Proper window treatments can reduce distracting glare.

With big screen televisions coming down in price all the time, more and more consumers are making them the center of their home entertainment systems. But bringing an extra-large screen into a living room or media room can create some design challenges, both from an aesthetic standpoint and with regard to proper screen placement. If you want your new large screen TV to fit beautifully into your living space and give you the best possible picture, take a few tips from a decorating expert.

Designer Marie Kinnaman received her certificate of Interior Design from Palamar College, and has been designing for the last 15 years. Kinnaman has been an instructor of interior redesign concepts since 1994 and has owned her own business, Interior Redesigns, since 1992. Her she gives us some tips for proper big screen TV placement:

• Consider room use.
  When you're going to design a room around a big screen TV, it's important to consider how you're going to use the room. For example: will it be exclusively used at night, or will you have to worry about glare from windows during the day?
  
• Choose appropriate window treatments.
  If you expect to watch programming during the day, you'll need window treatments you can close to block out the light. When you're watching a game on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, you'll need to be able to darken the room in order to make the most of the screen's picture. Blinds or pull-down shades are good options.
  
• Think about the wires.
  Avoid placing your TV where you will see the side or back of the unit immediately upon walking into the room. Cords and wires can be unsightly, and this is not a good design choice.
  
• Run wires through the wall.
  One good idea for hiding wires, but still having access to them when you need to, is to knock a hole in the wall for the screen. This way, the wires can be accessed through a cabinet or closet in the opposite room, but will not be visible from the main room.
  
• Be ready for the installer.
  And finally, try to work out the best placement for your screen before you call your cable or satellite provider. This way, you installer can run the appropriate wires right to your screen with a minimum of delay or fuss.

For more information about home theater and interior design, check out the following websites:

Marie Kinnaman Interior Redesign
www.interiorredesignseminars.com

Casey Design
www.stevecaseydesign.com

HGTV: Home Theaters
www.hgtv.com

DIY: Planning a Home Theater
www.diynet.com

Home Theater Magazine
www.hometheatermag.com