Best Seat in the House

With the Oscars right around the corner, make sure your media room gets two thumbs up

By Mirielle Cailles
CTW Features

Image courtesy istockphoto

Is your media room less than Oscar-worthy? When it comes to home theaters, the standards are evolving. Homeowners are upgrading these rooms from just a viewing room, to something more functional.

"People are trying to make things more of a family affair," says Brian Lamont, owner of Designing Home Theaters, Presque Isle, Maine. "They're creating more of a multipurpose media room rather than just a home theater."

The typical theater seating you'd see in media rooms years ago has transformed into an entertainment area for the entire family. Homeowners are adding anything from billiard tables and bars, to complete gaming systems for kids of all ages. "Media rooms have become conversation areas that can easily be turned into theaters," Lamont says.

When you're choosing a room to convert into your own personal theater, Lamont recommends choosing a centrally located area. The more accessible the room is, the more the room will be used, Lamont says. But if you're low on space, Lamont has also seen smaller bedrooms adapted into media rooms.

Acoustics and soundproofing are also important when designing your home theater. "A plan to soundproof and control acoustics will enhance the audio and allow the room to be used without interfering with other family members who are engaged in other activities throughout the home," Lamont says.

According to Elizabeth Lonseth, owner of Seattle-based Elizabeth Lonseth Interiors, set design is sometimes an issue. "There's a big change with the plasma and hi-definition technology as to what's required in the media room," she says. "I think we should be able to get rid of the armoires." To avoid letting your media room turn into a period piece, Lonseth suggests showing off your cutting-edge screen by placing it on top of a low cabinet.

Lighting is another important factor when designing a media room. It's all about control, says Kim Neidel, owner of Kim Neidel Design, Austin, Texas. "Windows should either be removed or covered with a blackout-type shade or curtain," she says. "A combination of ceiling recessed cans and wall sconces is nice because you can achieve a bright environment for social occasions or a dark environment for a movie night."

But when it comes to hosting large viewing parties for events like the Academy Awards, Lamont suggests one quick way to renovate your television room - "Make sure the television is the focal point in the room so that it can accommodate all the guests." Whether folks are sitting or standing, everyone should have a good view. Mounting a television requires a professional; so if you're looking for a fast fix, elevate the television on a higher stand.

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