Expert tips for designing a home theater

by Judy Gibbons 06/08/2022

Designing a home theater is a major renovation goal for many homeowners. While the concept can seem daunting, creating a dedicated space to enjoy your favorite movies and television shows with perfectly optimized tech and conditions is simpler than you might imagine.

As long as you stick to some key best practices, your dream home theater will be a reality before you know it.

To help, here are some expert tips for designing your own home theater space:

The essentials of home theater sound

There’s more to excellent home theater sound than a surround sound system. Acoustics and ambient noise also make a huge difference in the clarity and quality of your audio enjoyment. Once you have a dedicated space for your home theater, you can make some small adjustments to improve sound before ever plugging in a speaker.

For example, you can attach foam panels to the walls to reduce reverb and echo inside the theater. This will also prevent your movie enjoyment from disturbing anybody outside the room. Seal any cracks with caulk and hang heavy fabric curtains to soak up the extra noise and keep the focus on entertainment.

Optimal home theater lighting

Lighting is essential to an enjoyable home theater system. However, it doesn’t need to be as elaborate as the lighting in public theaters. All you need to do is rely on ambient lighting to prevent glare. Recessed lighting is a great way to illuminate the room without ruining the view.

If your home theater has a window, you’ll want to hang blackout curtains or other heavy drapes to block outside light. Even without direct sunlight shining through, a window can cause serious glare issues on screens of all sizes.

Keep the decor simple

Less is more when it comes to decorating your home theater. Before you get overwhelmed with home theater design ideas involving complex color schemes and artwork, consider the ideal environment for enjoying a movie. Keep the room free of visual clutter and distractions to keep the focus where it belongs.

Consider dark neutral paint colors for the walls and ceilings. Avoid glossy finishes, which can cause distracting reflections. If you opt for cinema style stadium seating, prioritize comfort over aesthetics.

These are only a few home theater ideas to consider for your own home. Keep these practical interior design basics in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to an exceptional movie night.

About the Author
Author

Judy Gibbons

Judy Gibbons is a highly accomplished Realtor licensed in Illinois, Michigan, and Florida. With an impressive list of accolades and a wealth of experience, she has become a prominent figure in the Chicagoland real estate industry.

As a global real estate advisor, Judy is known for her ability to seamlessly connect extraordinary homes with extraordinary lives. She possesses an extensive knowledge of the market, and is committed to providing world-class service to her clients. Gibbons can assist you whether it is  with luxury real estate transactions, investment properties, short term rentals, or helping first time buyer clients with tall heir real estate needs.

With over 20+ years of experience, give Judy a call today and discover the difference of working with a real estate advisor who is dedicated to helping you achieve your real estate dreams, wherever they may lead you.

Designations/Licenses: Certified Distressed Property Expert, Broker, GREEN 

Town Coverage: Chicago, Illinois, Arlington Heights, Illinois, Barrington, Illinois, North Barrington, Illinois