Creating the Perfect Getaway for Game Days and Movie Nights

Heading into the fall this year looks a bit different than in years past given the pandemic in our midst. But while we aren’t able to gather in large groups or attend those long-awaited football games, we can still have some semblance of normal in our homes – especially when we create home theaters that serve as ultra-relaxing getaways. Whether you’re watching the TV-only football season ahead or curling up with the entire family for a throwback movie night, a home theater is a must to get the most out of at-home entertainment.
If creating a lounge space for endless movie marathons and ESPN coverage sounds like a dream come true, read on for our favorite home theater elements. Because once you’ve got the style in place, all you’ll need to top it all off is a stack of a few go-to movie favorites and bottomless popcorn and snacks.
Set the Mood
First thing’s first – to have the perfect home theater, good lighting is essential. From low-lit path lighting that brings to mind aisle lights in the theater to the glow of a fireplace or soft overhead lights, creating the right ambience can either make or break the overall effect. Of course, you can’t forget about proper window treatments, either, if your home theater happens to be in a room with ample natural light. Because while that’s gorgeous on a crisp fall day, sometimes you just need a darker room for those mid-day showings of your favorite films.
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Put Comfort at the Forefront
One of the best things about a home theater as opposed to a traditional cinema is that comfort always takes top priority. No need to sit for hours on end in a creaky folding chair with barely-there upholstery. Instead, this space should be filled to the brim with plenty of ultra-comfy lounge chairs, recliners, or sofas so you can really kick back and enjoy your time. It’s an investment, but trust us, it will completely transform the entire experience.
Incorporate Extra Seating
Speaking of seating, a home theater isn’t complete without plenty of extra seating built in for extra guests or extended family members. Bar seating is convenient and stylish, offering a more casual space to rest, while built-in benches or ottomans are discreet and functional, doing double duty regardless of the number of people in attendance. Of course, you can always go all-out and do a complete theater re-creation with multi-tiered seating levels, too – it’s sure to be a winning setup for everyone with no shortage of plush and comfortable chairs.
Embrace the Nostalgia
And finally, unlike other rooms in the house where you might be wary of incorporating an unapologetic theme, home theaters are all about embracing the nostalgia of a night at the movies. Something as simple (and delicious) as a snack and drink bar is sure to please both adults and kids, while a retro cinema sign or door can be a unique and exciting way to welcome people into the space.
If you have the space for a home theater, it is worth every penny to transform it into more than a game or movie viewing room. It deserves to be a true destination where entertainment comes to life, and with a few of these key elements in play, you’re guaranteed to be the talk of the town. Who knows? You might never want to go back to the real theater again.
By Megan Johansson, Contributor to Carla Bast Design
One Response
I really loved your suggestions on how to bring back some of the old cinema nostalgia in your home theater. Having things like a snack bar and fuzzy seats could help my kids really have a lot of fun in that room, especially since they love going back and watching old movies instead of the newer ones. I’ll make sure to shop for these things along with audio-visual equipment from appliance stores in the area.