Dens Done Right: A Home Theatre for Thunderstorm Season (and Beyond)

If you've been keeping up with how to do your den right, you already know: Condo suites with dens can command a higher price-point.

This is according to Baker Real Estate Incorporated’s Baker Insights Group (B.I.G.), and -- despite the last year intensifying the truth of it -- such has actually been the case for several years now.

“The biggest difference between the unit mix in 2020 versus 2018 and 2019 is the share of suites with one bedroom plus den, which rose from 10% in 2018 and 13% in 2019 to 23% last year,” reads the insight group’s recent market report.

What's more, dens reportedly add value to a condo, even when they don't actually provide extra square-footage to a space.

READ: Dens Done Right: How to Make ‘Work From Home’ Work for You

Further, Baker CEO Barbara Lawlor says, “Baker recognized that buyers were willing to pay more for a unit with a den, even if the square footage was the same."

If you're living (or investing) in a condo, it's basically your responsibility to ensure you're making the most out of those extra walls -- they're an ultra-hot commodity, after all! And though they may be small, there’s ample opportunity for a den to make a major impact on your lifestyle.

“Buyers envision using [their den] for a second tenant or roommate, a place for friends and family to stay, as a nursery, and as we all know, a room to have a home office,” B.I.G. reports.

Or, we might add, a home theatre.

See, it may be summer, but it's also peak thunderstorm season. And when the weather outside is raging, we can't imagine a better environment to cozy up in than a warm, dark space complete with snacks, blankets, and a great flick. Come to think of it, the situation sounds ideal for winter months, too...

Read on to learn some simple ways your den can be transformed into an at-home cinema:

MOOD LIGHTING

Or, perhaps it's better stated that a lack of lighting is the ideal mood.

When you're settling in for a movie marathon, the last thing you want is the glare from a window or overhead light reflecting off your television screen. Luckily, many dens are windowless spaces, which means one less problem for you to solve. In terms of lighting, opt for an overhead dimmer, a lamp, or some fairy lights for pre- and post-movie c̶r̶i̶t̶i̶q̶u̶e̶ discussion.

To take the "movie theatre" vibe a step further in a condo you own (or have permission to alter), paint your den's walls a dark colour like navy, burgundy, or forest green.

Tip: Hanging dark-coloured curtains around your den's perimeter will help keep light to a minimum, without the commitment of a new paint job.

COMFINESS LEVEL: 100

Where your home theatre's seating is concerned, the size of the den is your oyster. If your space leans towards larger, bringing in a combination of chairs, loveseats, and cushions will ensure all viewers have an ultra-comfy place to enjoy the show from.

If your den is on the smaller side, a cozy ground-level set-up of blankets, pillows, bean-bag chairs, foam mattresses, and soft rugs will keep the room's vibe casual, boho, and fun.

Tip: With a little extra space to your name, a couple of skids, some carpet, and a dash of DIY could transform your room into a proper tiered cinema.

TECH TALK

Of course, the star of any at-home theatre setup is the tech used to experience the film. And just as is true for the design and decor of your space, there are a wide variety of choices at your fingertips in terms of screens and speakers.

Whether you opt for a television or a projector depends on your personal preference, but we'd be remiss not to mention the fun novelty that comes with setting up a projection screen at home. It's drive-in vibes meets AV club, and we're hard-pressed to imagine a better arrangement on a stormy Saturday afternoon.

For sound, you could opt for a high-tech system with multiple speakers, or something as simple as the smart speaker you typically use to blast Spotify jams. Either way, you'll benefit from the small square-footage of a den, within which music and monologues won't be drowned out by external noise.

Tip: Whichever screen-type you choose, select the biggest your space can accommodate. The larger the screen, the more immersive your home-theatre experience will be.

This article was produced in partnership with STOREYS Custom Studio.