How to Build a DIY Home Theater in a Weekend

Looking to create a phenomenal home theater setup without a huge budget? DIYers can transform a spare room or basement into a home theater over a weekend. Find out what to buy, how to set it up and where you can save money without sacrificing quality.

Day 1 – Measure your space and set a budget

Decide where your screen will go and how many people you want to seat. The unofficial home theater seating distance rule here: The viewing distance in feet should be about twice the screen size in inches. This helps you choose between a 65‑inch TV and a 100‑inch projector screen.

For your budget, allocate roughly:

• 40% to the display

• 30% to sound

• 20% to seating and décor

• 10% to accessories

For tight budgets, a 65‑inch TV and a Dolby Atmos‑enabled soundbar cost around $700.

For more immersion, consider a short‑throw projector and a 100‑inch screen (around $900) paired with a 5.1 speaker package.

🛒 You’ll also need speaker wire, mounting hardware, blackout curtains and LED strips.

Day 2 – Install and wire

Mount the screen. Secure your TV or projector screen at eye level when seated. If using a projector, ensure the throw distance matches your model.

Arrange speakers. For a 5.1 setup, place front speakers at ear height on either side of the screen and angle them toward the seating area. Mount surround speakers to the sides at ear level or slightly above, and put the subwoofer near a wall to reinforce bass. If you’re using a soundbar, center it below the screen.

Run cables. Hide speaker wires by running them along your baseboards or behind crown moulding. Use color‑coded banana plugs to simplify connections. For a wireless soundbar, just connect power and HDMI eARC.

Test and calibrate. Run your receiver’s auto‑calibration or the soundbar’s setup routine. Adjust speaker distances and levels until the dialogue and effects feel balanced.

Day 3 – Comfort and finishing touches

Seating: Add a couch and/or chairs using the ideal seating distance formula above. For extra seating, add bean bags or floor cushions. If budget allows, build a simple riser from 2×8 lumber and plywood to create a second row.

Lighting: Hang blackout curtains to darken the room. Install LED strip lights behind the screen or along the ceiling to create a soft glow. Connect them to smart plugs so you can dim lights from your phone.

Décor: Add movie posters, a snack cart, acoustic panels disguised as art, etc. If noise leakage is an issue, weather‑strip the doors and add a rug to absorb sound.

Read More >> How to Make Your Living Room Feel Like a Home Theater

Home theaters on a budget - you can do it

Building a home theater in a weekend is achievable. And then you can tell all the naysayers that you did it!

When you’re ready to upgrade further, check out our pull-down TV mounts that turn any room into a home theater experience.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ideal home theater seating distance?
Multiply the diagonal screen size by two to estimate seating distance (e.g., 65″ × 2 = ~11 ft).

How do I build a home theater on a budget?
Prioritize a good screen and sound; use inexpensive seating and DIY décor. Soundbars offer decent audio at a lower price than separate speakers.

Where should I place surround speakers and subwoofers?
Mount surround speakers at ear height or slightly above and put the subwoofer along a wall; avoid corners, and experiment for best bass.