Setting up your home entertainment system is a pretty momentous task. There’s even a possibility that you might get caught up in the shopping and the installation and the maintenance of your system’s components that you give little thought to other equally important homeowner-related things.
Things like home theater seating. Yes, that. Of course, when it comes to home theater systems, where you sit is just as important as what you watch and where you watch it on. So, before you get sidetracked, we bring you this guide to home theater seating, with the list of things to consider while shopping for seats.
Take note of aesthetics. Your home theater room may have been set up with a specific theme (like the ones you see here), so it only makes sense to take the cue from that theme when shopping for home theater seats. Decide early on how you’re going to coordinate the design schemes and visual features of your seats with the overall look of your home theater. Otherwise? Your eyes – and aesthetic sensibilities – will regret it.
Calculate space. There’s no use shopping for home theater seats that don’t fit in your home theater. You’d think it’s obvious, but some homeowners make this mistake simply because they got caught up in the flashy electronics and components and didn’t give enough thought to the furniture. So bring out your measuring tape and a calculator, and make sure that you have enough room for the home theater seats that you will buy.
Plan your seating style. Will you go for cinema seats with lower backs? Or do you prefer living room recliners that are plush and stress-relieving? How big will each seat be, and how many rear ends do you want it to be able to accommodate? Will you have rows of home theater seats – low back chairs in front and higher back chairs at the back – lined up like in a theater or in a cozy semi-circle? These are the kinds of questions that you’ve got to ask as you determine the seating style and arrangement of your home theater. Ask yourself as many questions as you can, because the placement of your home theater seats can directly impact your viewing experience. It will also probably be a good idea to consult an interior designer or a contractor before going to the furniture store. The idea is to be entertained – not to experience stiff necks and muscle strains caused by bad viewing angles!
Choose your material. There are several kinds of materials used to make home theater seats. That’s why you’ll have to research which fabrics, for example, will suit you best: microfiber, top-grain leather, leathermatch, vinyl? The level of comfort that you need and the budget that you have are factors that will determine your choice of home theater seating material, but don’t forget to make considerations about health and lifestyle, too. For instance, some look out for theater furniture products that do not contain allergens; others, meanwhile, find green peace in choosing seats with eco-friendly materials.
Make a list of desired amenities. Home theater seats are categorized not only by type, brand, size, height, design, material, and price; they can also be sorted out according to the kinds of amenities that they deliver. When shopping, keep in mind the amenities and design features that you would need from home theater seating. You might also be on the lookout for models with cupholders and snack trays, seats with separate or shared armrests, chairs that save space (like “wallhuggers”), are foldable, or can be reclined. Oh, and remember: quality furniture is always backed by a proper and solid warranty. Don’t squander your money on a seat that doesn’t have one!
I’d love to build a home theater in my home, so I’m glad I came across this article. I liked your suggestion to take the time to plan out where the seating arrangements will be. Like you said, the placement of the seats can directly impact viewing experience. I’ll be sure to spend adequate time to figure out where exactly the seats will go.