HUNTSVILLE LIVING | NOVEMBER 2024 | 21
Tips to transform a living room into a go-to viewing space
Watch parties are wildly popular . Whether it ’ s a gathering for the big game or a group of friends anxious to see the latest episode of a favorite television show , watch parties have become a fun way to enjoy special events with family and friends .
Many bars and restaurants have recognized the popularity of watch parties and looked to capitalize on the trend , particularly for sporting events .
Watch parties can make for a fun night out , but homeowners can do much to make their own living room a go-to spot for the next big game or series finale .
• Expand seating space , if necessary . Of course , guests for the big game or movie night will need a place to sit . Homeowners who love to host can determine their ideal gathering size and then work to ensure their entertaining space has enough seats to accommodate everyone . Multifunctional furniture can help if space is limited . For example , some stools that are typically used as footrests can be repurposed as seats when guests arrive and an upholstered coffee table can provide an additional space for guests to sit . Another option is to work with a contractor to add a built-in window seat or bench beneath a picture window .
• Convert an existing space into an open floor plan . A 2023 survey from Rocket Homes SM found that more than half of individuals surveyed preferred open layouts to traditional layouts . Open layouts can make living spaces feel more airy and less claustrophobic , and such designs also make it easy to accommodate more guests . Homeowners can speak with a local contractor to determine ways to convert living spaces into open floor plans .
• Invest in your internet . Whereas cable television used to be the go-to option when watching sports , movies and television at home , streaming platforms have now taken over , as many , including Peacock , Amazon Prime and Netflix , are now even broadcasting National Football League games . Homeowners who want to host watch parties must invest in high-speed internet and perhaps even a new router to ensure games and shows are not interrupted by the dreaded spinning wheel or issues that can arise if internet speeds are slow . If necessary , relocate the router to the living room to reduce the risk of streaming interruptions .
• Reconsider your lighting scheme . If movie nights or television shows dominate your watch party schedule , some recessed lighting in the living room can reduce glare and reflections on the screen once a movie or show begins . Recessed lighting above a mounted television can illuminate the screen so everyone can see it but won ’ t appear in the screen and adversely affect what viewers can see .
• Consider upgrading your television and sound . It goes without saying that a television is wildly important when hosting a watch party . The experts at Best Buy note that 8K resolution is the highest resolution available in the television market . Such devices provide an extraordinary viewing experience , but they also can stretch homeowners ’ budgets . A 4K television won ’ t cost nearly as much , and these devices also provide superior image quality . When a new television is paired with a premium soundbar , viewers can settle in for a memorable game day or movie night experience .
Homeowners can embrace various strategies to make watch parties an extraordinary experience for themselves and their guests .
HUNTSVILLE LIVING | NOVEMBER 2024 | 21