3 Home Theater Upgrades for Under $799

Ever since you saw Indiana Jones and Marion Ravenwood search high and low for the coveted lost ark, you’ve known one thing for sure—you want to live at the movies. But between tickets for the latest superhero flick and extra-large popcorn and sodas for all, a trip to the movies can really add up. According to Peachtree Financial, the average family who hits up the cinema once a month could spend a whopping $720 a year—and that’s without any upgrades. Add in 3D and IMAX ticketing, and you’re looking at much more.

The solution is as clear as a 4K LED screen: a home theater! Suddenly, any night becomes movie night, and cinematic TV shows like Game of Thrones and Daredevil get the treatment they truly deserve. But if your “home theater” is currently nothing more than a TV on top of a sad end table that looks like it belongs in a college dorm, don’t fret. With some simple work (and just a little cash), you’ll be kicking back in your own home theater in no time. Below, three projects from the home improvement professionals at HomeAdvisor that can take your home theater to a whole other level (extra-butter popcorn not included).

Install a Flat Screen TV

Nothing puts a cramp in your entertainment space like a cramp in your neck. But that’s exactly what you’ll get if you set your flat screen on a low coffee table or entertainment stand. For that movie theater look—and a more comfortable viewing experience—you’ll want to mount your flat screen TV to the wall.

Since flat screen TV installation deals with wiring and possible outlet additions, you’ll want to start by finding a licensed electrician who can help you with the more technical challenges. According to Home Advisor’s national data, the average cost to install a flat screen TV is $290, depending on the bracket, mounting position, and wiring. Once you’ve found a professional, you’ll want to choose the right bracket to keep the TV safely in place (because nothing puts a damper on family movie night like a plasma screen crashing to the floor). For a little extra, you can even select a bracket that allows your TV to tilt and angle to accommodate the viewers in the room.

Finally, you’ll want to handle the number-one eyesore in home theaters—cables!

If you’re willing to splurge, with the help of an electrician, you can opt to conceal the cords inside the wall, giving your home theater a pristine look (and keeping your rescue cat from taking her teeth and claws to exposed cords). If your budget’s a bit more modest you can hide wires in track molding outside of the wall. It’s a convenient solution that’s also easy on the wallet.

Install a Surround Sound System

For Star Wars to truly pack a punch, you’ll want a sound system to set it apart. If you worry that a sound system will send your budget into the Dark Side, don’t. According to Home Advisor’s national data, installing surround sound starts at as low as just a hundred bucks, with an average cost of $514.

So what accounts for the differences in cost? First, decide how many rooms you’ll want your system to reach. Should speakers be accessible in other areas for easy music playing around the house (hey, there’s no shame in impromptu pre-movie night dance parties!), or will you primarily use your speakers just to watch TV and movies? The smaller the reach, the more the savings.

Your next choice: wired or wireless? Wireless allows you to play your favorite jams right from your smart phone, while wired systems offer a richer sound experience. Lastly, you’ll want to opt for either mounted or integrated speakers. Mounted are easier but integrated sound components (ones that can’t be picked up and moved willy nilly) offer the most serious, booming sound…and doesn’t John Williams deserve the best?

Installing Window Treatments

We’ll be honest. When you salivate about your own home theater system, it’s unlikely that draperies come to mind. And yet, just like you crave the dark in a movie theater, your experience just won’t be the same without a good set of shades. After all, nothing takes the punch out of a scary movie like bright afternoon daylight—or the bucolic view of your neighbor mowing the lawn.

When it comes to choosing the right window treatments for a home theater, consider how you’ll be primarily be using the room. Is it set aside only for movie- and TV-watching, or will you be using it for other family activities? Do you want an easy way to block out the most light possible, or would you like a more versatile solution for the daytime hours?

If blocking light is your main goal, blackout drapes or shades are a great option. According to Home Advisor’s national data, the average cost of installing window treatments is $255, depending on materials and installation. Of course, if you’ve got a little extra money in your budget (and with the help of a professional), you can really go to town with custom shades, choosing luxe options like cordless operation and even automatic movement (after all, who wants to get off the couch just to draw the blinds?).

Conclusion

If you’re ready to take your viewing experience into primetime, the info above should be plenty to get you started. The next step? Find a professional to do it right. HomeAdvisor connects you to dozens of reviewed, vetted, and qualified professionals in your area…just enter some simple information about your project to receive up to three quotes from available pros. Coming Soon: a home theater that’ll put your local Cineplex to shame!

Photo Courtesy of WikiCommons from Tysto