Creating an Outdoor Home Cinema
The reality is that for most of this year, us Melbournites haven’t been able to go to the movies much.
But who said you can’t make movie magic at home? We’ve just had to get crafty! Many have designed and created ingenious theatres inside their own four walls or outside in their own backyards.
So, is it hard? No!
Is it fun? Yes!
Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to create your own home cinema this Summer:
- A Screen or Flat Surface
Firstly, you’ll need either a portable screen, a flat wall (if your outdoor area has one) or a white sheet. Of course, a sheet is likely to have a few more wrinkles than a screen or solid surface, but if you pull it taut you can overcome this issue easily.
Nowadays, outdoor cinema screens aren’t only for rich or famous – they’re becoming more affordable for everyday people like us, and can be bought online for under $200.00. Image quality will obviously depend heavily on the quality of the screen, so if your budget allows it, you might want to check out a few different options.
Don’t know where you’ll store the screen when you’re not using it? Check out this inflatable screen option from Amazon!
- Projector & Speakers
If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to get yourself a good, reliable projector and some speakers.
And a quick search online will be enough to confirm that the price tags range dramatically! Check out these options on JB Hifi, Amazon, and Dick Smith.
You’ll need to position your projector about 2m from your screen, so think about a little table or stand to sit it on. Be creative and upcycle an old garden chair, a wooden stump, or a few old pallets for your projector stand.
Don’t have built-in speakers? Don’t worry – for this purpose you can afford to wing it with a portable speaker! And these handy little weapons are waterproof so you won’t have to keep bringing them inside and out each time.
- Comfortable Seating
This is a no-brainer – you’re going to be sitting out there for a while, so you might as well be totally comfortable.
If you have an outdoor setting, you may choose to use that. But if you’re going for a more casual, relaxed evening, what about some outdoor beanbags, or even indoor ones (just put a waterproof sheet down on the lawn first to prevent them from getting damaged).
Take time to think about the overall look and feel of your set-up. Be original and revive some of your DIY skills to come up with chic and practical seating solutions. Pallet sofas are right on trend – they’re comfortable, practical, and super budget-friendly too.
Just you and someone special watching tonight? What about a hammock?
And if it’s going to be chilly, make sure you have plenty of cosy throws and rugs on hand!
- Lighting
Ambient lighting is a must.
As the evening progresses and the sun sets, a million little lights twinkling around the garden creates magic in every corner… hang on, we’re getting a bit carried away here! Not a million lights, but you get what we mean!
Lighting is super important for mood, but it also needs to be practical – you’ll need to be able to see your way around to fill your glass, grab some more snacks or pop inside to use the bathroom during the film.
Outdoor lanterns are a gorgeous choice. Fairy lights add that magical, soft glow. And if it’s not windy, a selection of candles is the ultimate way to create that enchanting, romantic atmosphere.
Citronella candles look great and will also help to keep those pesky little mozzies away during a balmy, summer evening.
- Don’t Forget the Snacks
What’s a movie night without popcorn? Treat your family and friends to some delicious snacks – think pizza, chips and dip, nuts, fruit, and home-baked cookies.
Why not take your tasty treats to the next level by presenting them perfectly? Check out these super cute popcorn bags. Or maybe a smorgasbord approach would suit your company better?
Fruit punch is a great crowd pleaser. Don’t forget the decorations too – little cocktail umbrellas, rimming sugar, fruit, and straws.
And if alcohol is on your menu, just remember to enjoy it responsibly. You’ll find some great cocktail recipes here, or maybe you’ve got your favourites already!
- Consider for your Neighbours
Be that nice person that lets the neighbours know what’s going on. And remember, at 2.00am, nobody loves the guy who’s splitting the silence with the hottest movie in town, so keep the noise down and wind up or move inside at a respectable hour.
Across the city, fun-loving Melbournians are rolling up their sleeves and getting to work creating their own home theatres. So why not join them? With the warmer weather setting in, you can look forward to many a movie night with family and friends, right in your own garden!
Great photo inspiration by Style Curator.