Classic

I think that theater rooms are here to stay. I personally love to design them because they signify family connection. It’s a place that serves as a cozy gathering spot for families, and movies are a great way to connect, be entertained and relax together. A thoughtful design will allow for the technology to be updated as the latest and greatest in at-home viewing evolves, but the interior should be classic and comfortable enough to have a benchmark of 10-plus years. Meagan Cooperman, Lead Designer & Studio Director, C&M Interiors

A home theater room can create an immersive entertainment experience that rivals that of a commercial movie theater. With a large screen, surround sound and comfortable seating you can feel like you're right in the middle of the action. Home theaters have become increasingly affordable in recent years. There are now a variety of options available to fit any budget, from entry-level systems to high-end setups. Anyway you spin it, home theaters offer the convenience of being able to watch your favorite movies and TV shows whenever you want, without having to leave your home. This is especially beneficial for families with young children or people who would rather be in the comfort of their own home. With all of that said, theater rooms are a classic. Savannah Sells, Youtopia Designs

Classic! Required in any custom home to make the home complete. The ability to stream movies in your home—almost as quickly as in the theaters—gives you a great option to avoid the crowd and costs and still not lose the experience of the theater viewing or sound, with the sound systems available today. David Sherrill, Sherrill Associates, Inc.

Home theater rooms have been around for many years. They have all the comforts we have come to know and love about theaters—comfortable seating, quality sound, professional picture quality and maybe even a popcorn machine. Theater rooms can be simple or elaborate. Projectors, speakers, screens and televisions can be found in every price range. Comfort and privacy are a luxury and families truly enjoy watching their favorite movies, sports or reality television from the privacy of their own home. Theater rooms are classic. Barbara Collins AKBD, Allied ASID, Barbara Collins Interior Design

Both

I don't think I would call them either anymore. Twenty-plus years ago when we started to see these rooms in many of the larger new and renovated houses we visited, I would have called them a craze. Now, I am still seeing them, but with some changes. TVs are bigger and the picture is clearer, so there is not as much need for projection. Technology is constantly changing; you can have a gigantic television in the family room if that suits you. I've also seen more than one client remove the "theater seating" from the media room and replace it with a sectional or multiple sofas. I'm not sure that we're taking the time to screen a movie in the theater room as much as when they were first popular. We can watch anything we want on our phones, tablets and laptops, and everyone wants to watch something different. Watching a movie or binging something in the theater room requires commitment. You need to be a magician to get everyone on the same page, much less in the same room!  Teddy Karl, Allied ASID, Principal Designer at The Great Cover Up