There hasn't been much talk of theater seating lately, and I've been thinking about it lately. My plan is to have two rows of it, the front row having three seats, and the rear row on a riser with four seats. I figure 7 seats will be plenty for most any movie night that I would have, and I will be able to stagger the seating so heads in the front row will not be directly in front of the people in the rear seats. The riser should make visibility a non-issue to begin with, but I'd still rather have it this way.

Anyway, I've been thinking about the backs of the seating. Personally, I'm comfortable in most seating that's remotely decent, but I understand when other people like a little more comfort. I would prefer low-backed seating from an audio perspective, but I imagine most guests would want to rest their heads on the seats. Does anyone have experience with theater seating with headrests that are both adjustable and removable? I'm pretty sure I'll go with theater seating for space and mounting reasons. It simply seems like the most efficient and cost-effective way to accomplish what I'm after, so if anyone has some first-hand knowledge of what I'm asking about, I'd love to hear it.

Even if you don't have any direct advice on my question, I wouldn't mind hearing a discussion of what you yourself are using, along with pros and cons you've encountered.

I don't have a "dedicated" HT, but if I were to build one in the future I would consider two-tiered, curved sectional couching with (ottoman)as an option. I kind of prefer the idea of a couch vs separate seating since it would bring the experience of viewers together, so to speak.

My current couch has never afforded me any welcome intimacy, so maybe that's why I see no downside to individual seating.

Charles, go pick yourself up an electric wheelchair and head down to the bar. Not sure of your age, but if a cougar is close to your it, then I can virtually guarantee it will work on a silver fox.

Ha ha, thanks for that. Do I dare ask for some stories?

There's always Bass Industries, for very authentically designed (and priced) seating.

They've got other gimmicky stuff too, if you're into that.

By authentically priced, do you mean expensive or not expensive? What made you mention them over other options?

The prices here seem nice.

Expensive...at least to me. But they do offer some in line with I see for those Berklines.

I just really liked their Regal Rockers.

Their other seating options can be highly customized. You can do things like have a pair of seats together without arm rests between them, but the rest in the row are separated.

Although they are really expensive, their Monaco line includes a matching lounge.

Oh I love their media bed.

Although, I don't know how well that'd go down with inviting people over to your home theater.

I like the Regal Rockers, too. That's actually the style I would like, though I would like the back to be lower (which is where having a removable headrest would come in). I definitely don't want to spend thousands and thousands of dollars on seating. A couple of grand for all seven seats would be ideal. If my friends are pickier than what I can get for that price, boo-hoo, right?

Ha ha, yeah, people might read too much into it with the media bed, but sure, I'd go for that if not for people being so uptight!

They do have different sized rockers, but none with adjustable head rests.

Yeah, I'm not sure anyone makes exactly what I want. It would be nice to have the tray tables, too, in addition to the cup holders. Adjustable/removable headrests, slight recline ability, cup holders, tray tables, available in rows of 3 and 4, not leather. That would be pretty ideal for me.

That's an all-emcompassing statement when applied to you, Charles! But it's a good thing!

Adjustable headrests, slight recline, cup holders, loveseat, sofa, 2/3/4/5 seat rows (straight or wedge), not leather (a wide selection of materials). So all that's missing is the tray table.

http://www.bassind.com/prod_one.cfm?id=1543&subcatid=1072&catid=1007

I really like the hide a way cup holders on those Monaco's Chris. Now I might just have to check pricing as I have not seen seating I like, til now. Damit... I really need to stop visiting this sight.

Okay, but there's no way I could afford 7 of those. Hey, maybe I'll splurge on the center front seat and let the rest be cheaper seating. Guests can suck it, right?

You've got it, Charles. That's precisely what I say- I've got my seat, you can suck it!

Must....resist....inquisitive....sentence.......

I could say the same for THIS site!

Charles, just because your existing couch hasn't paid off doesn't mean that the concept of snuggling up to someone while watching TV is forever impossible. I highly recommend that you get a loveseat (or at least two adjoining seats where you can tilt up the armrest or something) to accommodate such future bliss.

I can always adapt later.

It's easier to "invest" in your hobbies before you have a serious relationship than after.

Or so I've been told by everyone at work who bring numerous UPS/FedEx delivers back to my office most ever day of the week.

Unless you find one of those rare people that actually share/encourage that hobby. Have I mentioned how much I love my wife

I have to share that sentiment.
My wife was the one who found our media room loungers, wanted to get a good audio system and bought our first big screen tv!

I was the one who had to research it all; but hey, everyone has to do their part.

See, I should get the seating that *I* want right now, then my wife can make me change it to something "better" later.

Have no fear that will happen regardless of what you buy good or bad, as she didn't have any input on it, ie color, size, style, so what you buy now will eventually end up in another room or tossed all together no matter how supportive she is of the hobby.

Maybe I'll marry a blind woman?

I had assumed that was a given.





Bazinga!

That was a good one, Sheldon.

Hey, a certainty that I'll be with ANYONE? I'll take it!