How to Choose Paint Colors for a Home Theater
When designing a home theater, the focus is often on acoustics and sound. However, the paint color of a theater room's walls can make a dramatic difference when watching a movie. Paint colors are not recommended solely to match the interior décor, but also to aid in light reflection. Specific colors and sheen levels are recommended when painting a home theater room. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Choose paint colors that are dark or neutral. Taupes, tans and beiges work well. The room may seem dark at first, however accessories such as sofas, art and lighting will balance the room and add character.
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Select paint that has a flat or matte sheen. Paint that has any type of reflection can cause a distraction to someone watching a film. Glossy, satin and even eggshell finishes reflect light back onto the screen. A flat paint has a dry, chalky finish with no reflective properties.
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Avoid black. Though some may feel that painting a home theater black should be the first choice, a black room will appear stark and bare. Choose rich dark browns, blues or greens. Avoid reds; the images seen on the screen will appear to have a pink hue.
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Paint a sample color onto the wall. Samples should be painted in 2-foot-by-2-foot sections, allowing the eye to fully visualize the color properties. Paint suppliers usually sell sample bottles for $5 or less. Avoid painting directly onto the wall, and use poster board to create large color swatches. Move the swatches around the room, where lighting may reflect differently.
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Adding black, brown or a dark gray to a ceiling is suggested. A home theater's bright white ceiling can be an eye sore and distraction while watching a movie. Painting the ceiling a coordinating color will enclose the room, and allow the screen to become the focal point.
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Tips & Warnings
Bold patterns are not recommended as they naturally dry the eyes focus away from the screen. If the room has a speaker system installed, paint the speaker covers a coordinating color. If left white, the speakers will attract unwanted attention---similar to a white ceiling.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit http://www.flickr.com/photos/dpurdy/
