Having a home theater setup is awesome, and it doesn’t necessarily have to break the bank either. You can create the perfect space to relax in after work or on rainy days with a few basic pieces of equipment. If you love technology, it’s important to prioritize so you don’t overspend. This way, you’ll be able to get the viewing and sound quality you want and make the most of the space. Here’s how to set up a home theater on a budget.
Make a list of your priorities
In order to set a realistic budget and stick to it, it’s a good idea to make a list of your priorities. For example, if you want immersive surround sound you’re going to need to invest in decent speakers. If you’ve got limited resources, it’s worth deciding which aspects of your home theater you’d like to spend more money on. You can always upgrade it at a later date. Consider how you’re going to use the space, for instance for TV and movies, or gaming as well. It’s also worth bearing in mind how often you’ll use it, as this should affect your priorities.
Save money on your cable bill
If you’re spending money on new equipment then you could look for other areas in which to cut costs. You could try switching to a cheaper alternative to cable such as Philo TV. There is still a wide range of channels available, check out the philo tv channel list. You may also want to consider reassessing other monthly subscriptions to decide whether it’s worth paying for them.
Get the most out of the space
Even if your budget is limited, there are many ways you can get the most out of the space. You could design an entire room devoted to entertainment that doubles up as a games room and home theater. Make use of the vertical space by putting up a few shelves using recycled wood or even repurposed wooden crates. You don’t need to invest in expensive storage options and it’s worth saving the money to spend on the technology.
Consider used equipment
You can get a huge discount on your equipment if you consider going used or buying it refurbished. There are plenty of places to buy second-hand equipment in nearly-new condition such as Facebook Marketplace. Check out your local electronics stores to find out more about their range of refurbished tech as well and you might find some great deals. Here’s how to buy a refurbished TV the right way.
Choose the right lighting
You need the right lighting in your home theater to create the perfect atmosphere. Recessed lighting is cheap to install, for example, or you could opt for smart lighting which will save you money on your utility bills in the long run. Here are a few home theater lighting best practices to help you. As long as you prioritize effectively and shop around, you can set up a home theater on a budget.