Recreating a premium theater experience in your home requires thinking carefully about the seating you want to buy.
Choosing the best home theater seating is not just about finding something that matches your room décor. How does the chair feel? How low or far can it lean back? Do you want something with lumbar and back support? Do you want plenty of features, or do you not care for the bells and whistles?
How do you find the right home theater seating that suits your needs? Here are six important considerations when choosing one of these magical accessories.
Comfort
Comfort is the most important consideration when choosing home theater seating. Without comfort features, you may as well set up any couch in your screening room. After all, you can watch TV in your living room on just about any chair.
The comfort level in personal screening rooms is mostly a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer back support, while others lean more towards cushy seating. In any case, you want to choose a chair with a sloped armrest, soft and comfy cover material, and a pillow-top headrest for the best viewing experience.
Cover Material
The cover material is a big factor in the overall comfort of the seat. In this regard, your options come down to leather, faux leather, and fabric.
Leather is the most common option, and for a good reason. Besides looking great and suiting most décor, leather is warm and comfortable to sit on for extended periods. It is also very durable. Leather can, however, increase the price.
Faux leather or man-made leather is a cheaper alternative to authentic leather, although it has nearly the same durability. Choose this type of material if you are looking for a more affordable home theater seating option.
Fabrics are easier to clean and maintain, which should be on your radar if you have kids at home. This material is also available in a wide range of colors, so you can easily find something that matches your screening room décor if you opt for a theater seat covered in fabric.
Type of Recliner
The type of recliner you choose will depend on the space in your room. For example, consider a single recliner if you want a couch design that sits only one person - a popular choice because most people like their space when they relax and enjoy a movie.
A 2-person recliner is a fantastic option for couples or lovers who enjoy watching movies in a shared space. A 3-seater recliner is a solid choice if you want to sit more friends or loved ones on the same couch.
Space and Size
Think about the space you have before you sit on any sofa or buy it. Try to figure out how many seats will fit comfortably into your screening room without feeling crowded - factor in doorways, columns, equipment closets, and the room's general layout.
The shape and size of the home theater seats are crucial, too! Large, spacious chairs are okay, but they can be cumbersome if you don’t have enough room. Also, make sure you will have space between rows if you plan to have multiple rows.
Extras
While extra features are completely optional, they can increase your overall comfort and provide a premium viewing experience.
Extras do not only refer to reclining and footrests. Keep an eye out for features, such as storage compartments for cords and remotes, cup holders for drinks, tray tables for snacks, and USB ports for charging your devices.
Price
Be prepared to spend about $2,000 or more if you are in the market for premium and luxury recliners. These will have most of the extras mentioned above.
But if the idea of splurging in the name of comfort doesn’t sit well with you, there are other affordable options in the range of $300 to $500. Of course, these won’t feature sophisticated reclining mechanisms or chic designs, but the tradeoff is hardly noticeable once the lights are dim.
