Home Theater Design: Creative Ideas For Hiding That TV
Advances in LCD and plasma technology in recent years have made it possible for flat panel televisions to make appearances in thousands of homes. Since these models can be hung on the wall, modern home theater design had become increasingly low profile. Many homeowners try to integrate their television so much into their décor that it goes completely undetected.
There are a number of ways to hide a flat panel television. Some use a static display to pass off the monitor as a piece of art. Others use mechanisms to cover it while it is not in use. A professionally design entertainment system can take advantage these techniques in order to implement an attractive home theater design.
Screensaver Displays
As the Internet and home theaters become more integrated with one another, elements from the computing world are making their way into home theaters. One such attribute is the screensaver. Since many LCD TVs are simply displays like the ones that are hooked into CPUs, they can be set to display art and photos when they are not in use. This technique requires the television to be on, so it is not appropriate for extended periods of time. However, a display on the screen could be used during parties to add visual interest to an otherwise blank flat panel television.
Customized Art Covers
Those who wish to completely camouflage their television when it is not in use can use a custom art overlay. A piece of home theater art on a canvas can be placed over the screen manually. This is a cheaper and faster solution than designing a mechanism to automatically cover the screen when it is turned off.
Many homeowners choose to hang their flat panel televisions unobtrusively above a fireplace. For a more traditional look, a wooden frame can be installed around it. Professional installers can even design a system that automatically slides a covering over the screen with the push of a button. This technique can be used on almost any wall and makes the home theater a more versatile space.
Moving Displays
Pop-up and flip-down displays are the ultimate in custom home theater design. Professional installers can create a system in which the television is completely hidden. At the touch of a button, the monitor can be brought up from an inconspicuous piece of housing furniture or down from the ceiling.
This technique is especially useful with flat panel televisions that need to be installed at the foot of the bed. They are too large to sit out at all times, so they can be dropped into a bench or the bed itself. A small motor lifts the television up into the position and then gently puts in back in place when the homeowner is finished watching.
This kind of installation is best handled by professionals that can choose the right size motor for the job. They can also create attractive enclosures that match the surrounding décor in order to make the disguise convincing.
Other Considerations
An effective home theater design must also address the other devices in the system. Mounted televisions prove much more difficult to integrate into an entertainment systems because all of the necessary connections need to be ran through walls. Though wireless technology for these applications is improving, it is still not entirely viable.
A home theater expert can offer invaluable advice on how to arrange DVD players and receivers to match the subtle look of a hidden flat panel television. Designs that implement a moving television may be especially challenging to wire, so they should be left to professionals. A rookie mistake in this installation could do serious damage to a very expensive television.
Choosing the right option to camouflage a LCD TV can be difficult. The size and shape of walls or the way they are built can limit the installation options. Also, make sure to choose a height and angle for the display that is comfortable for those in the main seating area. A home theater system is definitely one area in which comfort trumps aesthetics. Place the television in the appropriate spot for viewing, and then start considering installation options.
Hiding the components of a home theater system allows the homeowner to indulge in design without compromising modern conveniences. The use of clever concealment can even become a feature to show off rather than hide.
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
