Home Theater Decor

Acoustic Panels

Absorption/Diffusion:
The primary acoustic goal of the acoustic panels is for enhanced sound control in the Home Theater. This is accomplished through the use of three types of acoustic panels: Absorptive, Reflective and Diffusive.

The absorptive panels will be used most often. In an untreated room, sound reaches the listener at different time intervals. By using absorptive panels, you eliminate the sound waves from bouncing off the untreated wall surfaces. This reflected sound results in “muddy” dialogue and an echo effect in the Home Theater. Therefore, absorptive panels will enhance the overall clarity of the sound energy of the room which is most notable in the dialoge.

In Home Theaters where there is a potentia for too much sound absorption, which could result in a “dead” space, we recommend the use of our Diffusive panels. Diffusion is an excellent compliment to sound absorption because it doesn’t diminish the sound energy of the room and can control the reflection of the sound. The Diffusive panels help keep the Home Theater sounding alive.

Distribution:
In order to achieve a tangible level of sound enhancement in the Home Theater, we reccomend that at least 35% of the rear and side wall space be covered with acoustic panels.

Generally speaking, the more of the surface area of the Home Theater that is covered by absorptive and/or diffusive panels the better. However, there should be some exposed hard surfaces, such as painted drywall to help keep the Home Theater sounding “alive”. Once again, too much absorption will create a “dead” room.

Fortunately, because the acoustic panels are designed to “float” on a hard surface rather than encompass the entire surface, there should be little concern about too much absorption in your Home Theater.

Placement:
There are many theories about panel placement in the Home Theater and much depends on the specific features of each interior wall as well as the type of speakers you are using. For our purposes we will discuss panel placement in very general terms.

Front Wall: We recommend panels on the front wall bracketing the screen or TV. These front panels will absorb the excessive sound waves that might bounce off the rear wall.

Side Walls: At the first reflection point on the side walls, you always want absorption. One way to determine this point is to place a mirror on the side wall in between your front seat and the front speaker. The reflection point will be at the exact spot where you can see the front speaker in the mirror from your seat.

As for the rest of the side walls, you may use absorption or diffusion which would be based upon how much of the overall wall surface is being covered and what kind of speakers you are using.

Rear Walls: Many people recommend Diffusion for the rear wall. This keeps the room sounding “alive” and vibrant. Once again this would depend on what other attributes the room contains such as exposed windows or hard doors.

Ceilings: It is not necessary to place panels on the ceiling if you have a carpeted room because the sound energy emitted from the center channel tends to not bounce from the floor to the ceiling and back to the floor.

Size Matters:
We currently offer 1″ and 2″ thick panels. The 2″ panels do a better job of absorbing the sound waves in the Home Theater, especially the lower frequencies (bass). That’s not to say that the 1″ panels are ineffective, just that 2″ is better than 1″.
The disadvantages of the 2″ panels are that they are slightly more expensive and may also be a little more intrusive on the eye.

Carpet

Carpet in the home theater serves many purposes. Far from just being a plush treat for the feet, it also absorbs audio within the room, insulates from sounds outside, and dictates how difficult cleaning will be. In order to understand which carpet to choose, you need to understand how sound behaves within the home theater. When audio waves exit the speakers, they are projected into the room. Since a home theater is designed to have “surround sound,” the cinema-like experience of feeling like you are in the movie, speakers are located throughout the room. A sound wave moves invisibly until it encounters an opposing force. What this force is greatly affects what the wave will do next. For instance, audio waves that hit a reflective surface (like a smooth floor) bounce off and head back into the space. If this happens, they will eventually meet other bouncing waves. This interferes with proper sound quality since rebounding dialogue sounds fuzzy and echoing music or background sounds are warped.

In other words, in order to experience movies in your home theater optimally, it is necessary to remove the majority of reflective surfaces. Carpeting will absorb sound waves that reach it, allowing each bit of audio to be heard and then essentially disappear. Used in conjunction with padded furniture and curtains, the right kind of carpet will perform much the same as expensive theater insulation without the high cost. However, the avid home theater buff will not be satisfied with the ugliest discount carpet they can get their hands on. Aesthetics are as much of a concern as are acoustics. If you have gone to great lengths to mimic an old-fashioned cinema, installing theater-style chairs and movie posters, you will not want to neglect the appearance of your flooring.

A darker color carpet is best, both because it will disguise stains and because it will not detract from the darkness during viewings. People of all ages are notorious for spilling their refreshments during movies, which is why most modern theaters have hard flooring in the viewing area. If your carpeting is ultra fluffy, it will hold onto every crumb and candy piece no matter how much you vacuum. If you follow these tips, you will save yourself the trouble of picking up food by hand and scrubbing soda stains endlessly. No matter where you purchase you carpet from, keep in mind that it will have to be professionally installed. Even die-hard do-it-yourselfers lack the skill and expensive tools necessary to stretch carpet.

Ceiling

We have seen starlit ceilings in restaurants, luxury ocean liners, night clubs, spas, planetariums, high end shopping malls, theater houses, casinos, award shows, and even hospice and cancer treatment centers. Starfield ceilings can give the feeling of being at a drive-in movie, sleeping under the stars, or taking a midnight dip down at the old swimming hole. For centuries astrologists and horoscope makers have tried to tell the future from the stars. Mariners of the past relied on stars to find direction when no land was in sight. On a clear night, the starlit sky is extremely impressive. When looking at it, we can leave the reality behind for a moment and travel far away in our imaginations.

It is only natural that we should also wish to admire the starry skies in the ceilings of our homes. It is becoming “in vogue” to add a starlit ceiling in one’s home theater.

Its popularity has been made possible by modern fiber optics, which enables the creation of deeply impressive starry skies. With a single projector, hundreds of stars can be illuminated. The stars can be of variable sizes, and they can be made to twinkle. A fantastic sky is achieved by changing the star’s colors and even designing zodiac signs.

Another way to get the effects of a starlit sky is the application of specific paints and techniques. We have a local artist who does these “sky murals”. These murals can be impressive as and even more detailed than fiber optics. Although if you were to combine them both … wow!!

Concessions

Got the munchies? If you’ve got the room, you can add a concession stand stocked with your favorite treats to your home theater. And the best part is you don’t have to pay exorbitant commercial theater prices.

Popcorn poppers are available in a wide range of sizes and styles. Features you can expect from popcorn poppers: High Output, Hard Coat Anodized Aluminum Kettle, Side Hinged Kettle, Stainless Steel Food zone and Tempered Glass Panels, Built in Warming Deck, Old Maid Drawer, Presentation Drawer and Sturdy Cabinet Construction. These features ensure that your popcorn popper will be safe, easy to clean and user friendly. Why put a plain Jane popcorn maker in your theater when you can customize, like a Star Wars popper. This ultimate home theater addition features a 6 oz. popper inside a smoked glass and chrome cabinet, as well as the ability to destroy entire systems with a single blast.

Not that we’re suggesting you charge your guests, but adding a lit menu to your concession stand is a great way to get the real theater touch.

Pictured below is an exact replica of the famous Westinghouse Junior Coke Machine that was so popular in the “Mom and Pop” stores of the 1930’s and 40’s. One of the attractions of this machine is its beautiful and plentiful embossing; it has the Coca-Cola logo on all four sides as well as under the lid so it could be read when the top is opened. Additionally, it has “ICE COLD” embossed on the front and back.

Besides a table top version you can purchase an authentic hot dog vendor’s cart, like the ones found on the streets and in the parks of New York City today, continuing the city’s robust street food tradition that began in the late 19th century. Made of durable food-grade 18-gauge stainless steel, the cart rolls on two 20” pneumatic wheels and a locking caster with two handles.

You can stock a concession stand with classic movie snacks such as Goobers and Junior Mints. Some people have been known to have cappuccino and espresso machines in their home theater concession stands. To each his caffeinated own.

Looking for a snow cone maker with a powerful motor, a sturdy cabinet and attention-getting graphics? Paragon manufactures a wide selection of snow cone machines. Just add ice and syrup for great snow cones.

Spin delicious cotton candy – and profits – with a Cotton Candy Machine. Easy to use and durable, cotton candy makers are made from quality materials, and produce incredibly high quality cotton candy. Cotton candy machine carts are built from steel and provide extra mobility and convenience.

Curtains

The best way to make your picture looks better in the home theater is to make the room as dark as possible. Window treatments can come in a multitude of styles and colors. We recommend ordering blackout drapes for your windows which use multiple layers of fabric to absorb light. You will want to flush-mount them in a track in your ceiling or use some sort of covering for a more traditional look. Curtains also help your acoustical situation. Do your measurements as though you’re doing them for NASA. It is really easy to mess up. In order to create a dark room suitable for the best in HDTV in the middle of a summer afternoon, we suggest not installing windows in the dedicated theater.

We recommend putting this expense into curtains for your projection screen. These can be motorized curtains and be acoustical fabric to allow speakers to be placed behind them for aesthetic reasons.

In addition to the standard garnet red that we associate with movie theaters, specialty home theater drapes are also available in emerald, gold, blue and black, as well as many other styles and patterns, to match your room’s decorating theme. Combined with good carpeting, comfortable seating, and an excellent video and sound system, home theater drapes can help you get the perfect theater experience without ever leaving the house. They’re especially helpful if you need to use a room both as a home theater, and for another use. If you’re considering building a home theater, but the room you’d like to install it in has windows or echoing walls, look into the option of home theater drapes. They’ll greatly improve your movie theater experience.

Furniture

We recognize the need for furniture systems with contemporary and traditional design which could accommodate various types of home entertainment components and enhance home theater decor. We specify audio video furniture designed with one goal in mind: to provide consumers state of the art home entertainment furnishings to accommodate a wide array of televisions and components, while maintaining the highest levels of quality, simplicity and beauty.

Featured materials include scratch resistant powder-coated metal, wood and wood veneer, tempered safety glass, chrome, lacquer painted, and integrated Cable Management Systems to control and conceal unsightly wires.

Most of the audio/video furniture we recommend includes some form of heat management. Without this your components will deteriorate at an accelerated rate.

Pictured below are some of the most popular furniture choices: audio/video racks, audio/video racks that pull out of a cabinet and rotate for easy access, lowboys, armoires, cinema cabinets, subwoofer tables, furniture racks, audio cabinets, flat panel stands, and wall mounted furniture.

Lighting

The latest advances in residential lighting can enhance your home theater’s ambiance, providing greater convenience as well as impressive special effects. Updating a home theater with ceiling fixtures has been a traditional approach. Adding wall sconces, rope lighting, aisle, exit, and stair lights can really “jazz up” the atmosphere. Automation and dimming adds extra control and appeal to all these options. Below is a comprehensive list of pictures and products that we can offer you:

• LED Rope Light operates on 120 volts. Ideal for amusement themes, displays, light sculptures, cove lighting, toe space lighting, architectural details, over cabinet lighting, step lights, and bars.
• On-ceiling fluorescent linear ceiling mount light fixture features satin nickel trim and two energy-efficient quiet instant-start T8 electronic ballasts with dual-switching capability.
• On-ceiling attractive oval-shaped ceiling mount light fixture with satin nickel accent rings and a quiet instant-start electronic ballast.
• On-ceiling Round Home Theater Light. This Stainless Steel light is designed to look like a film reel with a movie film frame edge border. It will add an impressive touch to your ceiling!
• Challenge: Add depth and glamour to home theater and seating areas while properly illuminating hanging art work. Solution: use wall-washer recessed 4” in-ceiling highlights with regular 60-watt bulbs. To provide general room lighting, we typically place six-inch in-ceiling fixtures with 50-watt halogen flood bulbs.
• Custom - Hollywood Icon Home Theater Wall Sconce. Beautiful, black powder coated sconce personalized for your movie theater! Features your custom theater name between 2 horizontal filmstrips.
• Comedy/Tragedy Masks with Filmstrip Border - Hollywood Icon Home Theater Wall Sconce. Beautiful powder coated sconce for that distinctive look of a true movie theater! Features the comedy/tragedy masks logo design.
• “Restrooms” with Filmstrip Border - Hollywood Icon Home Theater Wall Sconce. Beautiful powder coated sconce for that adds a distinctive look to your movie theater lobby restroom. Features the universal male/female logo design.
• This multi-colored sconce produces a beautiful crisscrossing light pattern on your wall through the light slits in the exterior perimeter of the sconce!
• Personalize this Art Deco Wall Sconce with the Family Initial/Letter or Number of your choice! Light rays extend out the top, while your initial is glows brightly!
• This double-layer star design emits light below top star and around the filmstrip perimeter! Available in a variety of colors to match with our theater room decor.
• 2 White LEDs shine through the downward facing scoop on this nite lite. A popular design for home theater aisles. Includes Dusk to dawn photocell and on/off rocker switch. Install in a standard vertical wall outlet box.
• This attractive, energy-efficient LED recessed mini step light is perfect for home movie theater stairs, risers, aisles, and lobbies. Link up to 8 LED Mini Step Lights powered by a single 10-watt LED driver. Fits 1.5-inch hole. For Indoor or Outdoor use.
• 2 White LEDs shine through decorative louvers on this horizontally oriented nite lite. Includes Dusk to dawn photocell and an On/off rocker switch. Mounts in a standard horizontal wall outlet box.

Novelties

For home theater décor, homeowners still choose darker colors like chocolate brown, deep blue and rich burgundy to minimize distractions during show time. Matte finish paint prevents light from the screen bouncing off the walls. And for wall decorations–– classic movie posters, anyone?––non-glare glass is a necessity. With all this in mind we still believe that novelties can add a sense of flair and individualism to your home theater. We have an endless choice of novelties that match any style and theme you can think of. Below is just a few examples:

• This cinema sign is an ideal way to present the title of the movie Now Playing on your big screen! The optional letter pack allows you to personalize this marquee to your own Theater name. Anodized Aluminum frame is available in 5 finishes.
• An authentic cinema sign will add a real touch of class to your movie theater. Double-sided and available in 5 different finishes! Features chaser lights on both sides.
• This movie slate is the real thing and at a bargain price, it makes a perfect accent for the home theater enthusiast. Clapper is 11 x 12 inches. Display it on a shelf or hang it on a wall.
• This accent movie lamp makes an excellent desk light for the film fan! Also works great as a work-light on your A/V gear shelf. Designed to look like a Hollywood mini-movie camera or movie projector!
• This mini-spotlight would look great on your desk or tabletop. Also makes a great lamp for Home Theater decor. Direct the light with movable barn doors, just like the big Hollywood Studio Lights.
• A Box Office will add a realistic touch to your home theater entrance! Ticket booths are constructed of metal, wood, and mica. The window is made of plexiglass, and the front can be opened to put your own photos or props inside. Choose from various finishes and colors.
• Illuminated poster marquee with 48 flashing bulbs configured as 2-point chase lights. Sleek, high-quality anodized aluminum poster case frame. Comes with clear acrylic diffuser and clear poster cover. Accommodates 27 inch x 40 inch Movie Posters.
• A 38″ tall Movie Studio Chair “B” to complement your home theater decor. Available in 5 fabric colors and includes FREE personalized monogrammed name of your choice!
• How about an attractively styled Art Deco poster case features an arched backlit header? Your choice of “COMING SOON”, “NOW PLAYING”, or “NOW SHOWING” header screened on permanently. A Blank header and Custom Headers are also available. For Interior/Exterior use.
• We offer a “Designer Frame” that is a truly beautiful and ornate frame designed to highlight your most prized movie posters! Contrasting antique gold and black makes a striking visual on your wall. Hinged front for easy poster insertion and removal.
• Display your favorite movie posters in the best light with the Premiere Series Marquee professional poster case. Choose from 5 different finishes and other options. Front loading. Chaser lights. For inside use.
• The “Classic Movie Theater Post” has cosmopolitan styling and a distinctive ball top. Available in a variety of finishes and features extra-thick metal tubing and forged loops for strength where rope connects. Features a bell-shaped traditional base.
• For the modern and stylish home theater enthusiast, comes the Tripod Table. The Stainless Steel film reel and base add a refined touch to this decorative table. The glass top is 20-inch in diameter and the table stands 2-feet high.

For more options … give us a call!

Proscenium

A proscenium is a custom designed home theater projection screen enclosure. It can be designed to hold built-in speakers and custom cabinetry that will store DVDs, movies, music, and other home theater items. A home theater proscenium might also include acoustical sound panels, decorative columns, concessions stands, and various other specialty elements.

Many prosceniums come with a movie curtain feature for a more authentic and formal home theater experience. Because of the wide variety of different sizes and types of home theater systems, some prosceniums are custom made to fit the electronic components included in the home theater and to suit the taste of the buyer. They can be made of solid wood, fabric, or painted veneers in any period style desired. Fitting your home theater system into a custom proscenium can turn your theater room into a more formal, design-conscious space—an especially good investment in new construction and luxury applications.

Seating

Home theater seating is different from other reclining chairs. Not only is it designed to keep you comfortable through your favorite DVDs (including all the extras), home theater seating offers special features that add enjoyment to the viewing experience.

Floor Plan Options. Berkline home theater seating is available in many different styles and covers. And you can choose from a variety of configurations and features to fit the room. Choose straight or curved rows, with each chair separate or “linked” together like in a movie theater. Multiple curving rows of seats let you accommodate more family and friends, with each viewer feeling like he or she has the best seat in the house.

Special Features. Each seat has a cup holder in each padded arm, and all recline to your favorite position. You’ll enjoy special Berkline options like PowerRecline, and TouchMotion™ single-touch recline. Our space-saving Wallaway® option lets you recline fully within just inches of a wall, and several of out home theater styles have an adjustable headrest that lets you customize your viewing position.

Boost The Experience With ButtKicker! If you want to feel like you’re a part of the action, be sure to insist on ButtKicker technology in your Berkline recliner! Butt-Kicker is a built-in, silent sub-woofer that delivers a sound sensation you feel in the seat of your pants. It makes music and special effects come alive like never before!