Create A Comfortable Media Room

While the technical components, such as the flat screen TV and audio system, are important choices when designing a media room, it is also important that the room be inviting and comfortable. You will probably want to use the room for general entertaining as well as movie viewing, so here are some tips to make it more usable and welcoming no matter how you choose to use it.

Neat and Tidy
Reduce visual clutter by mounting speakers high on the walls and run speaker cables behind the walls if possible. If that is not an option run them neatly down corners and behind floor molding where they are not so obvious or choose a wireless speaker system. Large woofer speakers intended to supply low frequency sound can be placed in corners of the room, under open tables or beside a media cabinet.

Media cabinets are great for housing your DVD player, audio mixer, video games and controllers and remote controls out of sight and out of mind. Large plasma TVs do not have to be hidden behind closed doors but choose a media cabinet that sits below it or flanks it attractively without blocking the screen from any angle.

Paint, Lighting and Light Control
Darkness is necessary for optimum movie viewing but black walls will not make the room attractive when you want to use it for other purposes. Deep neutrals like mocha or grey for the walls let you use brighter colors like paprika or turquoise for pillows and cushions, art and other accents.If you want to use audio fabric panels for enhanced sound, use them on the wall behind the screen and media cabinet and opt for more conventional materials on remaining walls.

Choose room darkening shades that can be raised when not needed and use attractive patterned curtain panels to frame windows. Install dimmer switches for overhead recessed or track lighting and bring in table lamps that can be used when brighter lighting is desired.

Comfort that is Easy on the Eyes
To reduce eye strain or stiff necks, place couches and seating at the proper distance from your screen. If your seating is too close, the picture will appear grainy because the pixel structure will be visible. If the seating is too far away, clarity and detail can be lost. Refer to manufacturer recommendations and keep in mind that high-definition movies look great at close range while older videos of lower quality look best when viewed from a little distance. The screen should be mounted at eye level (when seated) to avoid neck strain.

When choosing furniture, consider how many people will be watching movies on average; you want enough seating to accommodate everyone, but not more than you need which will contribute to clutter and block freedom of movement. Plush comfortable recliners and couches and ottomans that invite you to put up your feet are ideal. Include side tables or have a stash of attractive folding tables on hand so that everyone can enjoy a snack or beverage in style.