Make no mistake about it, the ultimate home theater setup is the stuff of legend. Larger-than-life screens. Deaf-defying sound systems. Plush, comfortable seating. Intimate, mood-setting lighting. An experience that, if done right, rivals any trip to the local multiplex.
With the past two years changing our social engagement patterns, the home theater has once again become one of the more vaunted spaces in today's luxury homes. Today's luxury home theater is not just a big-screen TV, comfy sofa, and surround sound, but a place where you can genuinely express your avant-garde personality.
So, whether you're watching the latest major motion picture release debuting on your favorite streaming service, cheering on your favorite sports team, or doing virtual battle on the newest video game release, designing your own very own viewing sanctuary is as easy as knowing what you want. Because every home theater has critical elements to its success, here are some ideas to get you started:
The place
Where do you want your home theater to be? Sounds simple enough, right? But the truth is, you have options. Do you congregate somewhere in the house (the family room, basement, the bonus room, etc.)? Or, with the ideal Tampa weather, are you thinking outdoors for those family movie nights? Decide which location works best and start planning.
The Plan
Every luxury theater has a signature look that defines who and what you want to say. That means your decor should be the perfect complement to the room's aesthetics and acoustics. Avoid too many hard surfaces like wood or tile, which deflect sounds and create reverberations. Having sound-sensitive wall coverings and curtains will perfectly supplement your surround sound system. If you want to do it right, consider getting input from an interior designer.
The Look
Throwback theater chairs. Walls adorned with your favorite sports or movie theme (Marvel universe, anyone?). Rich, deeply saturated color schemes. An elegant bar. An old-fashioned popcorn machine. Finding your inspiration and creating a space that speaks to the kind of place you want to spend quality time is imperative.
The Lighting
LED rope lighting. Cove or in-floor lighting. Dimmer switches or low-wattage chandeliers. The key to the perfect luxury home theater is the lighting. Avoid using too much natural light for indoor home theater lighting to reduce glare and keep screen visibility at a premium. In addition, you can either design your room with or without windows. If you choose windows, invest in light-blocking curtains and/or blinds. Home theater lighting should be soft and subtle but also have the capability to completely illuminate the room depending on what you have going on.
The Flooring
Sound bounces, so choosing the right floor coverings and elevation is critical. Along with a variety of specialty floor coverings available tailored explicitly to residential theaters, wall-to-wall carpeting is another option for helping create an optimum audio experience. Popular choices include short-pile or carpet tiles. If you really want to go the distance, add some residential theater carpet or commercial-grade theater carpet. Elevation also is key. Suppose you have stadium seating with individual theater recliners or couches. In that case, you'll need elevated steps for each level or a sloping floor. If you go the stadium-seating route, pre-made risers will help.
The Seating
Old-fashioned theater chairs. Power reclines and headrests. Adjustable lumbar support. Heat and massage chairs. Stadium seating. Your vision for how you want your home theater setup all comes down to how people watch. Remember to place the seating at least 4 feet from the speakers (recommended for the best audio quality).
Homes For Sale With Luxury Home Theaters
415 South Royal Palm Way | Listed by Anne Mullis, Cindy Richards, Greg Szewcyzk Team
6400 Bello Roble Drive | Listed by Cyndi Kaszirer & Gail Underwood
If you're looking for your next luxury home or condo in the Sunshine State to include a home theater, our team of real estate professionals at Smith & Associates Real Estate can help make your dream come true. With more than 52 years in the business, we make it our mission to help every client find their new home. Let us "match" you with one of our team members today. Call us at 833.917.0676 or click here.
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