converting an existing room with wood, laminate, or tile flooring into a theater, you’ll likely need insulating rugs and other soft, thick materials to absorb reverberations.
Seating
Home theater seating not only affects your comfort level but also impacts the quality of your viewing experience. The goal of designing your seating arrangements is for every seat in the room to provide a clear view of the display screen. Several factors come into play here.
You should have the right number of seats to fit the room dimensions — too many seats, and the theater will feel cramped, too few, and it will feel vast and empty. Likewise, your seats should be placed at the proper distance from the screen — straining your neck upward from close proximity isn’t comfortable, but neither is squinting to see a screen that’s too far away. Finally, consider a tiered design to ensure everyone has a clear sightline if you have multiple rows of seating.
Keep in mind that the theater seating you choose should be comfortable enough to support you for several hours of viewing. Finding seats with head, neck, and lumbar support and adequate cushioning is essential to a good experience.
HVAC
During the most poignant moment in a film, the last thing you want to hear is the rattle of pipes and vents from running water or the A/C. If at all possible, a dedicated, isolated home theater should have a separate HVAC system or a dedicated zone on the home’s HVAC system to minimize ambient sounds. Additionally, your ductwork should be lined with insulation to absorb excess noise. A professional home theater company can advise you on the best HVAC solutions based on your home and theater layouts.
Trust the team at Simply Automated to be your home theater design and installation experts. We’ll work with you from start to finish to create the best entertainment experience for your home. Call or fill out our contact form to set up a consultation at one of our two Pittsburgh locations.
