5 Tips to Build a Stunning & Versatile Media Room
MAKE IT YOUR FAVORITE ROOM OF THE HOUSE
Living rooms, home theaters, and media rooms— each space is meant for entertainment, but they all offer slightly different purposes. You wouldn’t want too large of a screen in a living room, because it’s still a place to gather with friends and family. On the other end of the spectrum, home theaters are built for total immersion and little distraction, in a dark room with a large display.
Media rooms offer a happy medium between the living room and theater. They’re a versatile space that can be used for many occasions. But how can you start a media room installation that covers technology while staying stylish? If you’re looking to upgrade your entertainment in the Frisco, TX area, read on for our technology and design tips.
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1. INSTALL HIDDEN SCREENS & SPEAKERS
When it’s movie time, the media room transforms into a home theater space. When the movie’s over? Let the projector screen retract into the ceiling, or turn off the TV and watch it transform into a mirror or work of art. Hidden AV is the latest minimalistic trend, letting décor take precedent over tech.
In-wall and in-ceiling speakers by high-end brands like Klipsch deliver powerful and rich sound without a speaker in sight. You can use your hidden audio system for TV surround sound or sync your favorite playlists for a dinner soundtrack.
2. REDUCE AMBIENT LIGHT WITH MOTORIZED SHADES
Home theaters are usually windowless with a closed-door to prevent light from seeping in, like a real cineplex theater. But that makes for a stuffy media room, and you’ll likely use an area with windows and an adjoining hallway. But that could create problems when it’s time to use the big screen.
Luckily, motorized shades make it easy to block out any potential ambient light. In a single tap of a button, sleek, opaque shades lower, so matinees aren’t ruined by glare or a washed-out screen.
3. HOUSE AV EQUIPMENT IN A CENTRALIZED RACK
If you own a handful of AV sources—like a Blu-ray player, Wi-Fi router, receiver, and a home automation controller—you’d benefit from a centralized equipment rack. You won’t have to see tangles of wires squeezed behind a cabinet or a stack of hardware cobbled under the flatscreen. Plus, crowded equipment can lead to poor heat management, which could cause your technology to malfunction.
Your equipment may be placed inside a closet, cabinet, or utility room with structured wiring for ventilation and cooling. Plus, with your devices tidily arranged in one place, it will be easier to fix any technical difficulties or build on your audio-video system.
4. OFFER MULTIPLE FORMS OF SEATING
The best seats for relaxing with a movie may not be the most comfortable to eat a slice of pizza. It’s best to arrange a media room with movie theater-style seating not far away from the screen, with the option of a high-top table and stools in the back or a communal sofa area. Flexible seating will allow for more spontaneity and fun times with friends and family.
5. ADD LAYERED LIGHTING
The media room’s fluidity continues with layered lighting, all easily controlled from a smart system app like Control4. With one tap of a button, you can reduce lights to small pathway bulbs for showtime. If you’re enjoying wine and card games, set the lights to a comfortable nighttime glow. You’d be limiting your options by only installing overhead in-ceiling lights. Expand with varied lighting fixtures and know they’re easily controlled with home automation.
Could you use the assistance of a technology and home theater installer? If you’re located in or near Frisco, TX, contact Simpele to get started on your brand-new media room today. We look forward to speaking with you!
