A dedicated media room with high-tech audio and visual components is among the most desired amenities for new homeowners. Whether you are buying a new home or renovating an existing one, it is important to put time and thought into the design prior to building a home theater room.
If possible, a dedicated space with enclosed walls will best lend itself to an extraordinary visual and acoustical environment. Consider working with a qualified remodeler who cannot only frame out the walls for the space, but can also build out insets, shelves or cubbies for speakers and equipment. Having all of these elements — speakers, lighting, wiring, projectors and monitors — on hand prior to building a home theater room will help ensure that things are showcased or concealed as desired.
In terms of drywall, selecting noise-reducing wallboard can save time and money in achieving the desired acoustical experience. These innovative gypsum boards eliminate the need for double-layered wallboard, a labor-intensive approach that also takes up valuable square footage in the room. Using noise-reducing drywall will also replace the need for wall-hung acoustical panels, which take up space and limit the ability to paint or decorate walls.
In open floor plans, noise-reducing drywall will also help enhance acoustics in conjunction with carpeted floors and blackout shades or curtains on windows. Simply put, any hard surfaces in a room are a detriment to clear, dynamic sound, which means avoiding tile or hardwood floors. Also, glass-encased wall posters or artwork will not only impact sound quality, they can also create an unwanted glare, taking away from your viewing pleasure. To further maximize the visual elements of your home theater, choose non-reflective flat paint over high-gloss finishes.
Finally, for building the highest caliber media room, enlist the help of a professional acoustician for “room tuning,” a technique that leverages both art and science to enhance the audio experience. While this approach might have a somewhat hefty price tag, it will ensure the most realistic movie theater experience for unlimited hours of blockbuster entertainment.
