7 Custom Home Theater Options You Don’t Want To Overlook

You know you want a custom home theater. Whether you are the biggest movie buff in Houston, TX, or you’re looking for a better way to catch every detail of a Texans game, a custom home theater can satisfy your every need for home entertainment. But while it seems easy to choose the size of your screen and how powerful you want your sound system to be, there are some things that tend to get overlooked by excited first-time consumers. The first step is to trust the pros at Relative Home Systems to guide you through every part of the process, and the second is to take a look at this list of commonly overlooked options that can take your theater to the next level:

1. Seating Distribution

Figuring out your seating arrangement is more than just placing a couple chairs around the room. In fact, in most homes, it’s probably one of the most important first steps you can take when designing your custom home theater. Where you sit will affect your optimal screen size, the best sound distribution and your overall enjoyment of the experience.

2. Seating Size

Here’s another one that you won’t want to take sitting down. Many initial custom home theater planners look for complete comfort in their seating without knowing that an oversized chair can ruin your surround sound quality. Choose a chair that is comfortable and supports your head and neck, but that doesn’t block the sound from getting to your ears.

3. Number of Speakers

Speaking of speakers, how many do you want? While 5.1 surround sound has been common for years on Blu-Ray discs, the latest movies hitting home video are manufactured with a fully immersive 7.2 to 10.4 surround sound. Even if you start with only five speakers, have your system wired for seven, so that you can upgrade when you’re ready.

4. TV or Projector?

Traditional home theaters use drop down projectors, but with advances in 4K television equipment, that’s not your only option. With a 4K TV, you can experience comparable image quality without sacrificing screen size. But you want to be careful because while 4K TVs and projectors may be the wave of the future, they may still be a few years away from providing you with a full range of content.

5. Lights

When you watch a movie, you want total darkness, right? Maybe that’s great most of the time, but it’s important to remember that your custom home theater is still a room in your house. You might occasionally need to use that room for other things, or you might need to be able to see when you get up for a bathroom break. Consider options like track or recessed lighting to keep your theater stylish and functional.

6. Reflective Surfaces

No, these aren’t the kinds of surfaces that sit and ponder about the meaning of life, these are the ones that bounce light back at the screen and ruin your image. Light-absorbing colors and darker shades are best for walls, and dull chair materials work best.

7. Accessories

So you’ve set up your custom home theater plan, but it just doesn’t feel like home yet. Don’t be afraid to make it yours by accessorizing. Home theater owners who purchased that old-fashioned popcorn maker or threw some team colors up on the wall are usually happier with their purchases. Have fun with it!

Are you ready to get your home theater off the ground with Relative Home Systems? Contact us for more information on how to get started on the coolest home theater project in Houston, TX.