Backyard Hangout
June 17, 2022
Eco Friendly Home
July 1, 2022
DIY Backyard Theatre
If you want to create quite literally the ULTIMATE backyard hangout spot, then why not try adding a backyard movie theatre! This can be as simple or extravagant as you would like it to be! Whether you just want to hang up a sheet for viewing a movie, or build a more permanent screen is up to you. There is no limit to how far you can take this super cool hangout spot. You can create built-in seating if you’d like, pair the theatre with some fun tiki torches or string lights, or you can just keep it simple and set up pillows and blankets on the ground to lounge and watch your movie. Of course, you’ll also need a projector to play your movies. Whatever you decide to do, once you add an outdoor movie theatre to your backyard, there is no doubt that your place will be the coolest backyard hangout spot!
Here's What You'll Need:
Projector
Of course, the first thing you will need when it comes to building your own backyard theatre is a movie projector. Projectors can range in price from under $100 – over $1000. The quality of the projector you purchase is totally up to you, just make sure to bring it back inside after your outdoor movie night. You certainly don’t want your expensive equipment getting stuck in the rain! When it comes to choosing the right projector for you, there are a few things to keep in mind. For instance, your screen size will play a role in deciding which projector you need. Larger screens mean you will need more light output from your projector. Does your projector have built-in speakers? If not, you may need some external speakers to go along with the projector. What sort of connections dies your projector include? How many HDMI ports does it have? Some projectors even have built-in apps such as Disney+ and Prime Video. Check out this article on how to choose the right projector for you.
Screen
Similarily to a projector, the screens can also vary in price. The size of your screen will make a difference when it comes to price. The stand will also come into play for the price. Be sure to get a stand that isn’t too flimsy and won’t blow away in the wind. Reading the reviews for your screen and stand should help to determine the overall quality. If you don’t want to purchase an expensive projector screen, then why not make one yourself! Creating a screen doesn’t have to be difficult, you will just need a white sheet, some strong clamps, and something to hang the sheet on. Check out these 5 DIY outdoor projector screen ideas!
Comfortable Seating
Another key element to creating a backyard theatre is to have comfy seating for your guests. You can use your outdoor patio furniture, lawn chairs, lounge chairs or even hammocks or swings! Whatever you already have outside will work just fine. If you don’t have any sort of outdoor seating already, then you can make your own instead. This doesn’t need to be anything fancy, it can be as easy as some cozy blankets or sleeping bags and pillows on the grass. Just make sure that it’s comfortable! Extra points if you have some sort of padding underneath your blankets!
Bug Repellent
Just like ants at a picnic, mosquitoes at an outdoor theatre can really ruin the mood. This is why you will want to have some sort of bug repellent on hand. Lighting citronella tiki torches and other candles is a good start, but these pesky insects will sometimes bear through the smell of citronella. You may even need to set up some sort of a bug net or a tent or even sit in your gazebo to watch the movie. There are also lots of natural bug repellents you can try as well. Check out this link for a few natural remedies to keep them at bay!
Outdoor Extension Cord
Electronics require… electricity! Because of this, you are going to need an outdoor extension cord to plug in the projector. Be sure to have an outdoor cord and not an indoor one just in case you forget to bring it back inside. The outdoor cords can withstand the elements much better than indoor cords. Be sure to pick a cord that is long enough to reach from your outdoor hydro hook up to wherever you decide to host your backyard theatre. You may need a second cord as well for any lighting you set up or if you need external speakers as well.
Snacks
No movie night is complete without some sort of snack! You really can’t go wrong in this department. Something tasty for your friends and family is going to be one of the best parts of the evening! A few great options include popcorn, chips, cookies, candy, or some delicious homemade appetizers! Looking for some great recipes for movie night? Check out these delicious snacks to fuel your next binge-watch! If you really want to create a memorable movie night, you can even fill up cute popcorn bags with personal bags of popcorn for each guest! This will really make you feel like you’re at the cinema!
Outdoor Lighting
It is a good idea to have some sort of outdoor lighting set up for your movie night so your guests can safely get up and go inside if they need to use the washroom. Or, if the bugs get too bad! You don’t want people stumbling and hurting themselves in the dark, so adding some sort of lighting will help prevent accidents. When choosing your outdoor theatre lighting, you will want to go with something dim that doesn’t overpower the projector screen. Think string lights or tiki torches. These won’t give off an excessive amount of light but will provide just enough to make light to keep you from falling.
A Great Movie
The final and perhaps the most important element to any backyard theatre is of course, an assortment of great movies. Without the movie, you won’t have much of a theatre, so be sure to have some great films in mind! If your projector has streaming capabilities built-in, then this shouldn’t be much of an issue if you can access your Disney+ or Prime Video accounts. However, if you don’t have the luxury of a built-in streaming system, you will need to figure out you will watch your movies. You could plug in your laptop via HDMI and play movies that way, or you may need to connect another external device to the projector. Either way, be sure to have a great movie picked out and ready to go. Not sure which movie to choose? Check out this list of the top 100 movies of all time!
In conclusion, it’s not all that difficult to create your own backyard movie theatre! With a few simple elements, you will be laughing and enjoying a great movie on a hot summer night in no time at all!
To recap, the elements of a DIY backyard movie theatre include a projector, a screen, comfortable seating, bug repellent, an extension cord (or two!), snacks, outdoor lighting and a great movie. Put all of these items together and voila! You have the perfect backyard theatre!
Want more outdoor inspiration? Check out our other blog posts such as How to Create a Cozy Outdoor Space, Outdoor Inspiration for any Space or Outdoor Trends of 2020.
The Susan & Moe Team hopes you enjoy your summer season! Looking for a home with a new outdoor space? Contact us.
We would love to help you find your dream home!
