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DESIGN SOLUTIONS
Get the Picture?
When helping a client create a home theater, you must control the light.
by Sharon L. Anderson
CHALLENGE:
My client and I are deciding specifics on the installation and placement of a home theatre system. The family room where it will be installed is fairly large, including two walls of massive windows that are not covered with a window treatment at this time.
The client is willing to invest in a window treatment that will be appropriate to the television flat screen viewing area. What type of window treatment do you suggest and why?
SOLUTION: The proper placement of the flat screen television is of the utmost importance in a home theater design, or really any home with a television or computer screen. Reflection through windows and the glaring light that comes into the room is very distracting as to viewing quality and has a direct effect on correct color imaging as well.
I was in a home recently with one of those great, big screen televisions! Directly across from the screen was a wall of windows. The windows were not covered, and during daylight hours you could barely see the picture on the television. This, course, is a result in not properly treating the windows. By not covering the windows properly, the result is a faint picture with no quality of color and detail—and disgruntled viewers!
For your client I would strongly suggest investing in a window treatment that can offer you flexibility in light control. In reality, any window treatment will help, but one that offers a high percentage of light blocking will work best. You are hardly limited in this case.
Shutters, blackout pleated shades and heavy fabric or lined draperies are all excellent choices for blocking out light and providing a warm interior space for a rich picture on the television.
For an added bonus, why not motorize the treatment for your client? Ask your window treatment supplier about integrating the motorization to your client’s existing home theater or lighting system, too. It would be so easy, convenient and high-tech for the homeowner to select one button on his remote control and be able to turn on the home theater, dim the lights and close the window coverings!
That brings up another point: Make sure your client has excellent control of the man-made light inside the room. You do not want excessive room lighting or lighting directly above the television screen to wash out the picture. Be sure to consult with the home theatre professional before you place the television. Most retail establishments offer brochures that will assist you in placement and important points to consider when placing your television.
Just be sure you do have a window treatment on the windows!
Editor’s note: This is a continuing series of articles written by Sharon L. Anderson that will answer some of the many questions we receive at Draperies & Window Coverings as well as questions Anderson has encountered in her own business. If you have a question you would like Anderson to address, please send it to:
Design Solutions
c/o Draperies &
Window Coverings
1724 E. Grand Ave.
Lindenhurst, IL 60046
Fax: (847) 356-9013
E-mail: SharonAnderson_1@msn.com
Sharon L. Anderson has more than 20 years experience in the residential and commercial areas of interior design. She is currently a faculty member at two Southern California colleges. Anderson has been featured in numerous books and publications. |
