Use heavy curtains to block outside light while watching movies.
If you have a spare bedroom you would like to transform into a media room or home theater, you have a variety of options for design and decor. If you have family members with different tastes in their media, consider adding additional soundproofing to your new media room's walls to keep one person's late-night entertainment from bothering others in your home. Does this Spark an idea?
Wall Closet Media Center
One of the key features that separates a bedroom from other rooms in the home is the addition of a closet to the room space. At first glance, a wall closet may seem like the ideal media storage center for all of your DVDs and CDs, but keep in mind that the edges of the closet are often hard to access. If you have a huge movie and music library, consider removing the walls that frame the closet and opening the space into one large media wall. If you have a smaller collection, consider placing your viewing screen inside the wall closet itself (you may need to set the front speakers outside the closet for better sound) and using rolling library-style shelves on either side so you can tuck your movies and music back into the lower-access corners when you don't need it and pull it out when you do. The benefit of placing the screen inside the closet is that you can add a curtain in front to hide it when not in use and even use automated curtain controls for a dramatic effect.
Walk-in Closet Media Room Extras
If your bedroom media center has a walk-in closet, you'll certainly have ample space for media storage, but you don't have to stop there. Add a small bar sink, mini fridge and microwave or countertop and mini-movie theater style popcorn popper and turn your walk-in closet into a concession stand. You can even replace the door with a half-door with a countertop ledge to serve family and friends in movie-theater style.
Window Coverings
Most bedrooms have at least one window, so converting your bedroom into a home theater will require addressing the problem of natural light. For the best viewing experience, you will want complete control over the lighting. Thick curtains may still let light through around the edges, so try blackout curtains that clip or snap to the wall or window frame if you want a true blackout experience. For a nicer look, though somewhat less effective, use floor-to-ceiling length heavy curtains that extend well beyond each side of the window to minimize light leaks. Combine these with pull-down shades or vertical blinds set within the window frame for best effect.
General Design Tips
Make the media room distinct from the rest of your home the minute you or your visitors walk in the door. Choose dark colors that will help reduce light for movie viewing if that is the primary focus of your room and include the ceiling in your paint treatments. Choose a media-related theme and pick colors and decor that reflect that choice. For standard size bedrooms, home theater seating that mimics luxury theater seating may be too bulky, especially if you plan to use the room as a general social gathering or game room as well, so opt instead for comfortable couches and chairs.
Tags: home theater, media room, Closet Media, curtains that, heavy curtains, media storage, screen inside