Home Theater Decorating
Experience The Cinema

If you think watching a movie at home is a treat, you are not alone. Home theater decorating can transport us from our everyday lives into a world that is exciting and totally different from our own.

More and more people have decided to create a home theater decorating space in their homes, with a large screen tv linked to a high quality surround sound system.

Media rooms are becoming the answer to the family room.

Create an atmosphere that is attractive when the lights are up, but one that will not distract when the lights are down.

When opting for a dedicated home theater decorating space, choose a room that has different lengths to fight acoustical problems before they begin.

If you the ability to insulate the ceiling and walls, it makes it possible to keep out a lot of distracting sounds and avoid disturbing other areas of the house.

A basement is one of the best places for home theater decorating. 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 won't cause glares to the screen or distract the entertainment.

The basic component of home theater decorating is the TV.

Ideally you will use a ceiling mount projector that casts a wall size image but you can skip this item if you have a large screen tv. A 27" screen is the minimum size tv and a bigger screen will enhance the experience.

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" and that should give you an idea on the distance the seating should be.

For example, a 30" tv screen X 2 = 60" or 5 feet viewing distance from the tv. A 55" 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, one in the center, two surround speakers in the back, powered by a sub woofer.

Educate yourself on the best brands to buy by reading and talking with experts.

Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the placement of surround speakers. In general, place the left and right speaker well apart from each other and away from the walls. The distance from you to the speakers should be greater than the distance between the two left and right speakers.

The left and right front speakers carry the bulk of the music and sound effects. The speaker should be high quality and able to handle a variety of sounds.

The center speaker is the primary carrier of dialogue and should be the same quality as the left and right front speaker. It is usually placed on top of the tv.

The two surround speakers can be smaller in size because they don't need to carry the base. They should put out at least half the power and match the front speakers as close as possible in sound quality.

These two speakers are placed behind you and a little above your head. This gives the surround sound. The speakers can be placed on bookcases, stands, or mounted right on the wall or ceiling.

Sub woofers reproduce the base sounds that make movie effects like explosions, sonic booms and crashes that make you feel plunked right in the middle of the action.

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 cd's and some will feature pocket doors to close off the tv when not in use. The room chosen for your home theater decorating needs to be sufficiently prepared for good acoustics to optimally experience movies. Because sound reverberates off bare walls and floors, this is one room where wall to wall carpet and hanging draperies or other sound absorbing items on the walls are essential.

Furnishing the room with big soft furniture will also insulate sounds from the outside.

Drapery panels should overlap in the center and return to the wall at each side to block any slivers of light. Choose window treatments that block all light with blackout linings.

Consider any light coming in from under doors, closets or other openings into the room.

Paint your home theater decorating space with deep colors such as charcoal gray, chocolate brown or deep red. Use matte finish paints to avoid reflections or choose textured wall coverings or fabric for the walls in dark colors.

Avoid overhead lights. They may produce a glare in the room. Put general room lighting on dimmer switches and if possible locate the control near the seating area.

Lighting with recessed wall washers is an attractive solution and using wall sconces will offer soft lighting that can also be controlled with dimmers.

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.

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.

Choose upholstery materials that are easily cleaned, like the washable suede, lightly textured chenille, brushed twills, and leather.

Remember to complete your home theater decorating with concessions!

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