Top Home Theater Design Trends for 2023

Your home should be your sanctuary for relaxing, entertaining, and making memories with your family. You likely go to great lengths to create the perfect space. An evening of your favorite films or Netflix will become more inviting when you turn your modern living room into a home theater. Don't sacrifice your home and space. You can still create a "theater" in the basement if you want one, but long gone are the days when that is necessary. Yes, that's right. You don't need a whole room or dark, old-looking recliners for an at-home movie theater experience. And your perfect, relaxing home can still look beautiful.

How to have a clean and minimalist space

Big, space-hogging electronics gear like receivers, DVD players, and set-top boxes are no longer necessary in the modern home entertainment system. Content streams directly to the TV, and wireless audio transmitters have removed the need for bulky receivers. This means there is less clutter, less dust, and just less stuff. TVs can be part of the décor themselves. The WiSA-certified LG Gallery TVs look like art when not streaming content. Now you can have a clean, minimalist look or fill the space with objects that bring you joy, and all the ugly components are gone.

Similarly, a deep entertainment center used to be necessary for two reasons. It needed to hold up a big TV and housed deep electronic gear like receivers, DVD players, and set-top boxes. You do not need this large, bulky furniture for the previously described reasons, and you don't need all the stuff! Save money and space.

Perhaps the most extensive cleanup is the reduction of speaker wires and smaller speakers that produce great-quality sound. High-definition, multi-channel audio can now be transmitted wirelessly around the room. With this technology, you don't need long runs of copper wire all over the room. Better yet, speakers have gotten much smaller and produce exceptional sound. Great systems like Platin Milan 5.1 are sleek and stylish and fit into any décor. Each of the five speakers is only  5.9 inches by 4.3 inches wide. The subwoofer is 5.3 inches tall, 15 inches wide, by 12.2 inches deep. With these dimensions, the subwoofer can slide under most modern couches or hide in a corner. Platin Monaco 5.1 comes in both black and white so that it can match your color scheme. These systems offer fully immersive sound, all of the expected performance, and much more without all the ugliness.

Now that you have eliminated all the junk, read on to understand how to make your space yours.

Design and seating

Home theater design is moving towards minimalism. Homeowners want to create a clean and uncluttered look that doesn't distract from the movie or TV show. The focus is on simplicity, with fewer decorative elements and more emphasis on the quality of the audio and video components.

As you design, remember that comfortable seating is crucial for a home theater setup. In 2023, homeowners will prioritize comfortable and ergonomic seating options such as recliners or lounge chairs. This seating will not only provide a comfortable viewing experience but also add to the overall aesthetic of the home theater setup. We all know the typical options: recliners, home theater seats, sectionals, and sofas. But consider other options. Bean bags are a casual option but can be a fun addition to a home theater for kids or a more relaxed atmosphere. They can also be easily moved or stored when not in use.

When selecting seating for your home theater, keep in mind the size and layout of the room and the number of viewers you typically have. Don't be afraid to invest in high-quality seating to enhance your viewing experience and provide long-term comfort. At the same time, you can throw in fun options like bean bags.

Personalization is becoming more important in home theater design. Homeowners want to create a space that reflects their unique style and tastes. This can be achieved through custom wallpaper, color, special seating arrangements, or personalized lighting. In 2023, expect to see more homeowners looking to create a home theater that is truly their own.

Color

When designing your modern home theater, you don't just need to consider the TV and sound system; you'll want to look into paint and color schemes to complete the room. If you are designing a room in the basement without natural light, dark colors are recommended, so the walls don't reflect light. Consider grays and beiges for rooms with natural light, like your main living room.

Different shades of black are always a safe choice for your entertainment space, but if you'd like to switch it up with other dark colors, a couple of different popular recommendations that will still make the movie room look sharp include:

• Dark Brown: Richer, warmer, and lighter than dark black, brown can give the same effect as black while still offering the room some color and personality. Brown can brighten the room and screen, providing a more decadent, earthy interior. 

• Navy (or any other shade of dark blue): An excellent choice if you also plan on using your media room for different purposes like watching your favorite sporting events or listening to music. Some of our personal favorites include Naval and Charcoal Blue from Sherwin Williams.

• Burgundy is a warmer tone that will brighten the room, bringing a luxurious, modern, and elegant ambiance. For a bright pop of super-charged color, try Pantone's color of the year for 2023: Viva Magenta.

• Gray: A unique color that can give the room a dark or light feel. A dark gray will achieve a matte finish to reduce light reflection, similar to black. 

• Tan: A neutral yet modern look. One thing to note is that tan will likely let more light in the room, so if you want to add some brightness, a tan would be a suitable medium for that. 

Your movie room's overall design and vibe will vary depending on the color shades you pick. Dark matte black is always a great choice as it can achieve the closest look to an actual movie theater as possible. Many of these colors can match the colors of your favorite sports team. Feel free to have fun and be a great fan by doing a themed room. Conversely, if your media room is the main living area, you are more likely to want a gray or tan. Try Pantone "Gray Sand" or "Gray Lilac."

Snack and drink bar

A snack and drink bar can be a great addition to your home theater setup. It allows you to enjoy your favorite snacks and beverages without leaving the room or missing any part of the movie or TV show. Here are some tips on how to create a snack and drink bar for your home theater:

1. Choose a Convenient Location: The snack and drink bar should be located in a convenient location within the home theater room. This can be a separate area within the room or a countertop with shelves on the back wall. Make sure it's easily accessible to all viewers without blocking the view of the screen.
2. Include a Variety of Snacks: Offer a variety of snacks that cater to different tastes and preferences. This can include popcorn, candy, chips, nuts, and other easy-to-eat finger foods. Consider offering healthier options as well, such as fresh fruit or vegetables.
3. Offer a Selection of Beverages: Offer a selection of beverages, including soda, bottled water, juice, and sports drinks. You can also include a mini-fridge or cooler to keep the drinks cold.
4. Use Containers and Dispensers: Use containers and dispensers to organize and display your snacks and beverages. This makes it easy for viewers to grab what they want without creating a mess. Consider using clear containers to showcase the snacks and make them more visually appealing.
5. Label Your Snacks: Label your snacks and beverages to make it easier for viewers to find what they want. This also helps prevent confusion and ensures that everyone gets the snack they desire, especially in dark rooms.
6. Add Some Décor: Add some fun décor to your snack and drink bar to make it more inviting. This can include themed decorations or posters, colorful tablecloths or placemats, or a decorative display stand.

Lighting

The possibilities of lighting for your home entertainment space are endless! You'll want to limit distractions and have calm ambient lighting. Dimmable lights are perfect for this space, giving you varying brightness options. Accent lighting is an excellent addition to the room. Adding accent lighting to your home theater can create a more immersive atmosphere. This could include LED strips behind the TV or around the room to create a subtle glow. 

Another popular lighting choice is fiber optic ceiling lighting, giving you a starry sky effect in the room. Small fiber optic cables are installed in the ceiling and connected to a light source, creating a twinkling effect. Wall sconces are another great lighting choice where light fixtures are attached to the walls. They provide a soft, diffused light that can create a cozy and comfortable ambiance. Wall sconces also help reduce eyestrain when watching TV content for a long time. You'll also want to consider smart lighting control, where you can adjust the lighting in the room with the touch of a button. This can include preset scenes for movie watching, gaming, or entertaining, and it can be controlled using a mobile app or voice commands. Ultimately, the lighting design for the room should be based on your preferences and the type of viewing experience you want to create. 

Television screen

With the increasing technology of smart TVs, there are many choices for your movie room. Smart TVs typically include voice control, smart home integration, and compatibility with streaming services. 8K resolution is also becoming more and more popular in homes. These TVs offer four times the resolution of 4K and are designed to provide an incredibly detailed and immersive viewing experience. The main advantage of 8K is its increased level of detail and clarity, which can be particularly noticeable on very large screens or when viewed up close. Images and videos can appear incredibly crisp and sharp, with finer details and smoother lines than lower resolution formats. 

YouTube is one of the few streaming devices where you can watch content in 8K. Yet, other streaming services are progressing towards offering 8K. With 8K still up and coming, it's important to have a TV device compatible with higher-resolution content. 

You'll also want to consider a TV with Dolby Atmos® and Dolby Vision® built in, which will add a greater depth, quality contrast and more colors to the movies, games, music and shows you love. You'll want to purchase a TV compatible with the new content coming out with Dolby Atmos included. Netflix is big on streaming shows in Dolby, such as Black Mirror, Ozark or The Crown. You can view some smart TV options that have Dolby Atmos here.

When choosing the size of your TV, you'll want to factor in the physical space of the room. A good rule of thumb to consider before purchasing – the ideal viewing distance from the TV should be 1.5 to 2.5 times the screen size. So, if there are 6-10 feet of viewing distance available, the ideal screen size should be a 50-inch TV. Anything from 32-65 inches in TV size is typical for your entertainment center.   

Acoustics

Acoustic treatments are great for your entertainment space, one that most people don't think about. They improve sound quality by minimizing echoes and other unwanted noises. Some popular acoustic treatments include sound-absorbing panels on the wall, diffusers and base traps. Consider room size, ceiling height, and wall construction when choosing treatments. A typical home theater room or living room will have enough soft chairs or couches, carpet or area rugs,  pillows, and blankets to help absorb sound. 

Smart home integration

Smart home technology has revolutionized the way we live, and home theaters are no exception. In 2023, homeowners will continue to integrate their home theaters with smart home technology, allowing them to control their home theater systems using voice commands or a smartphone app. This integration will also enable homeowners to adjust lighting and temperature settings for optimal viewing experience. WiSA SoundSend is a great tool. From the smartphone app, users can control multiple sound options.

Surround sound

Lastly, of course, you'll need the right sound system to provide a 3D audio experience that makes you feel like you're in the middle of the action in your own home. Platin Audio's newest speaker system, Monaco 5.1.2 with WiSA SoundSend is the perfect upgrade from your basic home audio speakers. With a sleek yet powerful design, the system delivers unmatched surround sound performance that creates an immersive and spatial sound arena for users, an experience far beyond that of a soundbar. 

Monaco's state-of-the-art design and next-generation technology can connect with any modern TV in minutes. This latest home cinema solution unlocks every detail of today's highly produced streaming and on-demand content to create an unmatched audio experience for the home viewer. What's a complete movie room without a quality sound system? Monaco allows you to place speakers throughout your entertainment room instead of a soundbar allowing you to only hear true audio in some places of the room. You've already invested in many aspects of your entertainment space, don't settle with subpar sound.   

From 8K resolution to dark matte colors, homeowners have a variety of options to choose from when it comes to creating the perfect entertainment room. Platin Audio is committed to providing high-quality audio equipment that complements these trends, and look forward to helping users create the home theater of their dreams. 

You can check out the full line of Platin Audio products at platinaudio.us/store.