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Epic Gaming Room Setups

Let’s be honest – are you ever REALLY too old to have a game room? We’ve compiled some of our favorite designs for your very own grown-up hangout. Unleash your inner gamer with these epic gaming room setups!

Rev Up Your Experience With The Ultimate Surround Sound

rev up

Take your gaming room to the next level by making sound a top priority. With games constantly upping their graphics, focusing on improving sound from your end will make you feel like you’re right in the action. You can kick it up a notch by installing a SoundShaker Seat Vibration Kit to your chair to feel each sound to its core.

Turn A Small Space Into Your Own Battlestation

turn small spot into

Just because you have a small gaming area doesn’t mean your decor needs to suffer. Whether you’re playing Battlefront or Knights of the Old Republic, designing your space like this is sure to enhance your game and help you connect with your inner jedi.

Showcase Your Collectors’ Items

showcase your collectors

Rather than keeping collectibles, memorabilia, and swag in drawers or shelves throughout the house, showcase them in your gaming room. This will give the room a personalized style and help you get in the zone as you play. Try adding one of Seatcraft’s Cuddle Seats for a cloud-like, transportive sit.

Cartoons With A Twist: Take Street Art Indoors

cartoons with a twist

If you want to showcase your artistic or edgy side, try incorporating street art based on your favorite characters and videogames. Contrasting these two mediums of art will give your game room a truly original feel.

Customize Your Own Alien Spacecraft

customize alien

If you’re up for the challenge, design your game room to look like the inside of an alien spacecraft or a military combat vehicle. The picture says it all: you will be completely transported to the fantasy realm of your choice. Try adding one of Seatcraft’s Reclining Windsor Seats to add a deep, luxurious chair that gives you the comfort you’re craving.

Lighting, Lighting, Lighting

lighting

Lighting is one of the most important things to remember when transforming your game room from average to epic. Pick blue, green, purple, or red lights to enhance the video game of your choice– or even mix and match to capture your desired feel. These Seatcraft Excalibur LX Seats feature ambient base lighting and lit cup holders, making them perfect additions to your lighting-focused game room!

The Hosting Arena

hosting arena

Gaming with friends? Whether it’s Call of Duty or FIFA, you can turn your game room into the perfect hosting arena by incorporating Seatcraft’s Rialto Flip Arm Theater Seats that offer options for a stadium feel without the risers. Start with one row, or add three; it’s all up to you! These reclining seats also have amazing lumbar support and chaiselounger footrests, perfect for hours of gameplay. Add a galaxy ceiling, bordered by ambient light, to make it completely your own!

The Virtual Library

virtual library

Don’t sell your old games; show them off! Create your very own library of computer games, old GameCube or Gameboy games, even new PS4 games. You can even include fun neon signs, figurines, old game consoles, and playing cards to personalize the space. Try our Seatcraft Genesis Sectional to accommodate friends and give your space more room for company. It’s the perfect reclining couch-like piece to fit any gamer’s sanctuary.

For more design inspiration and options, visit seatcraft.com or check out our Pinterest page!

Best Speakers for Your Home Theater

After countless hours of designing and renovating, it’s vital to install a sound system to really bring the theater home. A poor sound system could make all that new furniture and decor a waste of time if the movie isn’t theater-quality. However, a good (better yet, amazing) sound system can change the entire way you and the family experience your favorite movies and TV shows. We have put together a list of our favorite speakers for your home theater, so get to scrollin’ and start enjoying!

Klipsch Gallery G-16 with the Denon AVRX2400H

Klipsch-Gallery-G-16-Home-Theater-System

Image courtesy of http://www.klipsch.com

Surround: 7.1
WiFi: Yes
3D Ready: Yes
Bluetooth: Yes
Watts per channel: 100

The 7.1 channel format included in the G-6 is evident when you hear what it is capable of. Known for like-like audio and depth, this range is a top contender when picking a quality sound system. However, this also comes with the higher price tag and requires more instruction manual time than others. The Denon receiver offers many home theater system features including WiFi, Bluetooth, 3-D and HEOS wireless technology. With all of the latest technology also comes the complexity. This is not a system for beginners and could take some time to learn how to navigate.

Dali Zensor 5.1 with the Yamaha RX-V681

Image courtesy of https://www.dali-speakers.com

Image courtesy of https://www.dali-speakers.com

Surround: 5.1
WiFi: Yes
3D Ready: Yes
Bluetooth: Yes
Watts per channel: 140

This is another top contender and for good reason! The 5.1 system mixes it up with 5 speakers ranging from stand-mounted to traditional floor-standing speakers, as well as a centre-channel speaker. Not only will it give your home theater a sophisticated touch, it delivers quality sound and performance. You will have to pair with your own receiver and we suggest the Yamaha RX-V681.

axiim Q HD 5.1

Image courtesy of http://axiim.com/#home

Image courtesy of http://axiim.com/#home

Surround: 5.1
WiFi: Yes
3D Ready: No
Bluetooth: Yes
Watts per channel: Unknown

The axiim Q HD is known for its amazing wireless connection. This setup is perfect for the person who hates the view of any stray wires. We don’t blame you, the clutter can take away from the clean look of your home theater. The downside to this sound system would be the hefty price. If you can spare it and wireless connection is a must have, then splurge for this sounds system!

Monitor Audio Mass with the Pioneer VSX-1131

Image courtesy of http://www.monitoraudio.ca

Image courtesy of http://www.monitoraudio.ca

Surround: 5.1
WiFi: Yes
3D Ready: Yes
Bluetooth: Yes
Watts per channel: 170 Watts

This sound system is great for catching detail, range of volume and updated design. Not only is it well known for its remarkable sound, it is just as applauded for its compact size. Gone are the days when you were distracted from your movie because of bulky sound systems. The Monitor Audio Mass makes it so that you are able to focus on the screen, all the while experiencing quality audio. Although this sound system doesn’t come with its own receiver, we recommend the VSX-1131 for a fitting pair.

ELAC Debut 5.0 Home Theater Package

Image courtesy of https://www.elac.com

Image courtesy of https://www.elac.com

Surround: Yes
WiFi: Unknown
3D Ready: Unknown
Bluetooth: Yes
Watts per channel: 120 Watts

The Elac Debut delivers incredible performance for a remarkable price. It is known for its smoothness which makes dialogue sound as though it is happening in real life — not just on screen. With this smoothness also comes depth of space and large bass capability. It packs a mean punch during action scenes but can be just as rewarding during the more delicate on screen audio. The ELAC S10EQ app-controlled subwoofer is included and allows you to tune the low-bass output to adapt to the acoustics of your media room.

SoundShaker

Image courtesy of https://4seating.com

Image courtesy of https://4seating.com

Do you want to step up your movie watching experience? Now that you have a better idea of the best sound systems in the home theater game, be sure to include a SoundShaker to your chairs to really feel the movie. Seats will shake and vibrate in synchronization with on-screen action! The SoundShaker seat vibration kit is a revolutionary product and one-of-a-kind. It attaches to your individual seat with easy setup and wireless connection.

The SoundShaker amp can power up to four shakers at once, that way you and the whole crew can enjoy the experience. In addition to your new sound system, the SoundShaker will surely bring a crowd. So, put your feet up, turn on the latest movie release and get ready to feel as though you are in the movie alongside your favorite characters! Head over to 4seating to check out how you can include the SoundShaker into your home theater!

Avoid These Common Home Theater Design Mistakes

seinfeld

It’s finally here – the anticipation has been building for years and you’re finally ready to execute a new home theater setup! From lighting and sound to projector and TV, the options can be quite overwhelming. The good news is you’re not the first to set up a new media room so learn from others’ mistakes and enjoy creating your new space! Get the scoop on what NOT to do in your new home theater room:

Bad Lighting

There’s nothing that’ll ruin your viewing experience like a glare on your TV screen, or lights that drown out your video projection. For a home theater, the darker the room, the better the experience. If your home theater has windows, don’t place your TV on the wall opposite the windows. Additionally, consider the surface of your TV screen. If it has a matte surface, it should minimize light reflections; but if it has an extra glass-like coating, light sources may create additional reflections, distracting from the picture.

lighting

Projector Versus TV

If your mindset is to go big or go home, there’s probably an internal argument going on about whether to get a really big TV or a projector and screen. If you’re looking to get the biggest bang for your buck, you need to take into consideration the cost per inch of picture and the quality of picture, both being inextricably linked.

If a projector and screen combination is what you seek, then be sure to weigh the pros and cons before pulling the trigger. If you’re seeking better brightness, resolution, and color accuracy (just to name a few), a large TV is the way to go. However, if you’re inclined to desire more in the way of size, a projector and screen combo may reign supreme.

Buying the Wrong Size TV

tv

We know you want a big TV –who doesn’t? But, an excessively large TV isn’t always the best option for the size of the room or the viewing distance. For 720p and 1080p HDTVs, the optimal viewing distance from the viewer to the TV should be about 1.5 times the width of the TV screen. If you have a 55-inch Plasma, LCD, or OLED HDTV, for example, sit about seven to nine feet from the screen. With the current trend towards 4K Ultra HD TVs, however, you’ll get a better viewing experience if you sit closer to the TV. On the other hand, if you buy a TV that’s too small, it will be like looking through a tiny window. To ensure you get the best screen size for your space, measure the available width and height you have in the room, and the seating distance from the screen. One of the biggest reasons people return their TVs is because it is either too small or too big to fit the designated space!

Buying Cheap Seats

cheap seats

Don’t cheapen your experience by buying or repurposing conventional house furniture or uncomfortable, but inexpensive seats. One of the best things about having a home theater is having your very own clean, comfortable seats to curl up in. If you’re spending the time and money to design your home theater, you’ll want to invest in seats that will both showcase your style and last you a lifetime. These reclining Seatcraft Excalibur LX Home Theater Seats are made of premium top grain leather (the most durable tier of leather), have ambient floor and cupholder lighting, and come with USB charging stations. Seats like these will definitely take your home theater game to the next level.

Great Image, Awful Surround Sound

awful surround sound

You connect and place the speakers and turn everything on, but it doesn’t sound right. You can’t hear dialogue over the rest of the soundtrack, the surround sound effect is too low, and the bass is overwhelming. Help! Try using a sound meter to generate test tones and use the setup program that most theater receivers have to match your speakers’ capabilities to the characteristics of your room. This will help determine the size of the speakers and the optimal distance for listening, and will use this information to adjust the sound output level of each speaker. If you have a medium or large room, a set of floor-standing speakers is probably your best bet because they provide a full range sound and are able to move the sound through larger rooms. If you don’t have a lot of space,  a set of bookshelf speakers may be a perfect option.

Not Hitting Budget Margins

Forming an appropriate budget and sticking to it will save you a lot of stress in what may seem like an overwhelming task. In order to do this, consider a variety of brands and models, do your research, avoid prices that seem too good to be true, and don’t devote your entire budget to the big ticket items. More often than not, doorbuster items won’t meet your needs. This doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune on things like TVs or seating, but consider doing some research to determine which item will fit your preferences and budget. Also, don’t forget about the little guys! It’s easy to overlook things like wires, cables, wall mounts, remote controls, and other accessories that will add up.

budget

Placing Speakers In Cabinets Or Furniture

Despite recent trends of hiding speakers in cabinets, furniture, or behind plants, this will really hurt audio performance. High quality speakers perform their best in an open room; if you put speakers inside cabinets, you essentially undo all the work the designer did to make the speaker sound great. Rather than adding to your home theater experience, you’ll get a muddled, booming sound quality that’s much worse than it would be without extra speakers.

speakers


Don’t conclude a movie night and allow your guests to leave your new home theater room in complete disappointment all over their faces! A truly great home theater is more than just the projector and screen – it’s about how it all comes together to give a fully immersive experience! Need some design or home theater advice? Ask our experts at 4seating.com!

Our Favorite Home Theater Projectors

The seating, lights, sound, and design are all major aspects of your home theater. But, the screen is just as important and a major focal point when walking into your home theater room. Framed by red home theater curtains with all luxury seating facing in its direction, the projector and screen are the main attraction. Sure, you could buy a big screen TV, but the best way to watch the game or dive into the movie is to have a large screen and projector. Projectors give you control over the size of the screen– whether that is the size of the entire wall or something on the smaller side. We’ve rounded up our top 5 favorite home theater projectors.

Best for Smaller Rooms:

Viewsonic PJD7828HDL

 

Image courtesy of Viewsonic

Image courtesy of Viewsonic

The short-throw lens on this projector achieves a huge projected image in a small space.

The upside: The unique cable management system offers a way to hide cables. At 3200 lumens, the brightness of this projector makes it a great choice for a room with some ambient light.

The downside: Has lighter black levels and less-accurate colors than other less expensive projectors. Some reviewers also reported trouble with the remote.

Highlights:

– Full HD 1080p
– 3200 Lumens
– Built-in 10W speaker
– 1.5:1 throw ratio; 4.2-46.9 ft throw distance

 

Best 4K Projector:

Sony VPL-VW365ES

Image courtesy of Sony

Image courtesy of Sony

Often costing upwards of $8,000, 4K projectors are quite an investment. This projector from Sony offers great picture and other features.

The upside: This projector upscales 1080p content to 4K with ease. The 300,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio makes colors display vividly.

The downside: Like most 4K projectors, this does not have a short-throw lens, so make sure you have the space. Images are hard to see in daylight at 1,500 lumens.

Highlights:

– Full 4K resolution
– Screen size range: 42-85 inches from 8 feet, 83-167 inches from 16 feet
– 6,000 hour lamp life
– Color brightness: 1500 Lumens, white brightness: 1500 Lumens

 

Best Connectivity and Features:

Viewsonic PRO7827HD

Image courtesy of Amazon

Image courtesy of Amazon

This projector offers a number of HDMI inputs as well as best in class connectivity.

The upside: There are 3 HDMI inputs, a plus for a user with a higher number of connected devices. One of these inputs is in a hidden nook, designed to be the perfect size for streaming sticks. The audio goes through the Viewsonic’s audio input as well.

The downside: There are other projectors that offer better video processing speed and picture quality at this $800 price point.

Highlights:

– Full HD 1080p
– Compatible with Mac, Windows, DVD players, Blu-ray players, Amazon FireTV, AppleTV and Chromecast
– 1.5 throw ratio, 4.2-46.9 ft throw distance
– Screen size range: 130 inches at 12 feet, 220 inches at 20 feet

 

Best Budget-Friendly Projector:

Optoma HD142X

Image courtesy of Optoma

Image courtesy of Optoma

Coming in at under $550, the Optoma HD142X is the ideal purchase for the budget-conscious buyer.

The upside: This full HD projector has good image quality, with generally accurate color and contrast. You can get 5,000 hours out of its bulb at its brightest mode, or up to 8,000 on a less-brighter setting. This projector is long-throw, meaning it can cast a big picture in a small room.

The downside: Its colors are less sharp and accurate than some more expensive competitors. It also does not have an AV input (just 2 HDMI inputs), so you can’t connect older devices.

Highlights:

– Screen size range: 66 inches from 8 feet, 107 inches from 12 feet
– Brightness: 3000 Lumens
– Contrast ratio: 23,000:1

 

Best for Gamers:

Viewsonic PJD7720HD

Image courtesy of Viewsonic

Image courtesy of Viewsonic

With little lag time and an intuitive, user-friendly design, this projector is a gamer’s dream. With Viewsonic’s most advanced color technology, plan to enjoy a fully immersive movie experience.

The upside: This projector has very little lag time, making it perfect for the avid gamer. It also experiences little to no performance deterioration over time. Complete with a short throw lens, this projector works great in modest-sized rooms as well.

The downside: It only has one HDMI input. This can be problematic considering the number of devices an owner may want to connect.

Highlights:

– Full HD 1080p, 3200 Lumens
– Screen size ratio: 101 inches at 12 feet, 277 inches at 30 feet
– 22,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio
– 1.49~1.64:1 throw ratio, 3.25-35.73 ft throw distance

A good projector is a must for a large and high quality picture. Choose one that best suits your needs– be that for gaming, ultra-high definition, or much flexibility. There is a projector for every need and every budget. Whether you’re just building your home theater or looking to upgrade, investing in a projector is a great choice.

To add the cherry on top, ensure your home theater seating is comfortable and relaxing with luxury seats from Seatcraft. Accompany the seats with entertaining accessories such as the wine glass caddy, SoundShaker seat vibration kit, or the adjustable tablet holder.

Man Cave to Media Room: 5 Simple Ideas to Turn Down the Bro

How to Turn Down the Bro in Your Media Room

Maybe you have a legendary man cave that all your buds love, but your lady isn’t sold. It’s time to turn your man cave into a media room everyone can enjoy by taking our advice on how to turn down the bro, bro. Let’s start with the basics: clean it up. No woman likes a dirty room or the game, “guess that scent”, so get organized and consider investing in a plug-in wall freshener. Or, just clean regularly, the choice is yours.  These tips will help sophisticate your media room quicker than you can kick your bros out in favor of some quality time with that special lady.

man-cave-1

Upgrade your bean bag chairs to Seatcraft chairs

The single most important way to turn your man cave into a sophisticated media room is swapping out those old bean bag chairs from college for luxury Seatcraft home theater seating. These exquisitely tailored seats are both comfortable and innovative. Seatcraft knows how to upgrade any media room with add on accessories that will take your entertainment experience to prime time. Adding a SoundShaker to your seat will surely change the way you watch movies. With easy wireless setup, your seat will shake and vibrate in sync with the action on-screen.

Let’s talk decor

Step 1: Take down the Natty Ice poster.

We’re kidding. But really, if this is still in your man cave, it’s time for an upgrade. These  Seatcraft LED Reading Lights are a nice touch to your media room.

man-cave-2

These help with decor and setting the mood with dim lighting. As for those walls, try adding movie posters consistent with a theme. Just don’t lead with Sharknado and you should be good! Bonus: head over to our friends at 4Seating.com to check out a huge selection of media room decor options. 

Drink and be merry

How else can you turn down the bro in your man cave? Add a wine caddy to your luxury seats from Seatcraft.

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Your lady will love the attention to detail and your home theater will gain instant sophistication. These wine caddies sport a stainless steel finish and no-spill technology that gives the luxurious look you want- and need- in your modernized media room. This wine caddy goes with any Seatcraft chair like cold beer goes with a good burger. Add a wine caddy to your seat and thank us later.

If you’re not drinking alcohol or are in the market for more kid-friendly beverages, craft sodas are making a comeback and are a great touch for any beverage bar. Impress your friends (and significant others) with lesser known flavors that they won’t find at their local grocery store, like these Goose Island Craft Sodas.

Get closer

What better way to watch a movie than sharing a seat with your significant other? A love seat is the way to go if you want to stay close during those thriller movies. We all know it’s better to hold onto someone when Hannibal Lector makes an appearance. This Seatcraft Loveseat Slide Arm slides into any loveseat to create a shared arm.

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Just as easily as it slides into your loveseat, it can be removed to create a standard row where you can cozy up to your significant other. With both brown and black leather options, this luxury slide arm will go with any Seatcraft seat you decide to upgrade your media room with.

Eat up

Everyone loves snacks to go with their movies, so be sure to stock up! We recommend buying individually-wrapped snacks in bulk so that large portions don’t go to waste in between movies. Just remember to keep your media room relatively cool at all times if you elect to stock it with chocolate!

Go the extra mile and add a Seatcraft Swivel Tray Table to your seat to go along with your LED reading light. It is a great addition to your luxury seats and will allow you to make dinner and a movie easier to accomplish and more romantic than ever. They come in brown burlwood and black to match your Seatcraft seats. Swiveling at 360 degrees makes everything accessible and easy to reach during your movie.

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Comfort is key

A sure fire way to make your man cave more inviting is to add some decorative throw pillows and blankets to your home theater. This will make your media room cozy and enjoyable for both you and your significant other. It is also a great way to lighten up your dark man cave by adding color! If you want to keep the walls simple and sans artwork, then definitely add some colorful pillows and blankets. This also doubles as a good excuse to get cozy and share a blanket.

Ready to turn down the bro and convince that special someone to spend more time in your man cave media room? Feel free to contact the pros at Seatcraft and we’ll be happy to help you figure out the best options for your room!

Ready to Upgrade? Tips for Choosing Home Theater Seating

Does your home theater seem drab and outdated? Maybe your seating isn’t as comfortable as it used to be? Or, perhaps your sound system needs a little revamping.

Whatever the cause, if your home theater is no longer a pinnacle of perfection, it may be time to upgrade. Here are our tips for choosing the best home theater seating and accessories:

First, Let’s Talk Price

Home theater seating can be purchased at a variety of price points. Pricing is determined by brand, model, number of chairs, material, options (like power or manual recline), and accessories.

Having a price in mind will help you stick to your budget and prevent you from making decisions you cannot afford. There are many options for all budgets.

And, remember: you don’t have to upgrade your entire theater in one go. Picking up prized pieces over time allows you to refresh your theater without also breaking the bank. Financing options are often available as well.

Next, Keep in Mind Your Home Theater’s Layout and Arrangement

Trust us, the last thing you want is to purchase new home theater seats and not have them fit! Make sure to fully measure your environment that you will place your seats in.

Pro tip: don’t forget about the distance to the back wall. Reclining your seat and putting up your feet is an important part of getting comfortable – be sure to allow enough room to do so without pushing the seat backs into the wall.

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If you have a tight seating space, our “wallhugger” seating allows users to fully recline while occupying a small amount of space.

Next, consider your seat arrangement. Do you want single seating, loveseats, or a sofa? As the name suggests, single seating is for individuals and typically have the added bonus of armrests on either side.

Loveseats contain a pair of seats with armrests on either end. These seats are perfect for couples (hence the name), but might be a bit too cozy for guests who don’t know each other well.

Sofas, on the other hand, have three or more seats in a row. Like loveseats, they also have armrests on either side. You can pick sofas that are arranged in a straight line, but some come with a curved shape that allows all seats to have a better view of the screen.

From these building blocks, there are many possible arrangements that you can try. Want four seats straight across? Or four seats, sofa-style? How about 2 single seats and a loveseat in the middle? Done! Arrangements can depend on the style of seating that you choose, but there are many final possibilities.

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Another pro tip: if you are planning on having more than one row of chairs, platforms and risers can give you the same tiered look that’s found in theaters, plus optimal viewing for all rows. Some styles even have a dedicated back row seat option so no risers are necessary!

Determine Your Theater Seating Style

There are dozens of material options available for home theater seats. Leather is the most popular, and for a good reason too! Leather is durable, comfortable and beautiful. It also comes in a number of grades, from 3600 grade ultra-soft leather to 7000 high-grade leather.

Theater seating also comes in a variety of colors, from traditional black or brown to bold shades of red or even yellow. Polyurethane or bonded leather are offered at lower price point, and they are also more resistant to scratches or pet damage. Consider your home theater and personal needs for what color and material works best for you.

Being able to put your feet up is also a key part of a comfortable movie watching experience. If this is something that interests you, go for chaise lounger style footrests. These allow you to stretch out and put your feet up for optimal comfort.

Power seats also allow the user to recline and put up footrests with just the touch of a button. However, do keep in mind that these options are often more expensive. If power seats are out of your budget, manual seats offer the same comfort at a lower price.

Some models offer in-arm storage. This can be a great place to store remotes.

Consider Home Theater Accessories

Don’t overlook the details! There are many accessories available to help upgrade your home theater seating.

Avid wine drinker? Add a wine glass caddy to your seat! An LED reading light also offers extra light to your armrest, so you’ll no longer need to interrupt your guest’s viewing pleasure by turning on the overhead lights.

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Seatcraft offers adjustable tablet holders as well. If you add loveseats or sofas to your home theater and later decide you want an extra armrest, loveseat side arms can be purchased too.

And, remember – a home theater is not just about the seats and the screen. Spice it up by adding drapes to the screen’s sides for an authentic theater look.

Everyone loves snacks! Concession stands can be a great way to keep drinks and snacks handy while adhering to a movie theater theme. Consider including a popcorn machine for a constant supply of freshly popped popcorn.

Is popcorn not really your style? Add a bar cart to the room instead. For a fun touch, a customized marquee sign can be added to a wall if space permits. This is a great way to take the decorations in your home theater up a notch.

Other decoration ideas include framed movie posters of your favorite films or wall sconces for some mellow lighting.

If you’re ready to upgrade your home theater seating, our home theater experts are here to help! We can help you with any questions you may encounter, from material and style choices to arrangement options.