Cinemas have an amazing way of making you feel like you’re part of the movie—if you can’t get enough of cinematic immersion, why not bring the experience home? Here are three ways to submerge yourself in the action with a home theater.

Technology is Vital

Your home theater is a place to enjoy your favorite media, so a solid network of devices is the backbone of a great experience. Most home theaters use mounted projectors and screens because they’re adjustable and often have a very large display, but a high-quality TV will also work. A good sound system is critical to the immersion, so be sure to use a system that has at least 5.1 surround capability.

Atmosphere is Everything

Most movie theaters are specially equipped to keep out unwanted light and sound. For your home theater, blackout curtains are a great way to mimic an actual cinema. Painting the walls black can help absorb even more excess light, and acoustic wall panels can minimize distracting echoes and reverberation. Dimmer switches are great for adjusting light levels to suit your needs, and fiber optic lighting provides gorgeous visuals with very little glare or light pollution.

Comfort is Key

You’ll likely spend long periods of time in your home theater, and being cozy is an important part of cinematic immersion. After all, the more comfortable you are, the better you can enjoy the show! Be sure to choose seating that will support your body and minimize discomfort, which could distract you from your movie. Try to keep the room at a reasonable temperature, and keep plenty of blankets and pillows on hand.

There’s nothing quite like the movie theater experience, but it isn’t the only place you can lose yourself in a film. Creating an immersive home theater is simple, affordable and brings the magic of the cinema right into your bedroom!