Setting Up The Room
The Right Seating
The right seating arrangement is key to a comfortable and immersive theater experience. The first step is to position the seating in your home theater setup correctly. The couch should not be placed too far from the screen, or else the thickness of the curtains and the depth of the room will make it more difficult to feel like you’re right there in the action.Ideally, the couch should be set up facing an upholstered surface such as chairs, bean bags, or loveseats. Place them around the center of the room to allow for a large and enveloping space for the sound to fill. An area rug can help in enhancing the acoustic properties of the room while also serving to give off a more homey feel.
The Right Lighting
The right lighting is essential in setting up a beautiful, immersive experience in your home. Avoid any overhead sources of light in your room, as they can lower the contrast in your screen. These include table lamps, floor lamps, or even wall-mounted sconces. Instead, install dimming fixtures that can be adjusted for any situation.Also, check to see that your curtains are of adequate thickness to block sunlight or street lamps when it’s time to enjoy the newest blockbuster. Blackout drapery is perfect for this. Too much light can ruin the contrast and LED lighting can help set the ambiance for the perfect theater experience.
The Right Sound System
Having high-quality sound will give you the immersive experience that you crave from a real theater. Invest in higher-end speakers, a woofer, and a soundbar to achieve this. The ideal home sound system should be flexible enough to accommodate different kinds of sound, with a focus on the bass and treble that complement the movie or play.Your sound system should be placed in an area not too close to the seating, yet close enough to ensure dialogue can be heard without being drowned out by the sound of explosions and special effects. Don’t forget to take into account parts of the room that trap or reflect sound as well.
The Snacks and Drinks
The Right Snacks
One of the things that we all think of when we think of the theater experience is the irresistible smell of popcorn. This is the perfect snack to have at home during your own personal theater experience. Keep your popcorn fresh and tasty by investing in a home popcorn machine.Other snacks can include hot dogs, nachos, soft pretzels, and candy. And make sure any packaging does not crinkle too loudly as this can detract from your viewing experience!
The Right Drinks
Have you ever been at a theater and been parched and had nothing to drink? It’s not an experience you want to repeat. Be sure to have your drinks close by during your home theater experience. A cold can of soda or a bottle of water is a perfect complement to your choice in snack. If you’re feeling adventurous, try recreating theater cocktails at home as well. Margaritas, daiquiris, or even a refreshing glass of bubbly can make for the perfect drink pairing during your home theater experience.
The Real Theater Experience
The Right Attire
Just as theater attire is an important part of the real experience, so too during your home theater viewing. Dress up for the occasion to get the full effect. It’s important to get into the mindset of enjoying the show, and dressed-up attire can go a long way in helping you do that.
The Right Intermission
Intermissions give you a chance to stretch your legs, take a break, sip on a drink, or grab a quick snack. And you can do the same during your home-theater experiences too. The right intermission can be beneficial in resetting your focus and making the most of the overall experience. It’s also helpful in helping break up the length of the show, especially if it’s three hours or longer. Take a quick twenty-minute break to either use the bathroom, disengage from the play or movie or simply check the score of a sporting game.
The Right Company
The real theater experience is always better with good company, and so too should your home theater experience. Especially if you’re watching a beloved show or movie series, invite others who share your love for them, so you have a group where you can cheer, laugh, and cry along to your favorite scenes. You can even have themed nights where everyone agrees on the genre or show they want to enjoy together. This can make for a heightened and more enjoyable experience.