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

April 17, 2019

For many people in Cleveland, the home theater or media room is more than a specialty room, but one of the most important rooms you could use.  You position your seats just right so that all seats can view the oversized 4K screen TV without any problems.  The surround sound speaker system envelops you in cinematic scores and rich dialog. Now, you need to put up the most functional window treatments for your home theater or media room experience.

When your media room is used as a family room, you need to get the most from your television.  Nevertheless, you need a shutter or shade that will completely darken the room, so that you don’t have to deal with glare on your screen. An added benefit would be if your window coverings could adequately block outside sound.  And it probably would be great if you could find a shutter or shade that shows some style even when your movies aren’t playing.  

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

Your Window Treatments Should Block Out The Light

Shutters in Theater Room

When you see a film in a home theater or media room, you want the room as dark as possible.  You may want to start with shades that shut out all outside light.  Opaque cellular shades, roller shades or Roman shades will definitely block out the sun. And with the right materials, you can get the room as black as you desire, even to a point where the only illumination will be the movie you are watching.

However, as completely as cellular shades are at shutting out the sun, they won’t work very well when your film isn’t in session.  If you need the benefit of directing light in addition to blacking out the sun, you may want to try plantation shutters. Shutters have the ability to shroud the room in complete darkness when the louvers are shut. However, sometimes you might want some sunlight, so the space doesn’t seem so stuffy. With these window treatments, you can let just a bit of light in, so each movie isn’t always in pitch blackness.  

Your Window Treatments Should Dampen Sound

Shutters in a living room with a tv

While making sure your home theater or media room has enough darkness is important, don’t underestimate the influence of sound.  Outside noise, such as children playing in the yard or a neighbor dog barking, can divert you from what you are watching. What comes from your films and TV programs should also be addressed, as dialog and music can become muddied when it hits your window’s glass panes.

Cellular shades can do a great job keeping the room dark, but they usually are too delicate to adequately hinder outside sounds.  Blinds can have similar problems as they hang loosely around the sides. Drapes and curtains will hinder outside noise, but might also muffle inside sound and stop you from enjoying a true surround-sound experience.  

Plantation shutters, in contrast, can keep outside noise out and keep your shows sounding pure.  If your yard is mostly reserved, any plantation shutter can work just fine. Then again if you happen to be in an area that has more traffic or children, like close to a playground or on a popular street, you should use a quality faux wood shutter. No matter what treatment you pick, make sure you reposition your sound system after you install window treatments so that you a full experience from your speakers.

The More Versatile 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 larger screen televisions become in vogue, media rooms have begun to function 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 need a functional window covering that looks stylish when it’s not in use.

When a cellular or roman shade is raised, they the roll completely up.  This leaves your windows open , letting in 100% sunlight, which may not be the best idea. Plantation shutters let your room be seen as a general space, and not just as a movie room. And since you can open or close shutters to a variable amount of light, you can set aside a side couch where friends or family can talk or do something else. The rest of the group can then not be disturbed on the couch watching the film .

Which Window Treatment For Your Home Theater Or Media Room Is Best 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 use a general use media room, then plantation shutters are the way to go. Whatever you choose, your Sunburst representative can help you out.  Call 440-561-6787 today to schedule your in-home consultation.