As the TV and film industries up their game and the cost of having a home theatre goes down, more people are making the most of what they have and dedicating a full room to their viewing needs.
The popularity of having a cinema room is certainly on the rise. It can be the ideal way to optimize a dark or otherwise uninviting space and make it worth having. In fact, being able to say you have a home theatre instead of a dark dingy basement full of old paint cans may even increase the value of your property. And who doesn’t want that?
Use Smart Interior Design
A cinema is meant to be dark, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be luxurious too. Use soft lights to get settled and make sure they are easy to switch off from your seat – you don’t want to be tripping over people in the dark! You could also use tiny LED floor lights. These could indicate where the seats are and how to get to the door – a full theatre experience.
There are many different opinions for seating. You could go for anything from the classic fold down seats to squishy sofas to curl up on. When you are in the dark, texture is more important than color. Think about using soft materials like velvet, or go for leather if you want a cooler feel. Textured wallpaper is also an option you might consider so the darkness is broken up and made fuzzy rather than flat.
The main requirement is for everyone to have a perfect view of the screen no matter where they sit. If you plan to have a few rows, it may be worth using tiered seating. This will lift those at the back so they can see over everyone else’s heads. You may ask a builder to do it for you so you get the best results and watch out for low ceilings. Some things should always be left to the professionals!
Get The Tech Right
Once the seating is sorted out, make sure you have the right tech in place. TVs are improving all the time; some have such incredible picture quality! However, it is very easy to spend more than you should on a quality level your eyes simply can’t detect. Ultra HD or 4K TV is the gold standard in picture quality, but it isn’t worth investing in for a screen less than 40″. This is because you just won’t notice the difference between this quality level and regular HD. That said, it’s much better on the largest screens. If you’re going big screen, Ultra HD may be worth the investment.
In 2018, a Smart TV is basically a must, connecting you to the internet and every service you need. Recently I purchased a small TV for my bedroom, and just this week I got a large one for my living room; both Smart so I can access my Netflix and Hulu in either room! Though DVDs are still popular, the majority of what we watch is now easier to stream anyway. All you need is a fast, secure internet connection and a Netflix account for the perfect night in. No console required! Just follow this link to see what you could achieve with the complete package.
Now that the screen is right and the internet is on, sound is the next big issue. It’s pretty rare that the best picture also comes with the best sound, but investing in a soundbar will sort that problem right out. Alternatively, you could get a home theatre system to get the surround sound you desire.
Technological advances and high quality tend to go hand in hand with unbelievable prices. However, taking time to narrow down exactly what you want, you will often find a cheaper system will do the job nicely. Unless you are a film connoisseur with incredible sight and hearing, the middle of the road is probably going to provide you with a happy medium.
Optimize Your Storage
Though most of what you watch will be streamed, it is still worth keeping an analogue copy of your favorite DVDs for those weird times when you can’t find what you’re looking for. Or during storms when the internet is down. Like record collectors of old, this sort of technology has proven that it never goes out of fashion for long, and it’s convenient for instant viewing. The only downside is that you will need storage.
The space under your sofa is generally ideal for hiding things away. You might also like to find couches that come with hidden storage. With these you can hide cushions and throws in there for cozy nights in. This is a good compromise for those who get cold before everyone else too. Similarly, if you plan to put your feet up, you can get storage in ottomans too. In fact, this could be a great solution for hiding all those DVDs.
If you are planning to nibble and slurp your way throughout the movie, you definitely need side tables to put stuff on. You can actually get cinema-style seats with cup holders, but it really does depend on how much you want to focus on cinema in contrast to home.
A cinema room is definitely a luxury, but for many people it is a luxury worth having. There is a cultural shift taking place, steering us toward a more minimalist lifestyle. It makes sense to spend more on perfecting a room you will use often than it does acquiring more junk to clutter up your home. Planning to sell and don’t know what else to do with that dark room? This is an obvious solution that can be achieved inexpensively!
What do you love about your home theatre? Tell us in the comments!