For many homeowners, building a home theater is a dream they’ve considered for some time. They’ve explored different seating options and the audio and video equipment that would create the ultimate cinematic experience. But, whether due to differing opinions or feeling overwhelmed, many put aside their plans, waiting until they have more time to consider all the essential elements in home theater design. 

That’s where we come in. As a full-service systems integrator and home theater design company serving St. Louis, MO, for over 30 years, we provide unparalleled expertise in design, acoustical engineering, and video excellence. We expertly guide you through every aspect and consideration. 

Here, we'll explore some important, yet sometimes overlooked, design aspects. These include sightlines, sound treatments, and room dimensions. To end up with a home theater that exceeds your expectations requires attention to detail.

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The Room Dimensions

If you’re creating a home theater in an existing space, designers must work within the current constraints. Ideally, though, the room should be at least 15 feet wide and 20 feet long, with ceilings at least seven feet high. 

This offers the space needed for your screen and projector placement and allows you to consider the larger screens that occupy your field of vision and create an immersive experience. If this is a new build, a good rule of thumb is to make the room's length at least 2.3 times its height, and the width at least 1.6 times. 

Seating

There are almost as many seating options as there are home theaters. From different styles, materials, and optional additions like LED-lit cup holders and aisle lights, we’ll share the many selections to ensure the end product aligns with your vision. 

As designers and integrators, we’ll also ensure the proper riser depths, height, and location for viewing. We make sure the sightlines and viewing angles offer the optimum viewing conditions for every seat in the theater.

Acoustic Treatments

When you walk into a new home before the furniture arrives, you’ll notice an echo when you speak. This is sound reflecting off hard, flat surfaces. While the plush seating and carpeting in your home theater will absorb some of these reflections. For optimum audio performance, you need acoustic treatments. Without them, you can hear reverberations that result in muddy, unclear sounds.

Depending on your room’s setup and the elements affecting the audio, we may strategically place acoustic panels on the walls and ceiling. These panels are designed to absorb some sound waves, dampening the reverberation without creating a dead space. The right amount and placement creates a natural sound and a more immersive, engulfing experience.

We’ll also strategically install and calibrate the speakers. The optimal sound quality comes from setting the sound level for each speaker and subwoofer, ensuring clear dialogue, realistic sound effects, and the 3D sound field. The result is an immersive cinematic experience that takes you to another place in time, at least for a few hours. 

To learn more about home theater design or to schedule a complimentary consultation, contact Elite today.