Have you heard the price of movie tickets just went up? No? Then it’s certainly about to.

Raising the price of theater tickets seems to be the name of the game for large theaters across the nation these days. Ask any movie aficionado what changes have been made in the movie theater industry in the past five years, and they’re twice as likely to come back with a negative comment than a positive one. The primary reason for their dissatisfaction: the higher price of movie theater tickets.

If you were then to turn to a theater owner and ask, “What gives?” He or she would likely give any number of excuses, one of which is sure to be that they simply don’t sell enough tickets to cover overhead because too many people are watching movies at home. Well over half of movie watchers say they prefer watching movies from the comfort of their own home. In the eyes of the theater companies, if you sell 50 tickets a night when you used to sell 200, those 50 tickets will have to be four times as expensive to make up the difference.

You might be thinking, “Well, fine. Two can play that game.” And you’d be right. Two can play that game. And our money is on you for who can play it better. Why? Because we’re about to share all the secrets to the best and most cost-effective home theater designs. Just keep reading.

1. It’s all about the sound
   
   And for the best sound, you need the best room. Before you start brainstorming home theater designs, make sure you have the best space to build it in. Think like an audio-store: You’re going to want to show off those high-end speakers in a room that amplifies them rather than diminishes them, right? Make sure you start your home theater installation, you’ve picked a room that absorbs sound rather than transmitting it.
   
   Choose a room that will not only encapsulate the amazing bass coming off your subwoofer, but also block out the neighbor’s lawn mower. (Seriously, who mows the lawn at eight o’clock at night?)
2. Shape matters
   
   Still thinking about sound, the shape of the room is crucial to the success of home theater designs. See, square rooms tend to create harmonic distortions. If given the choice, opt for a rectangular room. Then, when you’re brainstorming home theater designs, envision your beautiful flat screen against one of the short walls for optimal sound projection.
3. Think like a vampire
   
   Light is the movie-goers worst enemy. (No, duh, right?) So when we say the fewer windows the better, you say: I know, but I don’t have a basement. That’s okay. Just add blackout-style window shades to your home theater designs.
4. Think floor to ceiling and everything in between
   
   Even if you can’t do much about the windows, hopefully you can do something about the paneling on your walls and ceiling. While there’s no need to go full-on sound proof (unless, of course, you want to), try to break up any large, flat patches of wall with furniture or drapes. Whatever you do, don’t put up picture frames. Glass has a nasty habit of reflecting light and sound in ways that interfere with the ultimate movie viewing experience.

Acoustic wall panels and ceiling tiles are a fun option, though drywall really is insulating enough for most home theaters. When it comes to the floor, think carpet all thew way. The cushier, the better as added cushion will only absorb more sound to help keep the rest of your house peaceful. Plus carpet has the added benefit of added seating – – sure beats hardwood, anyway.

Home theater designs can range anywhere from $5,000 for moderately priced equipment in a rec room to $500,000 for high-end custom home theater designs built by professional home theater installation services. You don’t have to fork over half a decade’s salary to make your home theater a reality, however. With these four tips for budget-friendly home theater designs, you’ll be up and running in no time. And when you compare the cost of your home theater setup service to how much you would have spent on movie theaters over the years, we’re willing to bet you come out way ahead.