
How to Build an Outdoor Cinema at Home: Home Theater Ideas & Tips
|
|
|
Time to read 7 min
|
|
|
Time to read 7 min
Thinking of adding a backyard theater? We've prepared a detailed guide filled with outdoor home theater ideas, planning tips, design advice, and other helpful information so your friends and family can enjoy their favorite films, TV shows, and sports events under the stars.
Multiple factors come into play when designing your own outdoor theater. Here are some things to keep in mind to help streamline the planning process:
We've compiled a list of possible items you could choose from to bring your favorite films, sports, and television series outdoors.
If you opt for a movie projector, choose one that fits your needs. Pick a mountable projector if your family prefers spending time at home, or go for a portable option if your group is always on the go.
An alternative to a projector and screen, mounting a television in your backyard living room offers an excellent way to take in a show. Just make sure to pick a product rated for outdoor use.
Whether you watch a show on the laptop itself or connect it to an outdoor television or projector, this is a tried-and-true way to watch movies anywhere.
Technology has advanced so much that families can project movies using cell phones. One way to do this is to install a projection app on your phone and pair it with compatible wireless equipment. Or, if you want to know how to turn your phone into a projector, try this DIY method:
Supplies needed:
Instructions:
There are multiple projector screen options to choose from to complete your backyard cinema. The most expensive choice is a large retractable screen you can install on an overhead beam on your pergola or gazebo. If you want something a bit more affordable, choose an inflatable outdoor movie screen. It has the added benefit of being collapsable, so you can store it when the night ends.
You can also take the DIY route and make your own homemade projector screen. It’s a budget-friendly option consisting of a white sheet stretched over a frame fashioned from wood, metal, or PVC pipe.
Base this decision on your yard's layout and the projector or TV you choose. If you have a smaller space and opt for a projector app on your smartphone, try a wireless speaker. But if you have the room and prefer a fixed projector and retractable projection screen, go all out with an outdoor sound system.
Here are some creative outdoor home theater ideas to try in your own backyard.
Stock your kegerator, fire up the grill, and host a backyard tailgate from the comfort of your patio. Invite friends over and stream the Stanley Cup, World Series, or Monday night football in your outdoor theater.
Turn your pool house into a movie theater, or transform a section at one end of your pool into a viewing area. Family members can watch Jaws or The Little Mermaid while floating on the water or relaxing on a chaise lounge. Keep your speakers, projector, and other equipment far from the water, and choose a large screen so viewers can see the action from every vantage point. Everyone will want in on this outdoor movie night, so you're gonna need a bigger bowl of popcorn.
Outdoor home theater ideas like these are all about the eats. Set up a buffet table laden with gourmet movie snacks such as truffle browned butter popcorn, petit fours topped with candied violets, and a s'mores station boasting homemade marshmallows and Callebaut chocolate. Offer wine or spirit pairings that complement the food’s flavors, and leave recipe cards and to-go boxes on the table so guests can take some treats home and recreate them. Finally, fill a plate and take a seat—it's time to watch Julie & Julia.
If you have limited outdoor space, you can still have a magical movie experience. Use space-saving seating like folding side tables and chairs, and try a portable projector and screen you can store when the movie ends.
If you're in search of movie night ideas for couples, plan a romantic evening in and enjoy dinner and a show from the comfort of your own backyard.
For the family who loves camping and movie night, a backyard campout complete with kid-friendly films is a great idea. Have your little ones help you pitch tents, start a campfire, and build a DIY movie screen from a simple white sheet stretched over a PVC pipe or wooden frame.
Complete your home theater design with these outdoor essentials.
Invest in outdoor seating for your cozy home theater. Here are our suggestions for enhancing your viewing experience:
Install two light sources for your outdoor home theater to avoid darkness-induced stumbles and stubbed toes. Use a floodlight as your primary light source and ground lighting along walkways so family can find their way to the bathroom or kitchen during the movie.
What’s a movie night without bowls of buttery popcorn, gummy candies, and salty pretzels? There’s no right or wrong movie snack combo—just make sure there’s enough to go around.
You need a place to store everything once the credits start rolling. Invest in a console table or outdoor cabinet to keep your projector and screen (if they aren't affixed to your home), pillows, blankets, and other movie-watching gear safe from the elements.
Here's a list of all the items you'll need to make an outdoor theater:
Plan a successful backyard movie night by choosing a night with good weather. Clean off your furniture and set up the projector, screen, and speakers. Finally, fill the space with cozy seats, warm blankets, and tables topped with tasty snacks and drinks.
Follow these steps to build an outdoor cinema at home: