Everything you need to know to set up an outdoor cinema in your garden
Everything you need to know to set up an outdoor cinema in your garden
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1/10 How to set up your own outdoor cinema
Outdoor cinemas have never been more popular, so why not set up your own version in your garden for maximum comfort.
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2/10 Choosing a projector
The latest projectors are bright enough that you can see the screen even with the lights on – or in the case of garden cinemas, with the sun out. There are projectors for every budget, but if you’re looking for an entry-level design this model from Epson is a good choice.
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3/10 Which screen to buy?
You can rig a white sheet to a wall, but for under £100 you will get far better quality with an actual projector screen, such as this budget-friendly option. Alternatively, go for a motorised design that you can control at the push of a button.
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4/10 Totally sound
You can connect a speaker through your projector's 2.5mm jack (or go for a model with Bluetooth). This system with subwoofer is a good-value option.
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5/10 Keep warm at night
There's nothing quite like a firepit to keep you toasty warm. This heavy cast-iron design is low enough that it won’t get in the way of a cinema screen.
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6/10 Drink up
Finish off with an outdoor bar so you don't have to interrupt the film to go inside and top up. This serving cart from Wayfair is ideal.
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7/10 Be seated
If you’re viewing for a few hours at a time, you can’t beat a sofa or lounge set with a coffee table.
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8/10 Compact spaces
Acapulco chairs from Homebase are great for small outdoor spaces.
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9/10 Setting the scene
Rugs and cushions will make your cinema feel extra cosy...
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10/10 Mood lighting
...while a lantern will add mood lighting.
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Outdoor cinemas have never been more popular, but if scorching temperatures and the lure of the barbecue have you more inclined to stay home, then why not set up your own version in your garden?
Garden cinemas are fun, sociable and – with the right equipment – are easy to transport indoors when the weather isn’t good enough for outdoor viewing.
You don’t need to have a huge garden to enjoy them either – an outdoor cinema can even work in small courtyard spaces.
If you don't have a projector, there'll be an initial outlay, but it's an investment you'll enjoy time and again.
Not only will you get to choose what films you watch and who you invite, but you'll also benefit from front-row seats, the food and drink of your choice, and you won't have to brave the Tube on sticky summer nights.
If you like the idea of having your own garden cinema but aren’t sure where to begin, read on to find out what equipment you’ll need to create a magical setting for screenings that you can enjoy all summer long.
Buying a projector
The projector is the key ingredient to your outdoor cinema, but also the scariest to buy because it's the most expensive and the part you least want to go wrong.
One of the most common misconceptions is that a projector won't be as clear as a cinema screen, but thankfully that's not the case.
The latest models are bright enough that you can see the screen even with the lights on or, in the case of garden cinemas, with the sun out.
There are projectors for every budget, but if you’re looking for an entry-level model, then the EH-TW650 model from Epson is a good choice.
Easy-to-use, this full HD projector features built-in Wi-Fi and 3,100 lumens (you’ll want a model with at least 3,000 lumens).
It's capable of creating a 300-inch display and has a 15,000:1 contrast ratio, which produces clearly defined shadows and deep blacks – in short, you'll get a great picture.
It isn't waterproof so you'll need to store it safely inside when not in use.
And you don't need to be technically-minded in order to use a modern projector. Simply plug it in to the mains (an extension lead may come in handy here), line it up with your screen or wall, plug in your streaming device or use the Wi-Fi to link to your phone or laptop and you’ll be ready to play whatever you like — YouTube, movies, regular TV... the world's your oyster.
Projectors don't come cheap — this model costs £599.00 — but you can use it all summer long and you might even decide to use it inside instead of your TV.
If your budget allows, you could always invest in the Epson EB-L510U, which is a laser projector with 5,000 lumens.
At £3,096 it’s more of an investment buy and usually bought for more permanent fixtures, such as a dedicated cinema room, but it also works well for outdoor cinema use.
Which screen to buy?
When it comes to a cinema screen, you can, of course, rig a white sheet to a wall.
For under £100 you will get far better quality picture with an actual projector screen.
You could opt for a large motorised design that hooks onto the back of the house (or an outside wall or fence), and that you control at the push of a button.
Made from an engineered three-layer construction with a black frame, this Homegear 100-inch design is a smart option that’s suitable for regular, HD and 3D projectors – ideal for when you have friends and family over so need a larger screen.
For a more budget option, choose a non-motorised design – this one from Amazon costs just £15.99.
Again, you just hang it on hooks and it's a good option if you fancy taking it with you on holiday, as it folds into a drawstring bag and is quick to put up (you could string it between trees quite easily).
Both screens will also come in handy indoors if you don't have a plain white wall to project on to.
Keep it safe
You'll need to place your projector at the right height for your screen. Keeping it off of the floor also means no one will trip over it.
You can, of course, put it on a table but, if you don't mind spending a little more, then this handy trolley will be ideal. Costing less than £50, it has two platforms, one for your projector and the other for a laptop if you want/need it.
The ridged edge means your devices won't slide off – if you're shelling out money for these gadgets then you don't want one clumsy knock to be the end of your summer cinema.
Pump up the volume
Sub-standard speakers just aren't going to cut it in your garden cinema, so make sure you get this right to ensure you don't spend the evening straining to hear what people on the screen are saying.
You can connect a speaker through your projector's 2.5mm jack (or go for a model with Bluetooth). This system with subwoofer is a good value option.
With a whopping 120W of power, you'll be able to hear the film above any chatter and it's currently reduced down to £64.92.
Keep warm at night
There's nothing quite like a firepit to keep you toasty warm, toast marshmallows for S'mores, and create a little Love Island ambience in your back garden cinema.
This heavy cast-iron Idbury design, £85 from Garden Trading, is low enough that it won’t block any sight lines to the cinema screen.
Drink up
Finish off with an outdoor bar so you don't have to interrupt the film to go inside and top up.
Either an ice bucket with chilled wine, a mini fridge, or a drinks trolley will all do the trick. This serving cart from Wayfair is ideal and you can always paint it if the wood finish isn't to your liking.
Comfortable outdoor seating
If you’re viewing for a few hours at a time, you can’t beat a sofa in your outdoor cinema — after all, this is your home, not a public park, so make it comfortable.
This Aster modular set from Dobbies can be rearranged into different configurations to suit your space and the 105cm table is adjustable, so once you’ve had your meal you can lower it to coffee table height.
Alternatively, the Belgrave lounge set by Out & Out is a beautifully modern design and comes with two armchairs for extra guests, plus a coffee table.
If your space is a little more compact, then you can’t go wrong with the Acapulco chairs from Homebase plus, the Rori side table to pop drinks, popcorns and candles on.
Lastly, outdoor rugs, cushions and lanterns will all make your cinema feel extra cosy. Try La Redoute and Ikea for a great selection.
