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

April 17, 2019

For some homeowners in Detroit, the home theater or media room is just not a specialty room, but one of the most used rooms you use.  You position your chairs and sofa just right so each seat can see the oversized 4K screen TV without any problems.  The state-of-the-art speakers envelops you in dramatic scores and rich dialog. Now, you need to install the most functional window treatments for your home theater or media room experience.

Even if your media room is in an all purpose room, you need to get the most from your TV.  Of course, you need a window treatment that will adequately block out light, so that you don’t see glare on your screen. It’s also helpful if your coverings could completely dampen outside sound.  And finally, your window coverings should show some style even when your movies aren’t playing.  

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

Your Window Coverings 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.  You may want to start with shades that blackout distracting sun and street lights.  Opaque cellular shades, roller shades or Roman shades will definitely keep the room dark. And as the shades cover the full window, you can make the room as dim as you need, even to a point where the only light source will be the screen.

However, while the right kind of shade will make your room movie theater dark, they don’t direct sunlight around the room.  If you need the option to direct light also, you should try plantation shutters. Shutters will be able to adequately darken the room when you shut the louvers. But when the movie isn’t on you might want to let in some outside light, so the room doesn’t seem so claustrophobic. With these window treatments, you can adjust how the light shines in, so every TV watching experience isn’t always in a dark theater.  

Your Window Treatments Should Block Out Sound

Shutters in a living room with a tv

Your window treatments should cut off outside light, but don’t overlook the influence 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. What comes from your television should also be addressed, as dialog and music can become muffled when it reflects off your window’s glass panes.

Cellular shades can do a great job keeping the room dark, but they usually are too delicate to adequately stop outside noise.  Blinds can have the same problem as they are open around the sides. Drapes and curtains might block outside sound, but might also dampen dialog from your TV and stop you from having a true surround-sound experience.  

Plantation shutters, in contrast, stop outside sound and keep your movies sounding great.  If your yard is mostly reserved, any plantation shutter probably will fit your needs. But if you happen to be 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. Whatever covering you pick, make sure you arrange your sound system after you install window treatments so that you you get quality sound from your speakers.

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

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

As 50” - 72” inch televisions become easier to get, media rooms have begun to be seen as the main recreational area.  While they still are used for films, media rooms can be a place for gaming, watching sports, and general entertaining. Now, you will want a practical window covering that looks sleek when it’s not in use.

When a cellular or roman shade is up, they the roll completely up.  This leaves your windows open , like the window treatment doesn’t exist, which may not be the best decision. Plantation shutters let your room be seen as a general space, and not only as a space to watch movies. And since you can open or close shutters to direct as much light as you want, you can set aside a corner table where friends might opt to visit or read. The rest of the group can then sit in the couch watching the film .

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

If your home theater or media room doesn’t have a lot of outside facing windows, then you may want a cellular, roman or roller shade.  If you prefer multi-purpose media room, then plantation shutters are the way to go. Any way you go, your Sunburst representative can help you out.  Call 248-429-9294 today to schedule your in-home consultation.