FURNISHINGS
Surprisingly, many practical picks for media rooms make sense for chic living rooms too, so merging the two worlds may be easier than anticipated.
Upholstery
“Upholstery should have a good pitch to support the neck and
back,” says Vicente Wolf. “Look for fabrics that are
practical, yet soft, like leather.” Because guests will
likely be snacking, pick fabrics treated with a soil protectant so
spills aren’t fatal attractions. Slipcovers are an easy and
an inexpensive way to protect furniture upholstered in light or
neutral fabrics.
Seating Choices
Although nice if space allows, it’s not necessary to provide
a traditional chair or sofa for every guest. A large ottoman gives
guests a place to rest feet and can double as seating. Let some
guests lounge on large pillows tossed onto the floor.
Prior to guests’ arrival, furniture should be repositioned so
it faces the TV from a desirable angle. “And banish the
recliners—if the show is that boring, go to bed!” muses
Jamie Drake.
Lighting
Lighting should be on dimmer switches. "I ‘gang’
lighting so areas can be lit at different times and to ensure no
glare or visual discomfort,” says Wolf. Balancing the need
for dark with safety is important and can be achieved with
floorlevel night lights placed in outlets along side walls or low
lighting at the back of the room.
Storage
Place components and DVDs behind closed doors in storage units that
complement decor found elsewhere in the room. Guests also need
places to store refreshments. Drop-leaf accent tables, cubes or
nesting tables can be scattered around the room easily. “Make
sure there are tables within easy reach of each seat.
“Nothing’s more annoying than having to search for a
surface in the middle of a big scene,” adds Drake. Protect
table surfaces with coasters and keep a stack of napkins nearby so
sticky fingers don’t spot upholstery.
LAYOUT
Monitor
“I take the honest approach and don’t hide the
screen,” says Drake. “I often hang it directly on the
wall in all its naked tech glory.” If the room contains a
fireplace, installing the monitor above it is popular
with some designers because it capitalizes on an existing focal
point instead of creating a competing secondary focal point that
disrupts the visual flow of the space and competes for attention.
Others contend that doing so ruins a great focal point so follow
the direction that all designers agree on—decide for yourself
based on your own personal preference.
Speakers
“Surround sound’s very important and now there are
speakers that offer high-quality sound and are aesthetically
pleasing,” notes Wolf. The shape and style of speakers run
the gamut so there’s something for every room size.
Small-shelf speakers can be hidden between books. Tall, narrow wall
speakers can be disguised with grilles that resemble art.
Sculpture-shaped floor speakers can be tucked between
furniture or artistically grouped.
A Practical Note
Before you shop, take measurements of the room along the wall where
the monitor and speakers will be placed. “Consumers need to
be particularly aware of the size and shape of TVs or home theater
screens,” says Doug Wilson.
Pulling the Look Together
Once the monitor, components and speakers are in place, turn your
sight to finishing details. De-clutter the room by hiding cords and
remotes. “Some existing furnishings may need to be moved
around a bit to best incorporate the size of these new
elements,” adds Wilson. Then think like your guests. Sit in
each and every seat. See if any furnishings like lamps or floor
sculpture block the view and need to be moved. With a purposeful
and thoughtful approach, it’s easy to take the drama out of
home theater and create a sophisticated space that performs its
dual role without missing a stylish step.
This article was written by Carla Jordan for PointClickHome.com
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