It used to be that only movie stars and the very rich could afford to have theaters in their homes. Today, that is no longer the case, as many families are turning their bonus rooms and basements into their very own home theaters. A home theater is not only great for entertaining, but movie night at home allows families to spend some quality time together as well. If you have been considering making one of your rooms into a home theater, here are some decorating ideas that can help you get started.
- Focus Point
Make the movie screen or big screen television the main focus of the room. Mount the screen on the wall opposite to the door or on an empty wall with no fireplace or bookshelves. An empty wall with only the screen as the focal point helps to give the room more of a “movie theater” feel. If the screen must be placed on a wall with something else, angle the furniture to keep the screen as the center of attention. - Lighting
Install recessed lighting in the ceiling since recessed lighting usually comes with a dimmer switch; this allows you to control the amount of light in the room. Keep the lights up high while guests and family members are getting snacks and moving around the room, and then dim the lights just before the movie starts. Consider retro looking wall sconces to give the room an old-fashion feel. If wiring for additional lighting is an issue, you may wish to simply place rope lights along the walls, near the stairs, and against the baseboards of the hallway leading to the home theater room. Rope lights are easy to install and add the ambiance to the room, making it feel more like a real theater. - Paint
Coordinate the color of your paint with the color of your home theater seating. Most home theater seating is usually black, dark brown, or tan. Use a monochromatic scheme of dark colors on the walls and ceiling to absorb light and make the room darker. - Drapery
Use heavy drapery on windows to help block out the light from outdoors. You may also wish to use draperies on the walls. This not only makes the room resemble a real theater, but also helps with the soundproofing of the room. - Snack Bar
Place assorted boxes of candy and bags of popcorn on a small table at the back of the room for guests and family to grab when they come in, or pass around a basket with boxes of candy for everyone to choose from once the movie has begun. - Movie Memorabilia
Remember, there is no right or wrong way to decorate a home theater room. Although many people use old movie posters on the walls to add to the movie theater theme, you could give the room a more old-timey feel by hanging a pair of Tragedy and Comedy theatre masks or mounted playbills on the wall instead. If your home theater is often used to view baseball and football games, you may even prefer to decorate with a sports theme. Let your imagination be your guide.
Editor’s Note: Anthony Rhyne writes for several design blogs. Check out www.theaterseatstore.com for great home theater furniture.
