Seeing a movie in theaters will cost you. From the high-priced tickets to the popcorn and snacks—not to mention the time cost of the commute—they can be more trouble than they’re worth.
That’s why many homeowners are turning to home theaters as an appealing alternative. After all, why not replicate the experience in your own home?
Unfortunately, throwing money into the wrong design strategies can leave you unhappy with the investment, and it’s more common than you might think. Here are some home theater mistakes you’ll want to avoid.
1. Choosing the Wrong Room
You may be limited to a few rooms within your home’s layout, but it’s important to consider them carefully before you settle on the room for your theater. Try to find one with few windows and little natural light. There should also be minimal sound from outside, and it should be large enough for your needs.
Ideally, you’ll also have access to lay down cables and wires where you need them.
2. Getting the Wrong Speakers
Few things make a movie feel low-quality than the wrong home theater speakers. Uninformed buyers may throw their cash at the most expensive options and brands, but it pays to consider what you need.
Small spaces may not need surround sound, and larger ones may benefit from in-wall or in-ceiling speakers. You’ll want to make space for a subwoofer and to consider the best home theatre tower speakers to fit a variety of room sizes.
3. Not Protecting Your Wires
After a huge investment in the right equipment, it’s unfortunate that many homeowners skimp on wire organization and protection. From surge protectors to labels to power strips, it’s a good idea to get everything right on the front end so you can spend less time digging through your cables in the future.
4. Buying a Massive Screen
When you’re at the cinema, the immense movie theater screen only adds to our experience.
Recreating that at home can be a tricky prospect, especially in a smaller room. The last thing you want is to crane your neck at the action during two- to three- hour movies! Instead, pick a size that’s large enough to satisfy you without overwhelming the room.
5. Considering the Seats Last
The speakers and screens may be your first focus, but don’t neglect the seats! Your seats will cushion you the entire time you’re in the room, so you need to consider them in conjunction with the tasks above. Make sure to leave space for seats in your design, and don’t forget to also consider the viewing angle and proximity to the screen.
6. Ignoring the Location of the Door
Even if you’ve constructed the optimal viewing experience, this last error can ruin it all.
Just like in a real theater, your family and friends will likely move in and out while watching movies at home—and if they have to move in front of the screen to do so, it’ll be a constant distraction. Make sure to put the door to the back or side of the room where possible.
Avoid These Common Home Theater Mistakes
With a well-designed home theater, you’ll be able to recreate the cinematic experience in the comfort of your home. Falling prey to the home theater mistakes above, however, can detract from your enjoyment, even after all your hard work! Plan carefully, and you’ll enjoy the space for years to come.
For more home tips, don’t forget to check out our other posts!