We used to call it a home theater and, before that, the den or family room. But todays modern media room takes comfort and technology to a whole other level. Thats because its not simply about a big screen TV and a puffy sofa with cup holders. Its about satisfying all your senses.
Here are the five basics to creating your media room refuge:
Proportion: Most of us dream of a big screen but be conscious of the size of your room depth, length and height. You want the screen as the focal point but it shouldnt dominate the entire space particularly if youre planning on using the room for multiple purposes. (See Multi-media below.)
Cozy and classy: Shop around for a modern sofa and side chairs that satisfy your homes style requirements when the screen is off and comfort when its on. This isnt a man cave or your moms old off-limits living room, and its not quite a traditional home theater with cinema seating. Stay away from slippery, sticky leather or vinyl and go for warmer plush fabrics that feel relaxing. Add blankets to curl up with and puffy pillows to rest your feet on. If you have hardwood floors, a soft rug under your toes will complement the esthetic.
Clutter: Be realistic about the size of your room and the number of guests likely to share your media room experience. Make sure you have enough seating without overcrowding the room. Consider slipper chairs, which can be left by the window or the back of the room, and pulled into the main viewing area when you need them.
Lighting: No media room is complete without glare control. Shop for versatile shades that open top-down and bottom-up, giving you the ability to prevent glare from hitting your screen while still letting some outdoor light in. If you prefer a true theatre experience, there are blind fabric options and curtains that offer maximum opacity. As for artificial lighting, stick with recessed pot lights and a floor lamp or two on dimmers, of course.
Multi-media: While most people think of a media room as a place to watch movies or TV in style, members of your family might also enjoy using it for other media to read, play video games, listen to music, surf the internet or spend time on their favorite hobbies. Brainstorm different ways the room may be used and plan accordingly.
Have you built the perfect media room? Then please share your tips and ideas in the Shop Talk Blog community forum!
Did you know?
Movies home and away
While millions of us still enjoy going out to the movies, that number is shrinking. The number of movie tickets sold fell nearly 11% between 2004 and 2013, attributed in large part to home entertainment options.
I placed my TV on the same wall as my windows to avoid the glare.
Awesome advice
I have a room that has a dual purpose of being media room and man cave. We have no small children but the wife and ! (and sometimes other family and friends) do a diner/movie night. As a man cave it is where I watch sports and is decorated masculine as far as walls & shelves. There is permanent seating for 3 but we bring in a wooden rocking chair and it’s in a cool basement so lots of throws to keep warm with. The equipment is 55″ Samsung LED TV 7.1 Marantz receiver Paradigm monitor 7 (fronts) CC100 (center) Atom (rears) and Subwoofer speakers. Shaw Direct Sat receiver & Samsung Blu-ray player provide the source material.
We have a big living room we have our big tv to watch all the movies we like when watchingmy tv shows I watch it in my room
I don’t go to Theaters because the cost of the movie is too high. The price of food and popcorn is ridiculous.
Theaters are out to make money at all costs. You cannot bring in your own snacks. and they don’t offer family prices. 2 for the price of one…or lower their food prices!
So why shouldn’t people wait until the movies come out on DVD or On Cablevision on Demand.
I am on disability and have NOT been able to go to movies in over 15 years.
All the best to people who can still enjoy going out to a movie. When I was younger Movies were the most cost efficient night out. NOT NOW.
barb.
Great tips. Thank you.