There’s nothing quite like watching your favorite shows and movies in your very own home theater.
However, building one can be an expensive process.
From soundbars and projectors to comfortable seating and flooring, home theaters may look like it’s not for someone with a limited budget.
But did you know you can create your home theater while actually staying inside of your budget?
In this article, we’ll help you set up a DIY home theater without breaking your bank with several useful tips. Let’s begin!
Contents
Think Ahead of Time
Many people tend to buy impulsively for the sake of finishing the home theater as soon as possible.
However, we don’t recommend it because you can easily overspend on things you don’t really need.
So, before you begin, you have to plan and research before actually heading out to the store.
Also, don’t be afraid to visit different stores at once because one may offer better deals than the other for the same product.
Just make sure to do thorough research and determine how long the products will approximately last and their pros and cons.
Purchase a Soundbar System
Soundbars are an essential component of every home theater.
Many soundbars nowadays already support newer technology, like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, to maximize your viewing experience.
It may sound expensive, but you can actually purchase it for a reasonable amount. Just be keen on checking out different stores.
Additionally, soundbars don’t really rely on long wires and cables to operate.
You simply need to connect one cable to the TV or screen. It allows you to have a neater home theater, as we all know that dealing with wires and cables is never ideal for any homeowner.
To give you an idea, you can purchase a decent soundbar system for as low as $200.
However, some features may be omitted, like the Dolby Atmos support. Other than that, it could still benefit your viewing experience for a long time.
Consider Buying a Projector
Instead of purchasing a wide-screen television, buying a projector may be a cost-effective solution at first for your DIY home theater.
Sure, it may require a little bit of work to set up. But once you’re done, you can have a screen size that’s much bigger than any television out there.
To attach the projector to the ceiling or wall, you will need a mount. For the image quality, make sure to get a 1080p resolution for a clear picture.
If you want something even better, then go for 4K projectors. Just note that they tend to be more expensive than 1080p models.
If you have a budget for high-end projectors, we recommend you to check a wide-screen television instead.
The cost might not differ that much—projectors may even cost you more than a brand new TV.
But if you host backyard movie nights occasionally, having a projector will be useful in the long run.
Opt for Streaming Services
Some people may prefer the traditional way of watching films and shows, but if you’re trying to cut costs but still want to have access to both old and new movies, we recommend you subscribe to the popular streaming services we have right now, like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu.
So, if you have a 4K projector or television, you can maximize its potential and get the most out of your viewing experience.
Just note that you will need a fast and reliable internet connection to stream 4K content without any issues.
Have a Recessed Lighting
Lighting can make or break your home theater. Fortunately, you can save a lot with DIY lighting.
We recommend you to have recessed lighting because it’s not only cheap but also doesn’t require much time and effort to install.
Just make sure that the lights are placed evenly across the room for an ambient look. You can find recessed lights at any hardware store.
Moreover, you may need help from a professional electrician to ensure that the installation is done properly and safely.
But once it’s all set, you can transform your home theater into a cozy and inviting space for family and friends.
Use Thick Blankets or Moving Pads to Soundproof the Room
Soundproofing your home theater is ideal for everyone, especially if you live in a condominium or around a noise-sensitive neighborhood.
It’s not necessary, but it would be best if you soundproof the room to enjoy movies and shows without any distractions from the outside noise.
There are many ways to soundproof a room, and one of them is by using blankets or moving pads.
All you need to do is cover the walls with these materials. It will help in absorbing some of the noise coming from outside.
Additionally, you can use this method to insulate the room during winter.
Just make sure that the blankets or pads are thick enough to muffle the noise completely.
You can also use egg cartons as they’re known for their sound-absorbing properties. Just glue them to the walls, and you’re good to go.
Conclusion
Setting up a home theater should not be expensive.
With a little creativity and effort, you can save a lot of money and still have an amazing viewing experience.
Just remember the tips we mentioned above, and you’ll definitely have a great time with your friends and family in your new home theater.
