Choosing colors can be challenging, especially for a new home. It’s even more difficult when you are still determining the final look, as the lighting in showrooms often differs from that in your home. With so many choices available, picking a color you will love can feel overwhelming.

Whatever color you choose for the rest of your living space, it’s crucial to consider the theater. How can you ensure that you pick the right color for your theater? Here are some helpful tips.

Know the Purpose

Theaters are designed to be dark, secluded spaces, primarily for projection screens. When the projector illuminates the screen, light bounces around the room. If the walls are brightly colored, this light reflection can result in a washed-out picture. 

Therefore, the first step in selecting the right color is to choose one that won’t negatively affect your projector’s performance. Darker shades are preferable because the brighter the color, the more it will degrade the image quality. Keep this in mind when choosing your color.

Consider the Lighting

Dedicated theaters tend to be dark spaces, often without windows. Lighting usually comes from indirect sources like ceiling fixtures or wall sconces. 

When selecting shades, it’s essential to consider how the room will be lit since lighting can affect how your chosen color appears. Test colors in dark spaces rather than under bright showroom lights to understand better how you’ll feel about the color when it’s displayed in your theater.

Choose a Hue

Historically, theaters featured vibrant shades like burgundy or solid black. While these colors work well for theaters, they may not create an inviting atmosphere. However, this doesn’t mean you should shy away from color entirely. 

Gray hues are popular choices and can add character to the room. If you want a striking color, consider using it on a wall facing the screen or pairing it with neutral colors elsewhere. Screens can help break up bold colors, adding excitement without detracting from the projected image.

Avoid Common Home Theater Design Mistakes

The installation of a home theater is easy and suitable. Connect some speakers, connect an LCD projector, then sit comfortably, and you’re all set. 

However, suppose you’re trying to recreate the cinema experience. In that case, designing the perfect home theater layout that expresses your style and provides the quality audio or video you can get requires much planning. 

If you need the proper base, you may have a design that is not up to scratch. Learn how to avoid these common theater design errors.

  • Selecting the Wrong Location

If possible, place your theater in a designated space with appropriate sound and lighting. Avoid areas with too many windows that may create glare on the screen. Look for carpeted rooms and soft surfaces that absorb sound better. 

If you’re in a well-constructed setup, consider using blackout shades and acoustic treatments to mitigate any issues.

  • Hiding Speakers Behind Furniture

If you’re looking to listen to full-range sound, you may not be surrounded by ugly electronic devices. 

Many homeowners attempt to overcome this problem by designing and tucking speakers into furniture or plants, which could result in a suffocating surround sound. Instead, go for in-wall and ceiling speakers that can be hidden from views without sacrificing the quality.

  • Using Seats That Impact Sound

Comfort is key when choosing seating since you’ll spend hours in your theater. Avoid high-backed chairs that can obstruct sound coming from behind. Fabric seating is preferable over leather, as it better absorbs sound and prevents distortion.

  • Choosing the Wrong Screen

Many people opt for white screens because they are the most common choice. However, a white screen may not be ideal if your theater has ambient light. Black or gray screens perform better in reducing ambient light and minimizing reflections.

  • Forgetting to Organize the Lights

Setting the overhead lighting off for your theater could cause enough damage to your experience watching movies. In the beginning, you must be able to dim the lights. If the lighting is too bright, they’ll alter the image displayed on the screen. 

When the space is dark, you might focus on your eyes to view the film. Also, you can control the lighting without needing to stand up by centralizing control via the smart device or touchpad.

  • Not Planning the Screen’s Position

One of the most frequent design mistakes involves the screen’s location. The screen should be positioned just a few inches off the ground to provide an uninterrupted viewing line, especially in theaters with multiple rows. 

Also, consider the distance of seating from the screen; the larger the screen, the farther back you should sit for an optimal viewing experience. A professional can assist you in determining the ideal size and placement to enhance your viewing experience.

Have Fun!

A home theater should be an enjoyable experience, so have fun with your color choices. While it’s essential to consider the color scheme of the rest of your house, feel free to match. Opt for vibrant colors like indigo or deep blues that create a unique space without distracting your theater experience.