Six ways to transform your media room

If you're a movie buff, gamer or TV show binger, a media room can heighten your experience. A well-thought-out design and state-of-the-art equipment provide full immersion while improving its aesthetic.

From your hi-fi kit to seating arrangements, there's much to consider when planning a space that meets your needs.

Fortunately, we have tips to take your home entertainment to the next level. Read on for ways to revamp your media room and make it stylish, relaxing and highly functional.

Built-in TV and media units

Media units offer convenience and style when you're redesigning your living room. They give your tech a home by providing ample storage for your consoles, Blu-ray players, amplifiers and other high-end kit. Plus, media wall units for living rooms hide wires to keep your space clean and organised, while the television will typically take centre stage for optimal viewing.

Choosing a Hammonds built-in TV and media unit is a great way to tailor it to your tastes as our experts will create bespoke furniture in line with your ideas.

Soundproofing

Using an amp, speakers and subwoofer can provide an unrivalled sound system. However, they may be a little loud for your neighbours. This makes soundproofing a wise idea and it can be done in various ways.

Thick carpets are a great choice. They add comfort and warmth to the space and can absorb the noises from your equipment.

You can also double-stud your walls to stop noise from passing through your home's exterior, which is particularly useful if you live in a flat, semi-detached or terraced house. This also adds an insulating layer to make your home more energy efficient.

Comfortable seating

Comfort is vital while enjoying your favourite flicks and there are several options available. Recliners or theatre chairs make it feel like a true home cinema experience, while sectional sofas offer a traditional sense of cosiness.

It's important to consider the media room size, layout and desired comfort when picking chairs for your setup. You should also bear in mind the placement of the television. Your sofa should allow you to look at it less than 15 degrees upwards or downwards to keep neck strain to a minimum.

Ambient lighting

Lighting affects the mood and functionality of your media room. Typically, you'll want a darker space that emulates the feeling of a cinema and by investing in blackout blinds you can block out the sun or street lighting.

Next, focus on adding ambience with a combination of lighting types. Dimmable lights are a must as they let you adjust brightness to desired levels. Movies are best enjoyed in the dark, TV shows are great with low-level illumination, and gaming should be done in bright spaces to reduce eye strain.

Other options include LED cove or ceiling lighting, and table lamps to help you find snacks or drinks.

Smart home integration

Smart device ownership is common in the UK and there are plenty of choices for a media room. These inject convenience into your life, allowing you to create the perfect environment using a phone or tablet. Smart devices to think about adding include:

• A thermostat to maintain a good temperature.
• Lighting that lets you set the mood for your activity. Change the brightness or adjust the colour to match the film, game or show.
• A TV that has all streaming services integrated and supports HDR and Dolby Vision for excellent picture quality.
• Universal remotes to let you control all your tech from one device.

Other additions to consider

A media room is multi-purpose and while the television and audio systems play an integral role, much more can be added to up your hosting game.

A pool table, mini bar or popcorn machine are brilliant retro complements to your home entertainment technology.

Book a design visit to transform your media room

If you're ready to improve your living room with a media unit, we can help. Our experts work with you to build media room furniture that meets your needs and style preferences. Book a free design visit today to get started.