Miss going to the movies? Even though some theaters have opened after shutting down amid the pandemic, audiences have been small & many big new films have been released through streaming services. Now more than ever, you can capture the cinema experience at home – without the overpriced popcorn or the need to wear a face mask.
In 2021 the trend once considered “over the top” is picking up steam & shows no sign of slowing down. More & more, Built by Design clients are asking for dedicated home theater rooms or spaces in their lower-level finishes & boy do we deliver! Ranging from today’s best images & sound to fresh popcorn & comfortable seating, here’s what you need to make YOUR home viewing experience more cinematic.
A BIG 4K TV: It all starts here. A TV with a 65-, 75- or even 85-inch screen, or a projector TV, will help immerse you in the big screen experience. A high-quality 4K set with millions of pixels that deliver impressively clear, crisp images as long as you’re watching content transmitted in 4K & you’re sitting at the right distance. Keep in mind that 4K content in 2021 is available mostly from streaming services, such as premium Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu & Apple TV, rather than from cable or satellite TV.
Helpful: Sit close to your big TV to re-create the immersive cinema experience. One rule of thumb is to sit approximately 1.5 times the screen’s diagonal measurement, which is around 8 feet from a 65” TV or 9.5 feet from a 75”-77” TV & about 12 feet from a 120” diagonal projection screen.
HOME THEATER PROJECTOR: There’s nothing like projecting a film onto a big screen for re-creating the theater experience. Projectors are best in dark rooms – bright light can make their images seem washed out. This isn’t a problem if you can turn off the lights at night, but it could be a problem during daytime viewing. If your theater room has windows, be sure to invest in high-quality room darkening shades or curtains. If your projector isn’t located in a separate room, we recommend situating the space & the screen as far away from any natural light as possible.
STREAMING DEVICES: Unlike 4K TV’s, most home theater projectors do not include build-in 4K streaming devices, so you’ll need to buy an external device to watch 4K movies & programs from streaming services like Netflix & Amazon Prime. These external devices also can be useful if you find the streaming capabilities built into your 4K TV clunky to use or it doesn’t offer access to a streaming service that you want to use. Some to choose from include Apple TV 4K, Roku Ultra & Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K.
AUDIO SYSTEMS: Movies in theaters don’t just look great, they also sound amazing! Whether you plan to add a big TV or a projection screen, your home theater needs great sound & in 2021 there are many great surround sound systems to choose from. Built by Design will work closely with the AV company of your choice to ensure your space is designed & built to create the best sound possible.
HOME THEATER SEATING: Although a recliner or sofa is more comfortable than typical movie theater seats, it doesn’t re-create the same viewing experience. Home theater seating has come a long way & in 2021 your options are seemingly endless. From push-button recline, consoles with lighted cup holders, to USB ports & heat, there is a seating system out there for you. Built by Design can add platforms at different heights to maximize seating options in smaller spaces or simply to add to the theater-like experience. Specialty lighting options are available to customize your space & provide ambient light – just like at the theater!
DON’T FORGET THE SNACKS! For many of us, the snacks enjoyed during the movie are a big part of our love for going to the movie theater. You don’t have to give that up just because you’re enjoying the show at home! The options for creating your own snack bar are plentiful: a snack counter complete with mini fridge, popcorn machine & candy dispensers; a bar for adults with integrated beer taps, ice maker & wine storage; a sports fanatic’s dream that feels like a day at the stadium – Built by Design will make your home theater dreams come true!
Built by Design would love to design a lower-level finish for your home that includes a home theater that will be the envy of your family & friends in 2021! Visit our website at http://www.builtbydesignkc.com to submit a Bid Request today.