How to make an outdoor home cinema - armadillosun

How to make an outdoor home cinema

Enjoy your favourite films in your own back garden!

I Know What You Did Last Summer… created a garden cinema! Staycations at home look set to remain de rigeur this year, so our thoughts turn to fun new home entertainments. It’s surprisingly easy to rig up your own cinema outdoors.

How to create an outdoor cinema

What you’ll need for the perfect garden cinema

  1. A sheltered spot

  2. Something to play your film from, like a laptop

  3. A projector – there are lots of options available cheaply online

  4. Speakers – if there’s not one built in to your projector

  5. A screen – this could be as simple as a sheet draped over the washing line, or blackout material hooked up to a fence. Alternatively, buy a projector screen online or hire an inflatable one 

Lanterns to light up an outdoor home cinema in the garden

Set the scene

Once the tech is assembled, create a really relaxing space where you and your guests can happily lounge for hours and more. Prioritise super-comfortable and supportive garden furniture – outdoor bean bag chairs are easily rearranged so that everyone gets a great view. Really stretch out on a lounger or take your at-home cinema to uber levels of luxury with a Garden Sofa Chaise Longue. (Our bean bags are generously sized and amply filled so they don’t sag and instead mould comfortingly around your body). Throw some floor cushions out for the kids – they can be left outside all summer long as they’re made from our signature, no-mould, no-fade fabric.

Keep the lighting low with a few strategically placed lanterns that will help you move around without tripping, but won’t detract from the bright lights of the movie screen. As night falls, lambswool throws will keep you and your friends snug - or consider a portable firepit or garden stove.

If the worst does happen and it starts to rain, you won’t need to worry about the garden chairs – they’re all waterproof!

No-stress classic refreshments

Finally, you’ll need all the fun bits – vats of popcorn, tubs of ice cream, gallons of fizzy drinks and of course a cocktail or three! Portable outdoor snack tables or a larger ottoman, will keep all the treats close to hand.

The downside to movie nights at home is the clear up afterwards. Never fear: being outside hides the crumbs and most of the mess! Plus, Armadillo Sun beanbag furniture is wipe clean and stain-resistant - even the inevitable chocolate and red wine spills simply wipe off! Phew. We love a happy ending!

Five Great Films to Watch Outdoors

Now you’re all set for an evening of outdoor viewing, what will you watch? Let me know your top summer movie in the comments below. These are my favourites:

  • Top Gun

  • La La Land

  • Jurassic Park

  • Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

  • Grease

 

Armadillo Sun are the UK specialists in outdoor beanbag furniture. Each piece is carefully designed to blend style with durability – and are so much more versatile than traditional garden furniture. With luxury bean bags transform your garden and patio into a personal haven; then to a cosy corner for an intimate family get-together, or the setting for a stylish evening soiree; or even an outdoor home cinema!