The Perfect Window Treatments For Home Theaters And Media Rooms In Philadelphia

April 17, 2019

For many people in Philadelphia, the home theater or media room is just not a specialty room, but one of the most used rooms you use. Your large 4K television becomes the definite focal point in the room. The sound system covers you in dramatic scores and rich dialog. Now, it’s time to cover your windows with the perfect window treatments for your home theater or media room experience.

Even if your media room is in a living or family room, you should get everything from your television. It goes without saying, you need a window treatment that will totally block out light, so that you don’t have to deal with glare on your screen. It’s also nice if your window coverings could adequately block outside sound. Last but not least, your window coverings should show some style even when the TV is off.

So what are the best window treatments for a home theater or media room?

Your Window Treatments Should Completely Close Off The Light

Shutters in Theater Room

When you see a film in a home theater or media room, you want the room on the darker side. The obvious choice are shades that block the outside world. Opaque cellular shades, roller shades or Roman shades will keep the room dark. And as the shades cover the full window, you can make the room as dim as you desire, where the screen is the star attraction.

However, while the right shade will make your room pitch black, they may not do a fantastic job at directing sunlight. If you want the opportunity to direct light also, you will want to try plantation shutters. Shutters will be able to completely block out outside light when the louvers are shut. However, sometimes you might want some sunlight, so the space doesn’t seem so stuffy. With shutters, you can direct outside light, so all your shows aren’t always in darkness.

Your Window Treatments Should Dampen Sound

Shutters in a living room with a tv

While ensuring that your home theater or media room has the right amount of darkness is the first priority, don’t forget about the significance of sound. Outside noise, such as kids horsing around in the yard or a neighbor dog barking, can distract you from what’s on the screen. Sounds from what you are watching should also be preserved, as your program’s sound can become muddied when it hits your window’s glass panes.

Cellular shades can keep the room dark, but they may be too delicate to adequately block out sounds. Mail-order and store-bought blinds can have the same issues as they hang loosely around the sides. But you can have great coverage with well-measured, custom-fit faux-wood blinds and hardwood blinds when properly installed by a Drapes and curtains can muffle outside sound, but might also dampen your show’s sound and hinder you from having a true surround-sound experience.

Plantation shutters, on the other hand, can keep outside noise out and keep your movies sounding great. If your yard is generally quiet, any plantation shutter should fulfill the purpose. But if you live in an area that has more ambient noise, like close to a playground or on a busy street, you should use a denser faux wood shutter. No matter what covering you pick, make sure you arrange your surround sound after after your treatments are installed so that you get the most from your speakers.

The More Functional Your Media Room, The More Practical The Window Treatment

Bedroom with shutters and oar over tv photo courtesy of Kathy at The Daily Nest

As 50” - 72” inch televisions become in vogue, media rooms have started to become the main recreational area. Used for more than films, media rooms are also a room for gaming, watching sports, and general entertaining. In this instance, you will need a functional window treatment that looks sleek when it’s the room is being used for other purposes.

When a cellular or roman shade is up, they almost disappear. This leaves your windows open , letting in 100% sunlight, which may not be the best decision. Plantation shutters let your room be utilized as a utilitarian space, and not just as a movie room. And since you can adjust each one to a variable amount of light, you can set aside a corner table where people might opt to visit or read. Others can then not be disturbed on the main part of the room enjoying the movie .

Which Window Treatment For Your Home Theater Or Media Room Is Best For You?

If your home theater doesn’t have many outside facing windows, then you may want a cellular, roman or roller shade. If you prefer multi-use media room, then plantation shutters are the way to go. Whatever you choose, your Sunburst representative can show you all your options. Call 215-874-4897 so you can schedule your in-home consultation.

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