Having a home theater makes everything you watch more enjoyable, whether it’s an Oscar-winning movie or your favorite reality show. But even if building a high-end theater system isn’t in your budget, there are a few things you can do to greatly enhance your current setup.

  • The size of the room matters. Not only do you need to ensure adequate distance between the seats and the screen, but you also need to consider how sound travels through the space. The room’s shape matters, too: Rectangular rooms are better than cube-shaped rooms for home theater sound. This article explains the “golden ratio” for acoustics in a home theater, which you can apply to your own space: https://thehometheaterdiy.com/home-theater-room-dimensions/
  • Sound system improvements are among the easiest enhancements you can make to your existing setup. Soundbars are relatively inexpensive and simple to use, and they don’t require much space. Experts suggest choosing a sound bar with three or more channels, which acts more like surround sound with multiple speakers. Most budget options have two.
  • Being able to control light in a home theater is important. Blackout curtains on the windows are a great start, but don’t overlook the color of the walls and ceiling—dark colors are recommended.