How Your Living Room Can Become a Functional Entertainment Center


 

When the living room inside your home is predominantly used for watching movies (the adults) and playing video games (the children), then it’s time to convert it into an entertainment center. When your family obviously likes to have fun, so why not apply the following 7 improvements.

Measure twice, move the couch once

When it comes to watching movies like in a theater, there are only two factors at play: the TV set and a comfortable couch. After you buy a flat-screen TV and a comfy sofa, the only thing left is to measure the exact distance between them.

Ideally, the distance between the couch and the TV should be up to 2.5 times the size of the TV screen. The reason why the distance has to be just perfect is the fact that if you sit far away, you won’t see anything. On the other hand, sitting too close to the screen can cause blurred visions, headaches, and nausea.

A TV set like no other

Homeowners usually think that a home entertainment center has to be expensive. However, for a theatre experience in your living room, all you need is a high-quality (i.e. high-resolution) TV set. In this case, size does matter, so purchase a widescreen TV. A 60” screen should do the trick.

The same goes for the quality of sound, as you should get large speakers and preferably an amplifier. The surround system should play high-performance sounds that will resonate across the room, giving you the impression that you are standing next to the actors as they say their lines.

Update the windows for better soundproofing

Speaking of the quality of sound, you should be comfortable with cranking up the volume of the TV in the middle of the night without bothering your next-door neighbors. Also, the sounds coming from the outside, such as pedestrians talking or loud car sirens, shouldn’t take away from your movie experience.

The living room windows are the weakest points of your home’s soundproofing. Before you invest in a state-of-the-art TV set, be sure to update the windows, so they isolate your home in terms of sound. Also, the panes should be thicker and you can apply darker window treatments for privacy reasons.

Invest in comfortable living room furniture

Initially, we have mentioned that you are going to enjoy movies from a couch but this can be a recliner chair or even a mini loveseat, like the one found in movie theaters. For children, small bean bags are the best seating option as they can be placed anywhere on the floor in front of the TV.

Since movies last for hours, the seating option you ultimately choose has to be ergonomic and provide back support. Also, if you have a large family, it’s pointless investing in armchairs, when you really need a large couch the whole family can fit on.

The right level of lighting

Once you secure a comfy place for sitting, it’s time to address the lighting levels. Since the entertainment system involves playing games, you can’t have sunlight shining directly onto the screen. A pair of blinds should solve this problem in no time!

Playing games after dark or watching a late-night movie is more problematic. Namely, the lights inside the room have to be adjusted carefully, so you don’t hurt your eyesight. Sure, you can watch the TV in complete darkness but studies have shown that this can hurt your eyesight.

As a matter of fact, a dark room is hazardous, as you will have to get up to get the snacks, for example. Failing to turn the light on, there is a real danger of tripping and falling. LED lights that can be dimmed are ideal for the living room or you can get a free-standing lamp with the same option.

Is a projector a good investment?

A fully-equipped surround system coupled with a large TV takes up a lot of room. For small apartments, this solution is problematic, so getting a projector is a great alternative. All you need is a projector (they are quite affordable nowadays) and an empty (white) wall.

The wall doesn’t necessarily have to be white but it should be painted in a bright color. With a projector that is usually mounted on the ceiling, so it doesn’t take a lot of room, you get the feeling you are inside of a real movie theater. The only thing that’s missing is the smell of popcorn.

Get a popcorn machine for the ultimate movie experience!

Speaking of popcorn, there is hardly a more filmic snack than popcorn. Popcorn machines intended for home use are small and easy to use, so getting one should be the final step in converting your living room into an entertainment center. The biggest perk of a popcorn machine is that you’ll have fresh popcorn all night long. 

When turning your living room into an entertainment center, be sure that it’s fully functional. Be aware that this might imply installing a projector and buying lazy bags, which all cost money.

Mike is an Australian business consulting specialist. He’s working with companies that outsource their IT maintenance. He often writes about technology, business and marketing and is a regular contributor on several websites.

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