Home Theater Decor

Get all the info you'll need on home theater decor, and prepare to create a stylish entertainment space in your home.
Mix vintage pieces with custom furnishings, Italian fabric panels cover the walls, enchancing the style and sound quality of the theater.  Kari Whitman Interiors

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Mix vintage pieces with custom furnishings, Italian fabric panels cover the walls, enchancing the style and sound quality of the theater. Kari Whitman Interiors

Photo by: Brian Patrick Flynn

Brian Patrick Flynn

By: Sean McEvoy

If installing a new home theater or updating an existing one is on your home improvement agenda, one of the first steps will be to browse various options and styles of home theater decor. From dramatic and thematic approaches that replicate the Cineplex experience to more understated designs for cozier confines, the options are as diverse as your entertainment choices.

One of the first elements to consider when planning your home theater decor is seating. You'll have many choices here, from plush sofas and traditional armchairs to cinema-style rows of custom-designed seating. When considering the latter, home theater enthusiasts often opt for stadium seating within the room itself, so no guests are troubled by obstructed views. Whether you opt for more traditional seating or thematic, cinema-style seats for your home theater, comfort and convenience are two key considerations. Guests will potentially be seated for long periods of time, so place comfort first when considering your seating options.

Next, it's important to think about accessories, particularly if you've opted for cinema-style chairs or rows. These often come equipped with trays or cup holders, key elements when you want your decor to emulate the big-screen experience. High-end seating for your home theater will often feature sturdy construction and premium fabric or leather upholstery—even features like the ability for chairs to automatically respond to the action on screen by vibrating or moving. But there are less feature-rich options for media room designers on a budget. Standard armchairs or couches are always an option, and for smaller spaces, a selection of throw pillows and beanbag chairs can go a long way.

When you've determined your home theater's seating scheme, you'll want to consider the accessories you'll feature. There are many choices in this category as well, from thematic and extreme to more traditional. If your goal is to emulate a cinema via your home theater decor, many companies offer custom media room curtain designs so that you can unveil your screen in style and create a cinematic atmosphere.

Artwork can be a great addition to a home theater, and many entertainment rooms are adorned with vintage movie posters or other nods to the silver screen, from movie memorabilia to autographed headshots.

Lighting will be a key element of your home theater decor, and your options will be varied here as well. Many home theater enthusiasts opt for sconces or track lighting in their entertainment spaces, often with a remotely controlled dimming feature to ensure the optimal brightness and darkness levels in the room are easily maintained. Additionally, LED-style floor lighting may be a good idea, especially if your home theater features stadium seating. This safety feature will allow guests to navigate the space in the dark, and it'll provide the added benefit of recreating an authentic cinema-style experience.

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